What is the Technocultural Studies major?
The major program is interdisciplinary in nature, with a curriculum at the intersection of the arts, humanities, technology and science. Technocultural Studies integrates the latest research in cultural history and theory with innovative hands-on production in digital media and “low-tech”. Backed by a range of conceptual perspectives and production skills, students enjoy the mobility to explore wherever performance, music, visual arts, writing, media arts and community media might engage science and technology.

 

What are the major requirements?
Preparatory course work will involve a solid introduction to technocultural studies, along with four one-unit skill courses enabling individuals to get up to speed on digital imaging, sound, digital video and web production, among other skills. For upper division, students in the major choose among the following four emphases and work toward a final project:

•Screen-based..........•Sonic arts
•Systems/network.....•History and theory

The major is presently undergoing the University’s approval process, but we are projecting that the major will be fully in place by WINTER 2004. In the meantime, Technocultural Studies is offering courses during Winter and Spring 2004, some of which satisfy requirements for preparatory course work.

Technocultural Studies will be a hub of activity, with visiting scholars, writers, performers, artists and media makers, film presentations, live-feeds from around the world, and much more.

To accommodate the needs of the Technocultural Studies student, the Art Annex, south of the Art Building on campus, is undergoing a $1.5 million renovation that will include a wireless laptop lounge, high-end digital workstations, and a black-box studio for recordings, performances and other public events.

 

What can I do with a major in Technocultural Studies?
The interdisciplinary nature of the major is modeled on three observations, the first being that many developments in scholarship and creative production have been occurring across and in between disciplines; second, that increasingly professionals are required to be both creative and multiskilled; and third, that students do best when they are fueled by their own passions and have power in plotting their own directions. In this way, Technocultural Studies is designed to prepare our graduates to be highly adaptable, self-motivated and current with the latest developments. We feel that this is the best education for living and working in a complex, rapidly changing world.

 

Application information and forms
are available at http://www.ucdavis.edu/admissions.html

 

Financial Aid information and applications
are available at http://faoman.ucdavis.edu/