LI804: Theory of Organization of
Information
Bibliography Assignment:
Preface The items in this bibliography were chosen for how well they would assist an information specialist, working in a public library setting, to answer a client's query, "What does postmodernism mean? I've been asked to do an informational seminar on postmodernism and so I need to understand what it is." This bibliography addresses that concern by giving examples that describe, analyze, and explain what postmodernism is. To begin, a brief definition of the term is essential. Since many books have been written just defining what postmodernism is, this paragraph will explain what postmodernism is in a general sense. For something to be postmodern, usually it is of an artistic nature and it is superficial and fragmented, while also being diverse, complex, and indeterminate. Using the Schwartz and Olgilvy paradigm model, for example, a postmodern perspective of reality would be one that is seen through the lens of the emergent paradigm. Postmodernism is a descriptive term that defines something, like a postmodern building, poem, film, novel, or even an attitude orlid subject heading! Yet, in spite of this, I was still uncertain where to go with the bibliography. Again, I went to the professors with my concern. I was sent a packet containing several helpful guides (included in this bibliography), and they recommended the book, Life on the Screen by Sherry Turkle. Thinking about this book, looking through it and reading the packet, it became clear to me what was needed to proceed. I decided to not only include books and articles from periodicals discussing postmodernism, but also works of art, architecture, poetry, drama, fiction--things that result from postmodern thinking. The arts touch our lives, making reality tangible and sentient to us. Art is our reality; it is truth represented. Perhaps the question, what is postmodernism, is the same as, what is truth? It is an unanswerable question, but certainly one worth pondering.
Scope and Domain The scope and domain of this bibliography are like the subject--postmodern. My scope (and slice) spans this topic from many perspectives, for a variety of cognitive abilities, using multiple examples of postmodernity. Patrick Wilson states that it is the librarian's role to discover new information sources and connect those sources to the clients/users who need them. Bibliographies are excellent means for accomplishing such connections; they are useful tools that effectively transfer information. According to Wilson, search, selection, description, and organization are primary for a compiling a bibliography.
Search The search method used most in pursuing this topic was to use a key word search in multiple databases. I searched the following databases: CARL, OCLC, WORLDCAT, UNCOVER, EBSCO, IAC (Infotrac), among others. There were lots of great hits brought up following this method, averaging around 92. Another strategy used was tracking down footnotes and bibliographical references found in the books retrieved from the key word searches, and from books that were suggested. Talking to people and following up on what they recommended was a very helpful tactic, especially the advice given by experts and specialists. My quest took me to art museums, galleries, theaters, bookstores, and of course, libraries (both academic and public). The domain, or area of searching for items in this bibliography had to be diverse, complex, and multifaceted because many different kinds of items make up this bibliography, and because most significantly, postmodernism is so complicated, difficult to understand, and fragmented.
Selection The principles of selection used for each item are: 1) each is readily found in Denver 2) each is current and timely 3) each is published by a good press 4) each is well written and understandable to the average person 5) each is interesting and thought-provoking 6) each contains a good index and/or has good bibliographical references and 7) each is well-reviewed and received within its respective area of expertise. Description Within each selection's information field, the annotation will explain why the item has been included and, if possible, it will contain biographical information about the artist/author. It will have a brief summary/description of the item and it will include Library of Congress subject headings. It will have an abbreviated review/critique of the item, and it will also show a rating, with four stars being the highest. Organization To best accommodate as many different styles of learning as possible and using lots of different types of representations to do so, I have arranged the items according to what they are, such as: 1) Articles 2) Books 3) Objects 4) Organizations 5) Web sites. Within a few of these categories, there will be further classification, for example: 1) Books (a) Drama (b) Fiction (c) Non-Fiction (d) Poetry 2) Objects (a) Architecture (b) Fine Arts and so forth.
Conclusion In summary, people understand and learn concepts differently, some people are spatial learners, others are abstract learners, and still others learn through concrete examples. It is hoped that many different types of people will find something useful in this bibliography and that it will help them to understand what postmodernism is. Interestingly, one aspect that I discovered on this topic is the spelling and use of its term (even that is "postmodern," or multifaceted!). For example, here are some of the ways this term is correctly spelled: postmodern, Post-Modernism, post-Modernist, or Post-modernity (all with or without the hyphen, upper or lower case letters--it doesn't much matter). All these different spellings are frequently interchangeable, except to the "purist" philosophers on postmodernism (yet that is a contradiction of terms, postmodernity is not at all pure). There are no absolutes, nothing is right nor wrong, sacred or profane, to the truly postmodern mind--convention flies out the window of invention. Neo-classical, classical, nouveau, with deco--it all goes together in a postmodern piece--be it a building, poem, play, or sculpture. The postmodern moment is "real-life" living in "real- time" and at the same time, is a juxtaposition of itself, such as one playing the "simm city" computer game. At first, postmodernism was confusing to me, now I find it unsettling, dynamic, and thought provoking. The following list should help one to prepare an excellent informational seminar on Postmodernism while at the same time learn about all its diversity and multiplicity.
BIBLIO-PO-MO (or, Bibliography on Postmodernism) The following are three seminal thinkers who have written a lot on the topic of postmodernism--their works cannot be cited because there is too much to include--each has written many articles and titles on this subject. Therefore, everything that they have written is recommended. 1) Jean Baudrillard: considered one of the most fascinating thinkers on the French intellectual scene 2) Jacques Derrida: Professor of philosophy at the Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris 3) Michel Foucault (1926-1984): taught at the College de France in Paris.
