ANTH/CM 377 Digital Anthropology
Academic Division: Social Sciences | Creative Media
Course Redesign: Infographic, Short-form video
In Anthropology (cross-list Creative Media) 377 Digital Anthropology, students explore the intersection of technology and culture, examining how technological advancements shape human behavior and societal perceptions. Through the study of virtual reality, social media, gaming, artificial intelligence, and smart devices, students will investigate the impacts of technology on communities and cultural practices. Operating in the Redefinition level of the SAMR model, course tasks emphasize critical analysis and ethnographic research, fostering an interdisciplinary approach that bridges anthropology and digital media to deepen understanding of technology’s role in shaping the human experience.
Participant Observation in a Digital Community
Student Examples
Assignment Summary
Students conduct 6–9 hours of participant observation in a digital community, and use their field notes to create an infographic summarizing their findings accompanied by one-page write-up. The assignment concludes with a presentation where students share insights and reflections from their experience.
Digital Footprints as Modern Day Cave Art
Student Examples
Assignment Summary
Students select from two project pathways: capturing footage from participating in a huakaʻi (field excursion) or producing a video focused on sustainability initiatives at UH West Oʻahu for the UHWO Sustainability Committee. Each project culminates in a class presentation, providing an opportunity to receive constructive feedback and refine their work.
30 Second Video for Social Media
Student Examples
Assignment Summary
Students select from two project pathways: capturing footage from participating in a huakaʻi (field excursion) or producing a video focused on sustainability initiatives at UH West Oʻahu for the UHWO Sustainability Committee. Each project culminates in a class presentation, providing an opportunity to receive constructive feedback and refine their work.