Critical Data Studies, or Ways to Re-Imagine Networks

On Thursday, February 8, the Humanities Council will host the fifth lecture in a new, seven-part, year-long speaker series about the field of Media Studies, Positions and Prospects, organized by Devin Fore (German). Wendy Hui Kyong Chun, Brown University, will deliver a talk on Critical Data Studies, or Ways to Re-Imagine Networks.

Abstract
The “network” is a powerful concept that resonates across all disciplines, from the humanities to the physical sciences. Networks allegedly encapsulate everything that is new about our current era: from high-speed financial networks to social media; from viruses to terrorism. Not surprisingly, network theory has created strong interdisciplinary projects across the quantitative social sciences and physical, biological and computational sciences. The connections between the qualitative and quantitative theories have been less robust.

This talk argues that we need to build these bridges in order to take on the hard problems that face us now: from the proliferation of echo chambers to the global climate change. By thinking together, we can question default assumptions in all our disciplines and work towards building a more sustainable future.