Articles:
1. Austin-Smith, Brenda. "Feels So Similar: (Pondering Postmodernism)," Canadian Dimension. Vol. 24, No. 8, Nov./Dec., p. 49. 1990. A). Why this article is listed: It has an unique perspective on postmodernism, one that is somewhat different than the other items listed in this bibliography. It is clear and easily understandable. B). Biographical information: None found C). Summary: Taken from the article: "Postmodernist practice ...disregards distinctions between art and popular culture, conflating and combining the two in an effort to provoke thought about how arbitrary such distinctions are (after all, opera was at one time pop culture). The wonderful thing about this breakdown of genres in the visual and literary arts, or between types of music, or between ëlevels' of culture, is supposed to be the exposure of audiences and listeners and spectators to sounds and sights they have never known." D). Library of Congress subject headings: I found this item searching in the Infotrac magazine database, and it was assigned these two subject headings from the National Library of Canada: 1. Popular culture--International aspects. 2. Postmodernism- -Influence. E). Critique/Review: None found F). Rating: Informative, very easy to read, available in full text right on screen, free of charge (but a little too brief, simplistic)
** 2. Jameson, Fredric. "Postmodernism, or the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism," New Left Review. Vol. 146, July/Aug., pp. 53-92. 1984. A). Why this article is listed: It is a pre-eminent work on the topic of postmodernism. The author observes that postmodernism strongly influences politics and where this effect is taking our society. Every book that I have seen on this subject has at least one citation from this article, or at the very least, mentions Jameson. B). Biographical information: Jameson is professor of French literature and history of consciousness at the University of California, Santa Cruz. C). Summary: Taken from the article: "The last few years have been marked by an inverted millennarianism, in which premonitions of the future, catastrophic or redemptive, have been replaced by senses of the end of this or that (the end of ideology, art, or social class; the ëcrisis' of Leninism, social democracy, or the welfare state, etc., etc.): taken together, all of these perhaps constitute what is increasingly called postmodernism...generally traced back to the end of the 1950s or the early 1960s...most often related to notions of the waning or extinction of the hundred-year-old modern movement (or to its ideological or aesthetic repudiation). The enumeration of what follows then at once becomes empirical, chaotic, and heterogeneous: Andy Warhol and pop art, but also... John Cage... Phil Glass... [William] Burroughs." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Postmodernism--Social aspects. 2. Postmodernism (Capitalism). E). Critique/Review: Nearly every book listed below in this bibliography favorably cites this specific article. F). Rating: A seminal work by one of the first postmodernist thinkers, this particular work is one that is most frequently cited
*** 3. Woo, Janice. "Indexing: At Play in the Fields of Postmodernism," Visual Resources. Vol. X, pp. 283-293. 1994. A). Why this article is listed: Recommended by Professors Mary and Brian O'Connor. This is an helpful article to read, for the information professional--it helps librarians to see how something like indexing is a postmodern activity-- never simple, but complex, generalized and very much an interpretive endeavor. B). Biographical information: Woo is Professor at the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Her e-mail addresses are: jwoo@info.berkeley.edu or jlwoo@uclink2.berkeley.edu C). Summary: Taken from the article: "To the casual observer postmodernism is often thought to be a resurgence of eclecticism: works that incorporate bits and pieces of other works, pastiche, or works that appropriate other works in their entirety...[the] attempt to continue the process of representation when the signs that make up representations have seemingly lost their meanings...Which meaning, for which context, and for what user at what point in time is the operative question, yet to be answered." D). Library of Congress subject headings: None found, but might be: 1. Postmodernism--Library science- -Indexing. 2. Indexing strategies--Aspects of. 3. Arts--Indexing of-- Library science. 4. Arts--Interpretation of--Indexing. 5. Library science--Philosophical aspects of. E). Critique/Review: None found F). Rating: Detailed study of how indexing (art objects particularly) has postmodern aspects
*** Books: A) Drama 1. Mrozek, Slawomir. Tango: a Play in Three Acts. Translated by Ralph Manheim & Teresa Dzieduscycka. Grove Press, NY, NY. 1968. A). Why this work is listed: This play is a superb example of postmodernism in drama. Each character is hauntingly familiar, but I couldn't tell you exactly why--a very postmodern feeling. It was an unsettling, strange play. B). Biographical information: Mrozek was born in Poland and he studied architecture, oriental culture, and painting in Krakow. Also a former journalist, he travels much of the time, lecturing and overseeing productions of his plays. Currently he lives near Mexico City. C). Summary: Tango is an allegory, showing postmodern tendencies, reflecting on past theatrical forms (classical and neo-classical) throughout the performance. Shocking and unsettling, it is thought provoking. D). Library of Congress subject headings: None found, could have: 1. Drama (Postmodernism)--Europe (Eastern). 2. Theater-- Domestic turmoil--Uncertainty--Postmodernism. E). Critique/Review: This review is by Mardi Valgemae, given in Contemporary Drama, Tango exemplifies "a particular type of East European theatre of the absurd [postmodernist] that differs somewhat from the French school of Beckett and his colleagues...Most French absurdists tend to concentrate on basic metaphysical issues, whereas many East European playwrights [such as Mrozek] simply use absurd images in order to create social and political allegories." Also, this play received very favorable reviews in the two local newspapers, The Denver Post and The Rocky Mountain News. It was produced and directed by Ed Baierlein for the Germinal Stage, and it ran from March 8th through April 14, 1996. F). Rating: I strongly recommend Tango. I was struck by how "postmodernistic" it is.
*** There are several great postmodern dramatists. These playwrights include: Samuel Beckett, Bertolt Brecht, and Sam Shepard. All their plays, and each has written many, are postmodern in nature. I rate each of these dramatists and their plays
***! B) Fiction
1. Burroughs, William. Naked Lunch. Grove Press, NY, NY. 1962. A). Why this book is listed: This is a classic example of the postmodern style in fiction. For instance, he uses multiple facets of science fiction that focus on institutional and social innovations, and also upon strictly technological innovations, which stereotypically are most associated to the sci-fi genre. B). Biographical information: Burroughs is from the "beat" generation, a former heroin addict, he occasionally lectures. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas. C). Summary: From OCLC: "A pest-control man seeks escape from his troubled existence and flees to Interzone, a hallucinatory version of Tangiers, where reality and fantasy have merged." A disturbing story of drug addiction, lurid exploits, and fantastic adventures. Fragmented and troubling, this work contains many elements of postmodernity. D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Science fiction. 2. Authorship--Fiction. 3. Drug abuse--Fiction. 4. Fantasy. 5. Surrealism. 6. Black humor--Literature. E). Critique/Review: Often this work is found on banned book lists; it is mentioned in nearly every book that has critically examined postmodern fiction. F). Rating: This book (or anything written by Burroughs) is an excellent example of postmodern fiction.
*** The following list of authors are all postmodern fiction writers: Umberto Eco, E. L Doctorow, Thomas Pynchon, Richard Brautigan, Jorge Luis Borges, Carlos Fuentes, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Kurt Vonnegut. There are others, but these are the most well-known. I rate them all with four stars.
