Key Thinkers in the Field: Shannon Mattern – Media Architectures & Archaeologies

Monday, November 9, 2015, at 6:00 pm to 7:50 pm

University Center, 63 Fifth Ave, lower level, room UL104

Abstract: Just how new are “new” and “emergent” media? Just how novel are our locative technologies, quantified selves, and sentient cities? This talk takes up these questions by both introducing students to “media archaeology” and its presence in various courses and initiatives throughout the university; and by tracing the archaeological through my own work.

Key Thinkers in the Field: Malcolm McCullough – Emergent Media Studies: Attention to Surroundings

Monday, November 2, 2015, at 6:00 pm to 7:50 pm

University Center, 63 Fifth Ave, lower level, room L104

Abstract: Designing and living in an age of information superabundance demands better attention practices. Cultivating a new sensibility to surroundings can help. This does not mean still one more thing to pay attention to, for attention is not always something to pay. Attention often flows without effort, without names, and without foreground focus. Situational awareness underlies much expertise. Casual fascination with environments restores other more deliberative capacities. Grounding in present context reduces over-consumption of other, emptier informational calories.