DavidsonX: Electronic Literature

Course Description

Embark on a fascinating journey into the realm of electronic literature with this groundbreaking course from DavidsonX. "Electronic Literature: From Avant-Garde to Digital Age" is an introductory-level exploration of the weird and wonderful world of digitally born poetic, narrative, and aesthetic works. This course traces the evolution of e-lit from its roots in avant-garde art and Cold War technology to its modern incarnations in the era of personal computers, the Web, and smartphones.

What Students Will Learn

• The rich history of creative computing and its impact on literature
• Interpretation and analysis techniques for digital literature and art
• Understanding the challenges faced by writers, artists, and readers in new media environments
• Hands-on experience in hacking and remixing electronic literature
• The skills to create your own unique e-lit masterpiece
• The profound influence of e-lit on mainstream culture, including literature, film, comics, apps, and video games

Prerequisites

No specific prerequisites are required for this course. However, basic familiarity with smartphone operation and tablets would be beneficial, as the course involves interacting with digital media on various devices.

Course Coverage

• The origins of electronic literature in avant-garde art and Cold War technology
• The evolution of e-lit through the birth of personal computers
• The impact of the Web and smartphone era on electronic literature
• Analysis of historic and contemporary e-lit works
• The expressive power of new media in shaping creative and cultural expression
• Hands-on experimentation with e-lit creation and remixing
• The influence of e-lit on mainstream media and culture

Who This Course Is For

• Literature enthusiasts curious about the digital frontier of storytelling
• Digital artists and writers looking to expand their creative horizons
• Students of media studies and digital humanities
• Anyone interested in the intersection of technology and creative expression
• Individuals seeking to understand the evolution of narrative in the digital age

Real-World Applications

• Enhanced digital literacy for navigating and creating content in the modern media landscape
• Improved analytical skills for interpreting complex digital narratives and art
• Creative problem-solving abilities applicable to various fields, including marketing and user experience design
• A deeper understanding of how technology shapes cultural expression, valuable in fields like journalism and cultural studies
• The ability to create innovative digital content for personal or professional projects
• A foundation for further studies or careers in digital humanities, interactive media, or experimental literature

Syllabus Overview

1. Introduction to electronic literature and its defining characteristics
2. Historical context: Avant-garde art and Cold War technology influences
3. The personal computer revolution and its impact on e-lit
4. Web-based electronic literature
5. Mobile and app-based e-lit in the smartphone era
6. Analysis techniques for digital literature and art
7. Hands-on workshops in hacking and remixing e-lit
8. The influence of e-lit on mainstream media (literature, film, comics, etc.)
9. Future trends in electronic literature and digital storytelling
10. Final project: Creating your own e-lit work

This course offers a unique opportunity to explore the cutting-edge of literary innovation and digital narrative art. By delving into the weird world of electronic literature, students will gain valuable insights into the expressive power of new media and the future of creative cultural expression in our increasingly digital world.