C) Non-Fiction
1. Anderson, Walter Truett. Reality Isn't What It Used to Be: Theatrical Politics, Ready-to-Wear Religion, Global Myths, Primitive Chic, and Other Wonders of the Postmodern World. Harper & Row, San Francisco, CA. 1990. A). Why this book is listed: This work is an excellent overview on postmodernism. It examines postmodernism in literature, drama, religion, and culture. B). Biographical information: A political scientist, Anderson is a senior editor at Pacific News Service and the author of several books on contemporary life. Also, he is currently serving as president of the American division of the World Academy of Art and Science. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. C). Summary: Taken from the book jacket: "This brilliant and provocative tour through the contemporary social-cultural-political landscape makes sense of everything from punk rock to terrorism to New Age religions, and gives a startling new view of what is happening in our time." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Civilization, Modern--1950. 2. Postmodernism. E). Critique/Review: A review by Rollo May, psychologist and author: "I know of no contemporary writer who has such a penetrating view of the new world into which we are moving. This book proposes the guideposts we most assuredly need." F). Rating: Has good index and notes, overall covers the material in good depth
*** 2. Anderson, Walter Truett, ed. The Truth About the Truth: De-Confusing and Re-Constructing the Postmodern World. Putnam, NY, NY. 1995. A). Why this book is listed: This book is full of observations and thoughts that many seminal thinkers on postmodernism have. It contains essays by Eco, Derrida, Baudrillard, Kuhn, Foucault, and many more. It is well written and structured. B). Biographical information: This is a compilation of many authors, therefore I have not included a biographical note. C). Summary: Taken from the back cover on the book: "The Truth About the Truth is a stimulating and accessible exploration of the complexities of postmodern thought--constructivism, deconstruction, irony, pluralism, multiculturalism--as diverse as the world it describes. Readers will discover the roots of postmodernism, what it does to cultural symbols and differences, and how it affects psychology, religion, and science in essays ...serious and ...entertaining...The Truth About the Truth is an indispensable handbook for the new cultural literacy of our emerging postmodern world." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Postmodernism. E). Critique/Review: None found. F). Rating: This book is a wonderful source to read about postmodernism from multiple perspectives, and it is very current and timely, I recommended it highly.
*** 3. Bauman, Zygmunt. Modernity and Ambivalence. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. 1991. A). Why this book is listed: This is a thought provoking work on how postmodernism has many disconcerting repercussions in our present society. It presents postmodernity from a Jewish perspective. B). Biographical information: From the book jacket: "Bauman is Professor of Sociology at the University of Leeds." C). Summary: Taken from the book jacket: "Turning to the question of individual responsibility, Bauman gauges the destructiveness of unexamined ambivalence in private life and challenges us to transcend postmodern self-centeredness by embracing an ambivalent consciousness of our social and political conditions." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Civilization, Modern--20th century. 2. Modernism (Aesthetics). 3. Ambivalence. 4. Postmodernism. 5. Jews--Cultural assimilation. 6. Jews--Intellectual life. E). Critique/Review: From the magazine, Society: "A significant, lucid, and provocative book...The first serious attempt to make sense sociologically of postmodernity." F). Rating: Well-written and thought provoking
*** 4. Cheney, Lynne V. Telling the Truth: Why Our Culture and Our Country Have Stopped Making Sense--and What We Can Do About It. Simon & Schuster, NY, NY. 1995. A). Why this book is listed: A stirring "call to arms" type of book seeking solutions to our troubling postmodern times. B). Biographical information: From the book jacket: "Cheney is the W.H. Brady, Jr., Distinguished Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. She was Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities from 1986 through 1992...a Ph.D. in English, [she] has taught at several colleges and universities, and was editor at Washingtonian magazine. [She is married ] to former Secretary of Defense, Richard Cheney." C). Summary: Taken from the book jacket: "...an impassioned defense of truth and standards against the relativism that threatens American culture and society...the battle against ...irrationality is being waged on all fronts--not just on college campuses, where ëpolitical correctness' has been spotlighted, but in schools, in the workplace, in popular culture and the media, in the legal system, in politics and government." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Postmodernism--Social aspects--United States. 2. Learning and scholarship--United States--History--20th century. E). Critique/Review: Given by Donald Kagan, "Lynne Cheney's Telling the Truth is a powerful, alarming but well-documented account of the war against truth and objectivity being waged with considerable success by many among America's intellectual elite. It is essential reading for those who wish to understand the roots of so many of our social and political problems." Other reviewers are George F. Will, Margaret Thatcher, and Tom Wolfe. F). Rating: Thought provoking and well written, though perhaps somewhat controversial (it is a conservative perspective on postmodernism)
** 5. Connor, Steven. Postmodernist Culture: An Introduction to Theories of the Contemporary. Basil Blackwell, Oxford, England. 1989. A). Why this book is listed: This work is an excellent overview on postmodernism in the arts and sciences. It is a cited source used in many of the books in this bibliography B). Biographical information: From the book jacket: "Connor is lecturer in English at Birkbeck College, London, and author of Charles Dickens and Samuel Beckett." C). Summary: Taken from the book jacket: "Connor explores the postmodern condition across disciplines and genres as diverse as philosophy, political theory, architecture, art, photography, literature, drama, film, TV, popular culture, media and contemporary cultural politics. Rather than simply arguing ëfor' or ëagainst' postmodernism, Connor's book treats the ...debate as a self- reflexive phenomenon, whose nature and form themselves reflect the conditions of the postmodern." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Postmodernism. 2. Literature. Modern--20th century--History and criticism. E). Critique/Review: This review is given by Tzvetan Todorov in the May 21, 1990 (pp. 32-36) New Republic, "...In the current intellectual debates, there are few questions as vexed as the question of ëpostmodernity.'...Steven Connor's book on ëpostmodernist culture' contains no less than nineteen pages of bibliography on the subject...Terms like ëmodern' or ëpostmodern' it has often been said, are devoid of content, and designate contemporaneity alone...Still, this vacuity is not without meaning; it expresses an adherence to the idea of progress in its most naive form, one that would like everything coming after to be better than everything that came before." This review is excellent; I recommend it, as it, too, describes very clearly and logically this subject. F). Rating: Excellent and informative, (thorough bibliographical notes) I highly recommend it
*** 6. Gergen, Kenneth J. The Saturated Self: Dilemmas of Identity in Contemporary Life. Basic Books, NY, NY. 1991. A). Why this book is listed: This work is another super source for understanding how postmodern society affects the individual self--from the view of several different aspects. B). Biographical information: From the book jacket: "Gergen is Professor of Psychology at Swarthmore College. He is the author of [several books on identity and knowledge]." C). Summary: Taken from the book jacket: "Today's ever-expanding communication technologies force us to relate to far more people and institutions than ever before, in a multiplicity of forms--on the telephone, in person, across time and space [via e-mail!]