Few contemporary issues are more important, or more relevant to higher education, than the relationship between digital technologies and personal identity. Funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and led by Professor Naomi Stubbs (in collaboration with LaGuardia faculty), two seminars around themes related to technology and identity will bring together Liberal Arts faculty teaching clusters and/or capstones with a view to developing their curricula in conversation with one another and in relation to readings and visiting speakers addressing these topics.

In 2014-15, participants considered digital media and its effects upon our identities and our society. Faculty Fellows interrogate the ways in which we use technology, the ways we are used by technology, and how technology impacts our notions of self and other. We focused on the role of digital media in constructing identity. Participants examined the ways new technologies are affecting personal relationships, visual cultures of the internet and the need for more inclusive conversations about race and identity in cyberspace. Laura Portwood-Stacer from NYU, and Lisa Nakamura, author of Race After the Internet (2011) will participate in this seminar. This seminar was co-led by Ann Matsuuchi.

In 2015-16, a second seminar (with a new cohort of faculty participants) focuses on how definitions of “human” have been challenged by technological advancements. This seminar will identify some of the ways in which technology is used now, and may be used in the future, to physically alter and redefine what is meant by “human.” The focus will be on techno-humanism, trans-humanism, and on the biomedical ethical issues that derive from biological “enhancements” and reproductive choices. Braden Allenby, author of the Techno-Human Condition (2011) will participate in this seminar; the second visiting scholar will be Michio Kaku. This seminar is co-led by Dr. Richard Brown.

Eligibility: This seminar is open to full and part-time faculty members in the Liberal Arts. You should be planning to teach a cluster and/or section of LIB200 in the Spring of the seminar year to which you apply.

Support: In recognition of her or his effort, and contingent upon attendance and active participation, each Academic Affairs faculty participant will receive a stipend of $1,000.

Dates:Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 unless otherwise noted: 5/29 (opening institute), 9/18, 10/9 (visiting speaker, session ends at 6pm), 11/20, 12/11, 2/20 (Friday mid-year institute, 10am-1pm), 3/19, 4/16, 5/1 (visiting speaker, session ends at 6pm), 5/14, 6/19 (Friday final meeting, 10am-2pm).
NOTE: The 2015-16 Seminar will begin accepting applications in March 2015.

Inquiries: Naomi Stubbs ( nstubbs@lagcc.cuny.edu, x5680) or Ros Orgel ( roslyno@lagcc.cuny.edu, x5448)