Portfolio 3
For this portfolio, my main efforts went into analyzing academic journals, which have been discussed previously in the class, during an earlier part of the semester. Some debate has arisen recently as to whether or not these databases still have a place in the modern world, with some arguing that they make knowledge too exclusive. Wit this paper, I analyze this position and come to the conclusion that despite their flaws, academic journals are still very important to current day research. By citing various outside sources concerning the matter, I discus all of the benefits that these journals bring to scientists and researchers, and show that they have a relevant position in the modern world and in the future.
Portfolio 2
My group chose the topic of song sampling for our assignment. Song sampling, the practice of using portions of already-written works in the construction of new pieces, is today widely seen in nearly all genres of music today. With this widespread popularity comes a great deal of controversy, as the very practice involves utilizing music that another writer or band created. Several court cases have occurred in the 20th and 21st centuries over disagreements about this issue. Through the examination of a few of the most important of these cases, as well as looking at opinions given by Godstein and Vaidyanathan, my group argued that song sampling should be allowed. As long as the proper permissions are received, it is a completely moral practice that greatly enhances the evolution of music.
Portfolio 1
The death of Aaron Swartz was a story that not only left me saddened, but also has important connections to the course. Aaron Swartz, a major figure on the internet for several years, was a big proponent of uninhibited sharing of information over the internet. In an attempt to accomplish the goal, he illegally downloaded millions of scholarly articles from a subscription-based service, with the intent to freely distribute them. Facing heavy criminal charges after being caught, he committed suicide in January of this year. Inspired by this tragedy, I decided to focus my paper on examining how society could have developed in a way that would have coincided more with Swartz’s vision. Most of my focus will be in the area of academic journal articles. The issue of their distribution has been the subject of debate throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, and with this recent development, it has become much more of a public issue.