. And each of these demands a different conception of ourselves...The result is an erosion of our sense of objective truth, a multifaceted assault on our notions of the ëtrue and knowable,' the unified moral core." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Self. 2. Identity (Psychology). 3. Self--Social aspects. 4. Identity (Psychology)- -Social aspects. 5. Civilization--20th century--Psychological aspects. 6. Pluralism (Social sciences)--Psychological aspects. 7. Postmodernism--Psychological aspects. E). Critique/Review: Publishers Weekly: "Gergen touches raw nerves, scrutinizing unmoored selves naked to experience in this highly stimulating, mind-expanding original work which dusts away the clichÈs surrounding that tiresome phrase, ëthe postmodern condition.'" F). Rating: Contains excellent end notes and has a super index and it is well-written (somewhat disturbing--but such is the nature of the subject)
*** 7. Harvey, David. The Condition of Postmodernity: An Enquiry into the Origins of Cultural Change. Basil Blackwell, Oxford, England. 1989. A). Why this book is listed: This book has good photographic examples of postmodern art and architecture. It is well written and interesting, well worth checking out! B). Biographical information: From the book jacket: "Harvey moved from the Johns Hopkins University to the Halford Mackinder Chair of Geography at Oxford University in 1987." C). Summary: Taken from the introductory argument: "But these changes [the development of postmodernity], when set against the basic rules of capitalistic accumulation, appear more as shifts in surface appearance rather than as signs of the emergence of some entirely new postcapitalist or even postindustrial society." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Civilization, Modern--1950- . 2. Capitalism. 3. Space and time. 4. Postmodernism. E). Critique/Review: From the Voice Literary Supplement: "David Harvey's engrossing book is probably the most readable, ambitious, and intelligent work on postmodernism yet published." Library Journal writes, "The book is both penetrating and accessible, an important contribution to the postmodernist debate." And from Terry Eagleton, "Devastating. The most brilliant study on postmodernity to date..." F). Rating: Taken from a political standpoint, this work is interesting but somewhat more difficult to read than other items in this bibliography. The photos are very good. ***
8. Huyssen, Andreas. After the Great Divide: Modernism, Mass Culture, Postmodernism--Theories of Representation and Difference. Indiana University Press, Indianapolis, IN. 1986. A). Why this book is listed: This book is mentioned over and over again in most books on the subject of postmodernism. The author is an authority on the topic of postmodernism and addresses the "new" avant-garde. B). Biographical information: From the book: "Huyssen, Professor of German, Columbia University, is an editor of New German Critique and an author of books on Romanticism [among others]." C). Summary: Taken from the introduction: This work is a description and analysis of the emergence of postmodern thought, as it evolved through the arts and popular culture, from the 1960s on. D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Arts, Modern--20th century. 2. Modernism (Art). 3. Postmodernism. 4. Popular culture. E). Critique/Review: None found, however, many of the books listed in this bibliography contain Huyssen's theories and ideas--he is often cited. F). Rating: A thorough study of mass pop-culture postmodernism and the new avant-garde ***
9. Jencks, Charles, ed. The Post-Modern Reader. St. Martin's Press, NY, NY. 1992. A). Why this book is listed: This anthology is an excellent overview on postmodernism in contemporary Western society. It contains many essays given by the great thinkers of postmodernism, critically reviewing the effects of postmodernity in society. B). Biographical information: This is a compilation of many authors, therefore I have not included a biographical note. C). Summary: Taken from the back cover of the book: "Post-Modernism has been debated, attacked, and defended for a generation, but only in the last few years has it come into focus as a coherent way of thought embracing all areas of culture. This is the first anthology that presents the synthesizing trend in all its diversity, a convergence in architecture and literature, film and cultural theory, sociology, feminism and theology, science and economics...post-modernism [is] ...an ultra avant-garde movement and [is] the expression of a consumer society." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Postmodernism. E). Critique/Review: None found, but this book has essays in it written by some seminal thinkers of postmodernism. F). Rating: Great book on this topic, includes photographs of postmodern architecture, photography, and the arts
*** 10. Lifton, Robert Jay. The Protean Self: Human Life Resilience in an Age of Fragmentation. Basic Books, NY, NY. 1993. A). Why this book is listed: Even though there is not a subject tracing for postmodernism, this book explains with rich examples, the "postmodern condition." I found this source in a bibliographical note in Turkle's book, Life on the Screen. B). Biographical information: From the book jacket: "Lifton is Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology, The City University of New York, at John Jay College, the Graduate Center, and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He is also Director of the Center on Violence and Human Survival. Dr. Lifton [wrote the book, Death in Life,] which won the National Book Award." C). Summary: Taken from the back jacket, this best sums up this important work: "We are becoming fluid and many-sided. Without quite realizing it, we have been evolving a sense of self appropriate to the restlessness and flux of our time. This mode of being differs radically from that of the past, and enables us to engage in continuous exploration and personal experiment. I have named it the ëprotean self,' after Proteus, the Greek sea god of many forms." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Self--Social aspects--History-- 20th century. 2. Civilization. Modern--20th century--Psychological aspects. 3. Pluralism--Psychological aspects. 4. Resilience (Personality trait). E). Critique/Review: This critique is given by Harvey Cox, "This is a profoundly hopeful book. Based on interviews with a variety of engaging and very real people, it deepens our understanding of how men and women symbolize life, death, and personal transformation. The protean style accurately prefigures the emergence of the form of personhood that characterizes our confusing but vibrant time." F). Rating: This is an excellent book to help one understand and remain hopeful about the present human ëpostmodern condition.' This book contains a very good index and fantastic bibliographical references. ***
11. Lyotard, Jean-Francois. The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, MN. 1979. A). Why this book is listed: This is a seminal work on the topic of postmodernism. The foreword is by Fredric Jameson, certainly another pre-eminent thinker on postmodernism. B). Biographical information: Taken from the book: "Lyotard is professor of philosophy at the University of Paris at Vincennes." C). Summary: This work defines the topic, yet it is fairly easy to read and understand. This book has excellent notes and contains a very complete index. D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Knowledge, Theory of. 2. Civilization, Modern--20th century. E). Critique/Review: Everyone in this bibliography favorably cites Lyotard. This is a seminal work on the topic, written by a person who is among the first, and best, who has studied postmodernism. F). Rating: Due to the fact it is a founding article on postmodernity, it is given the highest rating. A "must read" in order to cover this subject ***
