Upcoming readings

• Thomas Pynchon’s The Crying of Lot 49. Read the first two chapters (to page 30) by Friday’s class. If possible, read ahead to p. 88 by Friday.
  • Optional readings:
    • Help on the concept of entropy;  See also these two short, fun videos: 4-minute video | 5-minute video (the latter includes explanation of “Maxwell’s Demon”)
    • History of (and recent work on) “Maxwell’s Demon”
    • About English Renaissance “revenge tragedies”
    • About the Thurn & Taxis family and postal system

First essay assignment (due this Friday by 11:59 pm)

• Please be sure you are aware of the submission format requirements.

Midterm exam: 50-minute in-class exam on Monday May 8th

Computer Revolution (2): Rise of the Network (continued)

Computer Revolution (3): Emergence of Digital “New Media”