Below are some particularly good homeworks the writers gave me permission to post as examples.

Perspectives: Homework #1

Many who examine technologies do so from a specific, single perspective, such as analyzing the impact of violent television content on children's behavior. Thinking about both the Taylor et al. and the Curtin & Gaither articles, what do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of using Hall's "circuit of culture" to analyze a technology? 

      Based upon the readings, I think Hall's "circuit of culture" in analyzing a technology  has many strengths. First, it comprehensively analyzes a specific technology by incorporating all aspects pertaining to it; it treats the technology as a process instead of a written definition. The strength of Hall's "circuit of culture" theory is that it treats technology as dynamic, ever-changing. If one were to study Napster from a more static perspective, one would come to the conclusion that it was a device to download music for free. One would completely miss the social and institutional implications of Napster such as the conflict between the program and recording companies, or the issues it contributed to on the University of Colorado's campus. Secondly, Hall's "circuit of culture" incorporates "lived experience", as described by Johnson (Taylor et al., 2002, p. 2). For example, the Walkman is much more than a "stereo-headphone cassette player."  It can be associated with various discourses such as "high-technology" and a youthful generation; it can be differentiated from other forms of technology because it was the first of its kind to be both easily portable as well as somewhat compact; lastly, the Walkman, as an object, was connected with various "cultural themes", such as consumption of music in a personal manner (Taylor et al, 2002). Without the "lived experience" aspect within the analysis of a specific technology, a thorough study cannot be completed.

      Hall's "circuit of culture" also has several weaknesses, many of which were discussed by Johnson and Dyer-Witherford in the Taylor et al. (cited in Taylor et al., 2002) article. First, Johnson points out that although the "circuit of culture" is much more comprehensive than many studies and approaches taken by economists such as Karl Marx, it fails to identify or even try to explain how and why technologies evolve due to specific cultural themes and practices (Taylor et al., 2002). Overall, Hall's "circuit of culture" thoroughly evaluates a technology, but it does not provide any great attempt at thoroughly explaining how and why a specific technology evolved. Secondly, Dyer-Witherford argued that corporations used technology to expand their control over society (Taylor et al., 2002). In my opinion, the "circuit of culture" solely focuses on the cultural implications of a specific technology, which is indeed important, but it fails to incorporate other institutions impacting the "culture" using the specific technology.

Homework 1

The "circut of culture" can be used to analyze and examine events or technologies from multiple perspectives on a non-linear scale. "The five moments -regulation, production, representation, consumption and identity - form an interconnected whole with no beginning or end" (Curtin & Gaither, 2006, p. 42). The strengths and weaknesses of this method lie within its capabilities and approach. A near infinite number of articulations within the "circuit of culture" complicate its understanding and ability to make a conclusion, or define problematic points. Depending upon the articulation being analyzed, interpretation may be skewed or altered while still reviewing the same event or technology. Sometimes events and technologies need to be viewed and picked apart in a more narrow, simplistic, and scientific manner. The weakness of the "circuit of culture" is its inability to not look at just one facet, but its strength at examining all facets. Simply put, it's all about choosing the right tool for the job.

     When one thinks about scientific methods or procedures they assume or understand the corresponding sequential and regimented steps. Resembling a set of instructions or steps to follow, this allows for better comparison across the board. In contrast, when applying the "circuit of culture" as a tool for examination, there quickly becomes an overwhelming amount of variables and facets to comprehend. The five individual moments which the circuit provides act as a great foundation for understanding, but when meshed into the "synergistic, interactive, and discursive aspects of the model" there is a lot of grey uncharted area left behind and unexamined (Curtin & Gaither, 2006, p. 44).

     Using the "circuit of culture" for examination can be beneficial, but it does not allow for a narrow, closely examined understanding, such as those needed in scientific studies or publications, which require large amounts of research and quantitative data to back and support a proposed hypothesis. However, when examining multiple facets of a particular situation meshing together or examining a cycle in its entirety, that is where the "circuit of culture" truly shows its power.