12. Pangle, Thomas L. The Ennobling of Democracy: The Challenge of the Postmodern Age. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, ML. 1992. A). Why this book is listed: This book explains and analyzes thoroughly how postmodernism affects and is affected by democracy and our system of government. B). Biographical information: Taken from the book, "Pangle is professor of political science at the University of Toronto." He has written many books on the philosophy of political thought. C). Summary: This book systematically examines and discusses the topic of postmodernism as it relates to democracy. D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Democracy 2. Civics. 3. Postmodernism. 4. Political science--Philosophy. E). Critique/Review: This critique is given by Eugene D. Genovese, University Center of Georgia: "The historical period we are entering looms as one of extraordinary opportunities for the moral as well as material betterment of humanity and, simultaneously, of deepening assault on civilized life. [We should read and discuss this book, it will give us a better chance ] for a wholesome outcome." F). Rating: This work is well laid out and structured, but the index isn't as thorough as perhaps it could have been **
13. Penley, Constance and Ross, Andrew, eds. Technoculture. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, MN. 1991. A). Why this book is listed: A very thorough look at technology and how postmodernism and the arts relate to it. B). Biographical information: This is a compilation of many authors, therefore I have not included a biographical note. C). Summary: Taken from the back cover on the book: "Wary, on the one hand, of the disempowering habit of viewing technology as a satanic mill of domination, and weary, on the other, of postmodernist celebrations of the technologically sublime, [the editors] have compiled a group of provocative case studies by contributors whose critical knowledge provides a realistic assessment of the politics--the dangers and the possibilities--currently at stake in those cultural practices touched by advanced technology...[from] high-tech office workers, Star Trek fans, Japanese technoporn producers to teenage hackers, AIDS activists, rap groups, and rock stars. Each has something to tell us about the production and the management of repressive technocultures and about the politics of creative appropriation." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Technology--Social aspects. 2. Communication and culture. E). Critique/Review: This review is from Voice Literary Supplement: "...strikes a nuanced balance between technology's freeing and disempowering effects..." F). Rating: Thought provoking, showing more perspectives on technology than is usually found ***
14. Perloff, Marjorie, ed. Postmodern Genres. University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, OK. 1988. A). Why this book is listed: This work covers a wide range of genres as they pertain to the topic of postmodernism. An interesting overview. B). Biographical information: This is a compilation of many authors, therefore I have not included a biographical note. C). Summary: Taken from the book jacket: "Postmodern genres--it sounds like a contradiction in terms...Perloff observes in her introduction... ë[i]t is the paradox of postmodern genre that the more radical the dissolution of traditional generic boundaries, the more important the concept of genericity becomes.'" D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Postmodernism (Literature). 2. Literature, Modern--20th century-- History and criticism. 3. Literary form. 4. Postmodernism. 5. Art, Modern--20th century. 6. Arts. E). Critique/Review: A review in the Library Journal states, "...postmodernism [is ] the breakdown of genre. The overarching theme of the collection is that interpretation is largely a function of generic assumptions and that postmodernism transforms interpretation by undermining these assumptions. The essays explore a wide variety of works from the music of John Cage and Lorie Anderson to the photography of Cindy Sherman and the painting of Jonathan Borofsky. While most of these essays offer insights, many suffer from the verbosity and smugness that plagues too much postmodern theory." I agree with this last line, however, overall, the work is worth perusing. F). Rating: Interesting premise, covers a wide range of postmodern aspects **
15. Poster, Mark. The Mode of Information: Poststructuralism and Social Context. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL. 1990. A). Why this book is listed: This excellent work discusses, from many perspectives, the relationship that information technologies and systems have with postmodernism and the new social constructs. A must for librarians and information specialists to peruse! B). Biographical information: Poster is a professor at the University of California, Irvine. C). Summary: From the table of contents: "The Concept of Postindustrial Society: Bell and the Problem of Rhetoric; Baudrillard and TV Ads: The Language of the Economy; Foucault and Databases: Participatory Surveillance; Derrida and Electronic Writing: The Subject of the Computer; Lyotard and Computer Science: The Possibilities of Postmodern Politics." Baudrillard, Foucalut, Derrida and Lyotard are all seminal thinkers on the topic of postmodernity. D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Critical theory. 2. Communication--Social aspects. 3. Structuralism. E). Critique/Review: A favorable review was given by Robert Anchor of the American Historical Review of June, 1993. He writes, "This book by Mark Poster seeks to delineate the new postmodern from the old modern culture by comparing the oral and print modes of communication of the past with the electronic communications technologies of the present and showing how radically these new technologies have altered our sense of ourselves and our relations with others and to the world at large... this book is an informed, insightful, provocative account of phenomena that have transformed virtually every area of public and private life in our time." F). Rating: An excellent book all the way around! ***
16. Smart, Barry. Postmodernity. Routledge, NY, NY. 1993. A). Why this book is listed: This book is informative and easy to read, it explains clearly and concisely what is a very difficult term to understand and gives the reader a good grasp on the material. It cites all the seminal thinkers on this topic--Fredric Jameson, Jean Baudrillard, Michel Foucault, Jean- Francois Lyotard, to mention a few. B). Biographical information: Taken from the book cover: "Smart is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He is the editor of a series of monographs on Social Futures and his most recent book is Modern Conditions, Postmodern Controversies." C). Summary: Taken from the back cover on the book: "At last, here is a short and authoritative critical introduction to one of the most talked-about and most misunderstood concepts of current times...Rigorous and perceptive, it will be essential reading for all those interested in the concept of postmodernity." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Postmodernism--Social aspects. E). Critique/Review: None found F). Rating: Very concise and clear ***
17. Spretnak, Charlene. States of Grace: The Recovery of Meaning in the Postmodern Age. HarperSanFrancisco, San Francisco, CA. 1991. A). Why this book is listed: This is a positive look at what may be considered a negative topic: postmodernism. It offers the reader hope from a ecofeminist, spiritual perspective. B). Biographical information: Taken from book jacket: "Charlene Spretnak's work has contributed to the framing of the women's spirituality, ecofeminist, and Green politics movements. She is the author [of many books on the subject of spirituality and the environment]." C). Summary: Taken from the book jacket: "Spretnak insightfully explores the core teachings and practices of four wisdom traditions [Buddhism, Native American, Goddess, and Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam)]...She also presents an ecofeminist perspective on the extreme relativism of deconstructive postmodernism, suggesting, instead, a cosmologically grounded ëecological postmodernism.'" D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Spirituality. 2. Postmodernism--Religious aspects. E). Critique/Review: Taken from the book jacket, this review is given by F. David Peat: "This insightful book is a delight to read, and I was struck by the originality of its ideas. States of Grace encourages us to embrace a new vision of the cosmos and ourselves, yet one that is grounded in the world's great traditions of wisdom." The back cover of the book lists several other very favorable reviews. F). Rating: This book offers a refreshing look at postmodernity, from a women's viewpoint (to date, not many women have written about postmodernism)***
