2001: A Space Odyssey

2001: A Space Odyssey Since the beginning of time, man has been fascinated with the stars and sky. In our time, this fascination has lead to many great movies. Among the many science fiction movies, Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey stands out as the pinnacle of the genre. This movie covered various themes which include, but are not limited to: space, evolution, technology, religion, artificial intelligence, death, knowledge, resurrection, and violence. This film is loosely based on Arthur Clarke's short story, "The Sentinel." The objective of this paper is to explain the differences and similarities between 2001: A Space Odyssey and "The Sentinel," the use of technology and its forms, and to present my interpretation of 2001's finale, Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite. There are several similarities and differences between 2001: A Space Odyssey and "The Sentinel." The first major similarity is the monolith and crystal pyramid. The origins of the two objects are both unknown, but their purpose is exactly identical: the monolith and pyramid act as sentinels, which warn their creators that man has achieved space travel. Another similarity was that both Clarke and Kubrick implied that man were merely infants. The narrator in "The Sentinel" referred to the earth as "our cradle," (241) while in 2001, the main character eats his food through a straw much like an infant does

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  • Word count: 999
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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"How do different media communicate information and other messages to their audiences?"

"How do different media communicate information and other messages to their audiences?" Communication through the media is a continuously evolving monster. It is almost impossible to live in today's modern society, without being affected (consciously or subconsciously) by what we see or what we hear within the media. 'Media' can be defined as a means of presenting information to the public, through a variety of mediums. It can be broken down into two main categories of which are further separated into various mediums. The conventional model of 'Mass Media' is still very relevant in today's society. It is a very reliable method of communicating information and other messages to its audience. Mass media deals with the idea that society receives information from media sources in 'bulk', it assumes that the audience receives one single message simultaneously. Medium forms associated with mass media include Newspapers, Television, Radio, Film, Magazines, Books and Video's and increasingly, the Internet (although some would argue it isn't). The result of 'Mass Society' is a direct impact of 'Mass Media'. The idea based around 'Mass Society' derives from its structure. Within mass society national relations are the main focus, they are centralised. Governments in general have become more powerful as they play more influence in people's lives. Due to this, intermediate

  • Word count: 2086
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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"How will information technology affect my life in the next 15 years?"

"How will information technology affect my life in the next 15 years?" This essay is about how information technology will affect my life in the next 15 years. Modern world is going through an 'information revolution and IT affect everyone in daily life. Its impact will be further extended in the next 15 years. Information technology will affect the method of communication. People will tend to use email, net meeting, ICQ or MSM, instead of writing letter for communication. In the next 15 year, this situation will become intensify. By using this kind of technology, I can communicate with others in a more efficient way. Information technology has become more and more important in the society of the 21st century and there are an increasing number of companies or organizations have computerized its own work practices. In the next 15 year there will be a growing demand for computer expert. That is why for education, it has to match the needs of employment and everyday life in the future. That means that there will be increasing number of I.T. programs in the future and the I.T course may become a compulsory subject in secondary schools or in university. This also means that whatever job I will take in the future, I have to got at least some basic computer knowledge. In the next 15 years, there may be increasing use of the e-books, e-articles, etc. I may not have to buy textbook

  • Word count: 617
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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"If real world markets can be made to resemble more closely the economists model of perfect competition, economic efficiency will improve"

"If real world markets can be made to resemble more closely the economists model of perfect competition, economic efficiency will improve" Perfect competition would exist when there are a large number of small firms all producing a homogenous product, and not one firm in the market has monopoly power to amend prices. These companies are competing against each other on the production costs and also the retail price. For an industry to be perfectly competitive then several assumptions need to be made these are that there are a very large number of buyers and sellers and none of the buyers or sellers can influence the ruling market price by their actions. All the buyers and sellers possess perfect market information and the goods they are providing are homogenous. Finally there are few barriers to entry and exit of the market. I use the term "would exist" simple because an industry performing under perfect competition is simply not feasible. There are a number of types of efficiency these include; Dynamic efficiency is concerned with how resources are allocated over a period of time, for example there would be greater efficiency if a firm distributed less profit to it's shareholders but instead invested more of the money into. Allocative efficiency occurs when resources are used to produce the goods and services that consumer wish to buy. For example a consumer wants to

  • Word count: 931
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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"'Contemporary Media Are Characterised By Increasing Convergence.' Discuss."

Essay Title - "'Contemporary Media Are Characterised By Increasing Convergence.' Discuss." In today's modern society, the collective media are increasingly combining their resources to enable their content to be consumed through various means. This constantly increasing convergence has provoked limitless discussion, which has brought to light numerous benefits and drawbacks, and has become the essential characteristic of today's "New Media". This term, "New Media" can be quite indistinct. As more and more technologies are developed, that which was once new media subsequently becomes outdated and is no longer considered to be a contemporary form of communication. But, generally, when referring to new media, we refer primarily to the Internet, particularly the World Wide Web, and to developing digital technology. Digitalisation has become the basis of almost every form of contemporary media. This is a major transformation from traditional media, which used various analogue systems and were therefore, for the most part, incompatible. Now, the majority of media operates using the binary code of the digital system, and so the content of television, radio, the Internet, etc., can be easily amalgamated into larger, closely linked services. The reality television programme, "Big Brother", has been running for four years and is a useful example of the ever-increasing

  • Word count: 1343
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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The Evils of Technology

