Reading 00: True Hackers

Readings

The readings for Tuesday, January 17 are:

Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution
- Part One. TRUE HACKERS

Activities

Create Blog

First, create a blog using whatever platform or service of your choice. You will be using this blog to post your reading responses throughout the semester.

Here are some popular blogging platforms if you do not wish to setup your own website:

Write Posts

Next, write blog posts for both of the following:

One of the goals of this class is to create an open and welcoming community of collaborators. In your first blog post, write a short introduction to who you are, what your interests are, and what you hope to get out of this class.
The first part of Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution is entitled "True Hackers" and discusses the genesis for the hacker culture and hacker ethic. In your second blog post, write a reflection that does the following:
- Explains what exactly constitutes a "True Hacker" according to Steven Levy.
- Describes the origin of this term and a couple of examples of such "True Hackers" from the reading that manifest these qualities.
- Contrasts this portrayal of a "True Hacker" with your previous understanding of a "hacker".
- Reflects on your personal reaction to the idea of a "True Hacker": do you find the concept as inspirational? intimidating? repulsive? Do you or have you aspired to be a "True Hacker". Explain.

Grading

Each response should be between 500 - 1000 words. Each post will be graded in terms of:

Does the post adequately address the prompt?
Does the post reference the readings, class discussions, and weekly activities to support the writing?
Does the post exhibit thoughtfulness and creative expression?
Does the post utilize proper grammar and style?

Deadline

The weekly writing responses are due at the end of the week at Midnight Friday (ie. Friday → Saturday).

Submission

Once you have setup your blog, please fill out the following form to let us know where to find it:

Notre Dame Login

To view and submit the form below, you need to be logged into your Notre Dame Google account. The easiest way to do this is to login to gmail.nd.edu and then visit this page in the same browser session.