18. Tabbi, Joseph. Postmodern Sublime: Technology and American Writing from Mailer to Cyberpunk. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. 1995. A). Why this book is listed: Another essential work to read for any information specialist, it addresses the aspect of postmodernism as it relates to man and his machines (i.e., the computer, the fax, the telephone, the television, etc.), given from a writer's perspective. B). Biographical information: None found C). Summary: A brief list from the table of contents: "Introduction: Machine as Metaphor and More Than Metaphor; Mailer's Psychology of Machines; ëAlpha, Omega' and the Sublime Object of Technology; Meteors of Style; Technology and Identity in the Pokler Story, or the Uses of Uncertainty; Literature as Technology: Joseph McElroy's Plus; Fiction at a Distance: The Compositional Self in ëMidcourse Correction' and Women and Men; From the Sublime to the Beautiful to the Political: Don DeLillo at Midcareer; and Epilogue: Postmodern Mergers, Cyberpunk Fictions." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. American literature--20th century--History and criticism. 2. Literature and technology--United States--History--20th century. 3. Postmodernism (Literature)--United States. 4. Sublime, The, in literature. 5. Technology in literature. E). Critique/Review: None found F). Rating: Excellent discussion and study of how postmodernism is addressed in contemporary literature ***
19. Trachtenberg, Stanley, ed. The Postmodern Moment: A Handbook of Contemporary Innovation in the Arts. Greenwood Press, Westport, CN. 1985. A). Why this book is listed: This work is an excellent anthology of postmodernism in many areas of the arts. B). Biographical information: This is a compilation of many authors, therefore I have not included a biographical note. C). Summary: Taken from the table of contents: "Architecture; Art; Dance; Film; Literature; Music; Photography; Theatre; Appendix I: Postmodernism in Europe: On Recent German Writing; and Appendix II: Latin American Literature in the Postmodern Era." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Postmodernism--Addresses, essays, lectures. E). Critique/Review: None found F). Rating: Wide range of topics all on the subject of postmodernism, very good bibliographical references and an exhaustive index, but it would have been better if there were more photographs **
20. Turkle, Sherry. Life on the Screen: Identity in the Age of the Internet. Simon & Schuster, NY, NY. 1995. A). Why this book is listed: A must read for librarians and information specialists, as well as everyone who works or plays with computers on a regular basis. She cites many of the great postmodern thinkers, such as: Baudrillard, Foucault, Jameson, Derrida, and more. B). Biographical information: Taken from the book jacket: "Turkle is Professor of the Sociology of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a licensed clinical psychologist, holding a joint Ph.D. in Personality Psychology and Sociology from Harvard University. [She is the author of several books on psychology ]...and has pursued her work with support from the National Science Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the Guggenheim Foundation, and the Rockerfeller Foundation. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts." C). Summary: Taken from the book jacket: "Life on the Screen is a book not about computers, but about people and how computers are causing us to reevaluate our identities in the age of the Internet. We are using life on the screen to engage in new ways of thinking about evolution, relationships, politics, sex, and the self...what emerges is the story of how our relationship to computers is changing our minds and hearts." D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Computers and civilization. 2. Computer networks--Psychological aspects. E). Critique/Review: Taken from Publishers Weekly, "In an unsettling, cutting-edge exploration of the ways computers are revising the boundaries between people and computers, brains and machines, she argues that the newest computers--tools for interaction, navigation and simulation, allowing users to cycle through roles and identities--are an extension of self with striking parallels to postmodernist thought." There is also, in the April 1996 issue of Wired magazine, an excellent cover story on this book and its author. F). Rating: This work is engaging and thought provoking. It has excellent notes and citations, with a thorough index. I highly recommend it. ***
D) Poetry 1. Frank, Robert and Sayre, Henry, editors. The Line in Postmodern Poetry. University of Illinois Press, Chicago, IL. 1988. A). Why this book is listed: This is a wonderful book that is full of examples of postmodern poetry, explaining the poems and what they symbolize and mean. B). Biographical information: This is a compilation of many poets, therefore I have not included a biographical note. C). Summary: Many examples of postmodern poetry are cited, complete with explanations and interpretations as to why/how they are postmodern. Poets who are included are: John Ashbery, Amiri Baraka, Sylvia Plath, Ezra Pound, Ntozake Shange, William Carlos Williams, and many others. D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. American poetry--20th century--History and criticism. 2. Free verse. 3. Poetics. 4. Postmodernism--United States. E). Critique/Review: None found F). Rating: This is an excellent book on postmodern poetry and poets, I strongly recommend it. ***
Objects:
A) Architecture
1. The Central Library of the Denver Public Library. Architect: Michael Graves. A). Why this structure is listed: Recently completed, the new Central Library in Denver is a perfect example of postmodern architecture. It contains many elements, some are classical (the grande hall is very neo-classical), some are very po-mo (different colored brick and marble, along with copper and glass). Graves, listed in many of the books cited in this bibliography, is one of the most well-known postmodernist architects today. It is interesting to note that this building is surrounded by classical Roman and Greek architecture and very modern architecture as well, all within view of each other--this fact in itself is postmodern! B). Biographical information: Michael Graves is from Indianapolis, Indiana. He got his master's degree in architecture from Harvard University in 1958. Graves was trained as a modernist architect, but his philosophy regarding buildings changed and shifted drastically. He began to feel that modern architecture was too dull and confining. He wanted to design buildings that were fun, colorful, different, and diverse, yet containing aspects that are classical and neo-classical. C). Summary: The former Central Library in downtown Denver was designed by Burnham Hoyt in the early 1950s. In 1994, the people of Denver passed a bond issue to design a new Central Library. Many people in Denver, specifically from the Historical Society, wanted to keep some of the old building. Therefore, Graves (who likes to incorporate new and old together) was chosen to be the architect. The result is postmodernity. D). Library of Congress subject headings: Not applicable E). Critique/Review: There are mixed feelings about this structure, some features to some people are more appealing than others, but that is expected in any postmodern piece. This opinion is found in many critiques of the building. All literature about the structure found in the library itself is very favorable; however, there have been unfavorable editorials in local papers. But, for the most part, this new postmodern building is liked by most residents in the city. The April, 1996 issue of the Library Journal, (the whole magazine is devoted to current library architecture) shows the Central Library's Children's pavilion in a very positive light (and I agree, it is very delightful and inviting!). F). Rating: This structure is very postmodern and so is an excellent example of that style of architecture, plus it is close-by for many classmates to view (and some of us even work inside it). ***
Other excellent examples of postmodern architecture are: Philip Johnson's and John Burgee's AT&T Headquarters Building in New York; Michael Graves' Portland Public Services Building, Portland, Oregon; Charles Jencks' and Terry Farrell's Thematic House, London. These buildings can be seen in most good books on architecture or one can find examples and drawings on the Internet.