The Evils of Technology Technology is the application of knowledge to develop the tools our society requires to run. It is a combination of science, engineering, art, economics, and social studies that is brought together with creativity and ingenuity to improve the quality of human life. Technology is about making it faster, better, easier, more economical, or more efficient. It is about making the world a better place to live. However, what if we lived in a world where technology was used for crime, death, or destruction? This world exists today. Humanity's ever increasing dependence on technology will ultimately lead to its demise. It has changed and enhanced the way of life for many, but without it, we would not be able to survive through today's world. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein pursues science and technology not for wealth or happiness, but to satisfy his obsession with it. He became so obsessed with creating life, that it clouded his judgment, and took up all of his time and energy. He depends on technology to lead him to success. However, Frankenstein's overconfidence in his abilities causes technology to turn against him. By assuming the role of God, Frankenstein chooses to give life to a monster that is a mirror image of his selfish self and consequently slaughters his family and friends. Dr. Frankenstein's dilemma is that he does not apply

  • Word count: 938
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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Isolation of the Internet.

Isolation of the Internet The Internet can be considered the most extraordinary technology invented in the twentieth century. The original purpose of the Internet when it was designed thirty years ago was to provide a reliable way for America to communicate in a post-nuclear situation. The creators might not have imagined how popular the Internet would become nor how dramatic it would impact the society after thirty years. Today, the Internet has become one of the most controversial issues because the changes caused by the Internet are too sudden for the society to adjust. One of the controversies is that the Internet seems to make people more isolated because the Internet has allowed many tasks that could mean spending a lot of time and traveling long distance ten years ago to be easily done without leaving one's chair. As a consequence, people neglect interaction with real people when they spend more and more time in front of the cold monitors. However, some believe the Internet does not foster isolation of individuals; instead, it provides a new way of interaction between people. The interactions between people are no longer local but are on a larger scale because geographic boundaries don't exist on the Internet at all, so that communicating with your neighbors or a person thousands of miles away doesn't make any difference. The invention of the Internet has enabled

  • Word count: 1905
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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Technology What Is It?

Technology What Is It? By Stuart Introduction Technology What Is It? General term for the processes by which human beings fashion tools and Machines to increase their control and understanding of the material environment. The Term is derived from the Greek words techno, which refers to an art or craft, and logia, meaning an area of study; thus, technology means, literally, the study, or science, of Crafting. As technology evolves, scientist and historians say that technology grows at a geometric rate without respect to geographical limits or political systems. These Innovations tend to transform traditional cultural systems, frequently with unexpected Social consequences. Thus technology can be conceived as both a creative and a Destructive process. Technology has been evolving with us since the beginning of the Prehistoric age, from the simplest off tools of the cave men to the now present future. Electronic fiber optic cables and the computerized artificial intelligence. Technology is Very important in our society, with out it we would not be able to survive in our ever Changing society. Imagine is someone didn't invent transportation. We would have not discovered the other continents. Or not having the technology to cope with our ever Growing population. We would have run out of enough supply of food to feed ourselves. How about if cave men didn't discover fire? We

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  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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What are the benefits and disadvantages to an organisation of using computer technology to monitor employee's computer use?

What are the benefits and disadvantages to an organisation of using computer technology to monitor employee's computer use? In this assignment I will theoretically be undertaking the benefits and disadvantages to an organisation of using modern computer technology to monitor employee's computer use. To begin firstly by discussing the high demand of computer use addressing, in particular whether computers are replacing people and the types of careers available that at least require computer technology. Secondly whether it is leading to greater employment, ways in which computers are affecting employment and new jobs being created. Furthermore to address the surveillance and monitoring in a workplace, outline for and against certain issues relevant to computerised monitoring and the protection of monitoring within the workplace. Finally to complete by covering the ethical and legal issues involved and the principal concern of rights and objectives between employees and employers. There has over the years been an impact on the role of Information Communication Technology in employment. As technology increases there is a high demand of latest new technologies introduced in employment levels across the manufacturing industry and commerce. "When the microchip was first introduced to public attention in 1978-9 dire predictions were made about the impact of this latest new

  • Word count: 1837
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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Impact of Internet on Plagiarism. This paper aims to explore the reasons behind plagiarism and ways to avoid it thereby encouraging intellectual creativity.

PLAGIARISM Plagiarism and the Impact of Internet Name University Professor Course title Abstract In today's fast paced, digitalized world, copying has become easier than ever before due to the availability of a vast number of resources at the click of a button. Studies conducted by several universities have indicated an alarming increase in the number of plagiarism related instances in the last few years. The availability of a large amount of information and the ease with which it can be accessed are together contributing heavily towards the increase in plagiarism. Most of the students who have been surveyed in recent times have admitted guilt to some form of plagiarism. Therefore, it has become extremely important to curb this disturbing tendency and spread awareness about the negative effects of cheating. This paper aims to explore the reasons behind plagiarism and ways to avoid it thereby encouraging intellectual creativity. TABLE OF CONTENT Introduction 4 2 Internet and Plagiarism 4 2.1 Impact of internet 5 2.2 Reasons and Effects of Plagiarism 5 2.3 Avoiding Plagiarism 7 2.4 Developing Creative Thinking 8 3 Conclusion 10 Introduction The advent of technology and internet in the last decade has opened up several avenues for unlimited information access. This along with the increasing academic pressures has led students to resort to plagiarism at an

  • Word count: 2269
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Media Studies
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