Focal Point Project 2012-2013 – Transnational Communications Methods and Practice: Mapping Technologies and Futures

Welcome to the web site for Transnational Communications Methods and Practice: Mapping Technologies and Futures, a project part of the 2012-2013 Focal Point Initiative. While Phase I of our project was focused on establishing interdisciplinary collaboration in order to address an existing theoretical gap between transnational studies and communication and media studies, Phase II will focus on 1.) identifying interdisciplinary methods for conducting transnational research and 2.) exploring communication technologies in practice among particular communities and industries. In order to do this, we have taken up the guiding frameworks of “myths” and “futures”—two themes which pervade the discourse on global technologies—and intend to examine the material implications of these themes as they unfold “on the ground” in community groups and industries. Our project will include research workshops led by participating UIUC faculty, writing workshops for graduate student research, lectures from industry professionals and community organizers, and collaborative projects with international organizations. Our project will culminate in an end-of-the-year research symposium and final book project.

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