B) Fine Arts
Film 1. Kiss of the Spider Woman. H.B. Filmes, Ltda. 1985. Written by Leonard Schrader, produced by David Weisman, directed by Hector Babenco. William Hurt and Raul Julia perform. Based on the novel of the same title by Manuel Puig. A). Why this film is listed: This film epitomizes postmodernity. It is complex, disturbing, and multifaceted in the life it examines. It shows political overtones, often a postmodern attribute, as well as classical themes (such as Molina's portrayal of the old-time movies divas, through pretending to be Valentin's bourgeois girlfriend), this classicism is also another postmodern aspect. Watch it and it will definitely open your eyes. It is the best example of postmodernism in film, and it is an award winner--a combination making sure bet! B). Biographical information: Not applicable--this film is a mutually joint effort amongst many talented people--the author, the screenplay writer, the director, the actors, and the entire crew and cast. C). Summary: The following quote is taken from OCLC: "In a prison cell somewhere in Latin America, Molina and Valentin [the main characters] have only one thing in common--they are both victims of society. This is the complex story of the relationship that develops between two men with radically different perspectives on life." It is a thought provoking and disquieting film based on the novel (same title) by Manuel Puig. D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Prisoners. 2. Revolutionaries. 3. Political films and programs. 4. Motion pictures. 5. Feature films. 6. Interpersonal relations. E). Critique/Review: William Hurt received (deservedly) an academy award for Best Actor in this film. This film is mentioned in several books in this bibliography as being a superb example of postmodernity in film. I couldn't agree more! F). Rating: It shows political overtones, often a postmodern attribute, as well as classical themes (such as Molina's portrayal of the old movies divas, as pretending to be Valentin's bourgeois girlfriend), this is also another postmodern aspect. A profoundly stirring movie ***
Music
1. Glass, Philip. Glassworks. Japan: CBS Masterworks, 1982. A). Why this piece is listed: This is a superb example of postmodern music. It is a hodgepodge or complex, innovative mixture of many different types/genres of music, typical of postmodernity. B). Biographical information: Glass, born in 1937, is from Baltimore, Maryland. He received traditional training in music at the University of Chicago and the Juilliard School of Music. He studied with the Indian musicians Ravi Shankar and Alla Rakha in the late 1960s. C). Summary: Glass' music is a synthesis of Eastern and Western traditions. The instrumental music is characterized by a rhythmic repetition of short motifs, that change in tone and tempo, seemingly chaotically, indeterminately, and randomly. D). Library of Congress subject headings: 1. Instrumental ensembles. 2. Piano music. 3. Electronic music. 4. Postmodernism--Musical instrumentation-- Various components of. The last entry, number 4, is what I would add. E). Critique/Review: Many of the books listed in this bibliography, if discussing postmodern music, cite the work of Philip Glass. I personally have heard him perform, and very much enjoy his music (I am eclectic in my taste of music, enjoying everyone from Glass to Pink Floyd, to Chopin to Miles Davis--or, classical, rock, new age, jazz--I am a postmodern music lover!). F). Rating: I highly recommend Philip Glass' music, all of his compositions are postmodern ***
+ A quick note, John Cage is another excellent "po-mo" poet/musician well worth looking up.
Sculpture
1. Butterfield, Deborah. Orion. 1988. This sculpture is currently located in the Denver Art Museum's main foyer. It is the horse sculpture pictured on the title page of this bibliography. A). Why this piece is listed: I went to the Denver Art Museum and asked a curator there to show me an example of postmodern sculpture. She presented this piece to me, explaining that it is postmodern in that its subject is classical but with a different, "po-mo" twist (as seen by the parts that make up the work--old automobiles, wood, clay, and bits from her own personal possessions). Since many classical Greco-Roman sculptures are of horses and horseback riders, this piece reminds the viewer of classicism--but it also has the debris of our complex, multifaceted, and fragmented society-- Postmodernism! B). Biographical information: Butterfield lives in Kaloko, Hawaii and Bozeman, Montana. She began her studies in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis but changed to pottery and from there went into sculpture. Her horse sculptures are found in Museums worldwide. C). Summary: Many of Butterfield's pieces (all are equines) incorporate many poses and stances, materials of contemporary everyday life, and facets of history--past and present. D). Library of Congress subje frame of mind. On an historical note, postmodernism began as early as 1960, as a reaction to and rebellion against modernism. Modernism is basically old paradigm thinking--rigidly structured, mechanical, and deterministic. For example, modernism in architecture is expressed in tall, linear, steel and glass buildings as represented in the typical city skyscraper. Modernism is form that is conjunctive and closed, postmodernism is antiform that is disjunctive and open. Simply stated, postmodernism is thct headings: 1. Arts--20th century--United States. 2. Horses--Art--20th century--Sculpture. E). Critique/Review: This review by Janet Wilson, is taken from Connoisseur, Feb. 1, 1992 (Vol. 222, No. 961, pp. 66-71): "...this sculpture is an evocative metaphor for Deborah Butterfield's own career--the sublime explorations of emotion that are born from her equine dreams, her pursuit of ëa formal dialogue between one species and another' [echoing Spretnak's States of Grace ecofeminist]. That her work issues so directly from the found detritus of life only sharpens the poignancy of her creations." F). Rating: A fine example of postmodernity in sculpture and one that strikes me as multifaceted and complex, and still remains positive, and very beautiful ***
+ Organizations:
1. American Institute of Architects, Colorado Chapter Carriage House 1459 Pennsylvania St. Denver, CO 80203 Linda T. Smith, Exec. Dir. Ph: (303)831-6183 Fax: (800)628-5598 This organization welcomes contact with the public and exists in part, to help educate people about various aspects of architecture and architects. 2. Colorado Federation of the Arts (CFA) 200 Grant, Ste. 303D Denver, CO 80203 Lisa Spivak, Exec. Dir. Ph: (303)733-9334 This organization exists as a lobby to support many artists and the arts in general. It is involved with promoting the arts in Colorado and welcomes all inquires by the public concerning the arts.
