Mapping the Micro Generation: A Regional Study of Innovative
Microcomputing in 1980s Britain
An ESRC-funded CASE (collaborative) PhD studentship with the Museum of
Science and Industry in Manchester
In the history of Britain's computing culture, the 1980s occupy a unique
formative position: between the eras of the large, basement-dwelling
corporate machine and the heavily-standardised desktop 'PC' lies a
generation who first encountered the computer as a small, mass-produced
artefact, sold as a conventional consumer good and promoted as a typical
feature of 'everyday life.' This project will focus on the intense,
diverse public interaction with computer hardware and software which
characterised this period.
The researcher will use oral history, paper sources and microcomputer
artefacts to examine the practices, networks and ideologies of popular
computing: those to be considered may include hardware and software
producers, distributors, user-group participants, schoolteachers,
journalists and self-professed 'general users,' and the survey will
particularly address both the game-playing and educational aspects of
microcomputer use.
This project was developed in association with the Museum of Science and
Industry in Manchester, whose staff will play an active role in
supervision. The researcher will benefit from access to the Museum's
collections and expertise in handling artefacts, together with recording
and transcription facilities; his or her findings will be expected to
inform the Museum's work in presenting the history of the computer and
its use.
This studentship is open to UK/EU applicants who have, or expect to
obtain a 2:1 or first class honours degree in the history or social
studies of science/technology or a relevant subject; a Master's level
qualification in a relevant subject is strongly desirable. The award is
made under the terms of the Economic and Social Research Council's CASE
programme, and the project would particularly suit a student with
ESRC-approved Master's-level research methods training. Alternatively,
research methods training could be provided to a suitable student during
the course of the project.
Further information may be obtained by contacting Dr James Sumner,
CHSTM, Second Floor Simon Building, Brunswick Street, University of
Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
How to Apply
Application forms can be obtained from:
http://www.ls.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/howtoapply/ or by contacting
the Faculty of Life Sciences, Graduate Office (email:
[log in to unmask] ; Tel: +44 (0)161 275 3883).
Applications with two letters of reference should be returned to: The
Graduate Office, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester,
Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
Closing date for applications: 29 April 2005
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