HUMN 344 at University of Maryland Global Campus is an interdisciplinary survey of the impact of technology on human culture. UMGC's objectives are to evaluate technology's influence on the human experience and to use interdisciplinary knowledge on issues of technology and culture.
Students also communicate in writing and oral presentation the results of critical reflection and cultural criticism. Listed topics include technology and history, misinformation and disinformation, social media, ethics, the arts, race and gender, transhumanism, and technology and the self.
The challenge is analytical balance. It is easy to praise or blame technology; the course asks you to examine what it changes, for whom and at what cost.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
| Course code | HUMN 344 (3 credits) |
| Level | Undergraduate, upper level |
| Prerequisite | None listed in the course description |
| Subject area | Humanities, technology and society |
| Typical work | Written and oral communication of critical reflection (per UMGC objectives); specific tasks vary |
What HUMN 344 Covers
| Topic | What to examine |
|---|---|
| Technology and history | How tools and systems shaped societies over time |
| Misinformation and disinformation | How false information spreads and why it matters |
| Social media | Effects on communication, community and identity |
| Ethics | Moral questions raised by technologies |
| The arts | How technology changes creation and audiences |
| Race and gender | How technology can reflect or reinforce social patterns |
| Transhumanism and the self | Enhancing the human body and mind, and what it means to be human |
Key Concepts Explained
Misinformation and Disinformation
Misinformation is false information shared without intent to deceive; disinformation is false information spread deliberately. The distinction matters when you analyze motive, responsibility and responses.
Invented illustration: A rumor reposted by a worried relative is misinformation. A coordinated campaign that invents a rumor to influence opinion is disinformation. A paper would handle responses to each differently.
Cultural Criticism
Cultural criticism means evaluating a cultural phenomenon with evidence and a clear standard. It is more than complaint: you state what you value, show how technology supports or undermines it, and consider counter-arguments.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
UMGC describes written and oral communication of critical reflection. Your classroom specifies the tasks; these are typical forms.
| Assignment type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Discussion posts | Applying ideas to current examples | Choose a precise example and explain its significance |
| Critical reflection paper | Cultural criticism | Take a position, use evidence, address a counter-argument |
| Oral presentation | Clear communication | State your point early, use few slides and practice timing |
| Interdisciplinary analysis | Using more than one field | Bring in history, ethics or the arts as the topic requires |
Writing with Balance About Technology
Strong papers avoid both hype and panic. Describe what a technology makes possible, who benefits, who bears the costs and what trade-offs are involved.
- Name the technology and the specific use you are discussing.
- Give evidence of effect, not just opinion.
- Consider at least one opposing view.
- State what you would recommend or question next.
Choosing a Focus Within a Broad Course
With topics ranging from social media to transhumanism, a paper needs a tight focus. Pick one technology, one group affected and one question. For instance: how a social platform changes the way a community shares news, and what that means for trust.
Once the focus is set, find one source on the technology, one on its effects and one on the ethical or cultural debate. That trio gives you description, evidence and argument, and keeps the paper from drifting into general commentary on technology.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Sweeping claims. Narrow to a specific technology and context.
- Dated examples. Technology changes quickly; check dates and use current sources.
- Technology as destiny. Show how people and institutions shape outcomes too.
- Weak sources. Prefer scholarly and reputable sources over opinion pieces.
Study Tips for HUMN 344
- Keep a log of examples from news and research for each topic area.
- Practice a two-minute spoken summary of your argument.
- Check each source for author, date and evidence.
- Link ideas to ethical frameworks where they help.
How We Help with HUMN 344
Send the prompt, rubric, readings and feedback. A writer can prepare a custom paper or talking outline, explain the argument, or review your draft for evidence and structure. Related: our course page on IFSM 304 Ethics in Information Technology.
GradeEssays is independent and not affiliated with UMGC. Our work is a study and reference aid: use it to understand the method, then submit your own work under UMGC's academic integrity policy. Orders are written from scratch, include free revisions within the scope of your original request, and are refunded in full if late.
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Frequently Asked Questions
UMGC lists none in the course description.
Technology and history, misinformation and disinformation, social media, ethics, the arts, race and gender, transhumanism and technology and the self.
UMGC's objectives mention communicating results in writing and oral presentation. Check your classroom for the format.
Misinformation is false and shared without intent to deceive; disinformation is deliberately false.
No. It is a humanities survey focused on cultural impact.
No. Grades are set by your instructor.