Web sites:
All citations in this field were found in Netscape, on the Internet. 1. Bibliography: Cyberspace, Cyberpunk, Electronic Communication, Postmodernism. Compiled by Anne Balsamo (e-mail address: anne.balsamo@lcc.gatech.edu). The address for the bibliography is: gopher://oak.zilker.net/00bruces/balsamo_biblio A). Why this site is listed: This is a very thorough bibliography, freely available to everyone. B). Biographical information: Balsamo was a student in the Science, Technology and Culture program at Georgia Institute of Technology when this bibliography was compiled. She welcomes any additions to this list. C). Summary: This is not an annotated list, it is just a list of items put together to help one find sources about cyberspace, cyberpunk, postmodernism, etc. D). Library of Congress subject headings: None found E). Critique/Review: None found F). Rating: Very complete list, yet, not much replication between it and this bibliography (I would have given it a better rating, had it been organized a little better, i.e., according to each topic, and also having some sort of annotation) ***1/2
2. Museum of Modern Art, NY. The address is: http://www.sva.edu/MoMA/ A). Why this site is listed: Great source to see what is new and happening in the arts--postmodern or anything! B). Biographical information: Not applicable C). Summary: This site has lots of links and hypertext to various art pieces, etc. D). Library of Congress subject headings: Not applicable E). Critique/Review: Not applicable F). Rating: Exciting and very fun to explore ***
3. Andy Warhol Museum, NY. The address is: http://www.warhol.org/warhol A). Why this site is listed: Anything pertaining to Warhol is likely to be postmodern B). Biographical information: Not applicable C). Summary: Very contemporary and innovative new art--much of it postmodern D). Library of Congress subject headings: Not applicable E). Critique/Review: Not applicable F). Rating: New and fun to explore ***
4. Dadart. The address is: http://www.data.it/dadart/ A). Why this site is listed: Much on this web site is postmodern. B). Biographical information: Not applicable C). Summary: A very vibrant page with lots of hot-links D). Library of Congress subject headings: Not applicable E). Critique/Review: Not applicable F). Rating: New and fun, like the others I've listed! ***
5. Downtown Anywhere Museums, Galleries, and ... ArtNetWeb. The address is: http://www.awa.com/arts.html A). Why this site is listed: Very exciting examples of current, and postmodern art, plus neat graphics! B). Biographical information: Not applicable C). Summary: One learns through having fun and this site is fun exploring D). Library of Congress subject headings: Not applicable E). Critique/Review: Not applicable F). Rating: Very full and lots of links ***
6. Museum Architecture. The address is: http://www.bwk.tue.nl/lava/galleries/museums/musea_ix.html A). Why this site is listed: This site offers a wide range of hot-links to other sites, many of which are postmodern. B). Biographical information: Not applicable C). Summary: This web site is full of fun links going in several directions. D). Library of Congress subject headings: Not applicable E). Critique/Review: Not applicable F). Rating: Great spot ***
7. The Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose, CA. The address is: http://www.thetech.org/ A). Why this site is listed: Several innovations shown have examples of postmodernism. B). Biographical information: Not applicable C). Summary: This web site is diverse, and dynamic with lots of great images and graphics, that don't take a long time to load. D). Library of Congress subject headings: Not applicable E). Critique/Review: Not applicable F). Rating: Great images--Check it out! ***
8. A great spring-board site to just have fun and explore lots of examples of current art, much of it postmodern. The address is: http://www.yahoo.com/Arts/Artists/Unnamed_Artists/ArtWOW this last part can also be (from the www): cais.com/koan/artwow.html A). Why this site is listed: As I mentioned above, this site is a great spot to explore from. B). Biographical information: Not applicable C). Summary: Lots of sites to explore and learn about art (postmodern and much more!) D). Library of Congress subject headings: Not applicable E). Critique/Review: Not applicable F). Rating: Great fun that is informative and educational or "edutainment!" ***
Just a quick note: I would love to be able to make this bibliography a web page/site, especially to have this last section hot-link directly to the sites listed--but, the only computer I have at this point in time is a pc at work (and I cannot use it for such a purpose).
Acknowledgments:
I would like to thank my professors, Mary and Brian O'Connor, for responding so quickly to my initial questions on what postmodernism is-- and the information packet they sent, as well as the suggestion to read Sherry Turkle's book, Life on the Screen. This information was very useful. Thank you. My fellow classmates, all the people in COIV are wonderfully supportive. The students who were especially helpful include: Harriet Angulo, Veronika Albl, Tommy Powell, Rose Nelson, Tracy Steckel, Elaine Connell, Patricia Kessler, Carol Luallin, and Susan Simmons. I feel fortunate to know them. Many thanks to Ed Baierlein and the troupe at the Germinal Stage--you always perform and produce the best, most entertaining, and significant theater in Denver. Thanks for talking to mee antipode of modernism. _________________ Background When first given this assignment, I was uncertain as to what postmodernism meant. I remembered from my undergraduate study in Art History something about modernism, but I just hadn't a clue as to what postmodernism was! I e-mailed the professors, asking for clarification on the term. The response was it is a new paradigm concept, containing the following myriad attributes: morphogenetic, holographic, heterarchical, mutually causal, multiplicity of perspectives, unpredictable indeterminacy, and dynamic complexity. Once I began to understand its meaning, I saw it everywhere. I went to a play, the program notes claimed it had elements of postmodernism. I picked up a magazine, it mentioned a film that had "po-mo" tendencies. At work, cataloging books for the Denver Public Library, I found books that had subject headings with tracings for Postmodernism. It really made me sit-up and take notice when I found that the Library of Congress recognizes Postmodernism as a va Preface The items in this bibliography were chosen for how well they would assist an information specialist, working in a public library setting, to answer a client's query, "What does postmodernism mean? I've been asked to do an informational seminar on postmodernism and so I need to understand what it is." This bibliography addresses that concern by giving examples that describe, analyze, and explain what postmodernism is. To begin, a brief definition of the term is essential. Since many books have been written just defining what postmodernism is, this paragraph will explain what postmodernism is in a general sense. For something to be postmodern, usually it is of an artistic nature and it is superficial and fragmented, while also being diverse, complex, and indeterminate. Using the Schwartz and Olgilvy paradigm model, for example, a postmodern perspective of reality would be one that is seen through the lens of the emergent paradigm. Postmodernism is a descriptive term that defines something, like a postmodern building, poem, film, novel, or even an attitude or frame of mind. On an historical note, postmodernism began as early as 1960, as a reaction to and rebellion against modernism. Modernism is basically old paradigm thinking--rigidly structured, mechanical, and deterministic. For example, modernism in architecture is expressed in tall, linear, steel and glass buildings as represented in the typical city skyscraper. Modernism is form that is conjunctive and closed, postmodernism is antiform that is disjunctive and open. Simply stated, postmodernism is the antipode of modernism. Background When first given this assignment, I was uncertain as to what postmodernism meant. I remembered from my undergraduate study in Art History something about modernism, but I just hadn't a clue as to what postmodernism was! I e-mailed the professors, asking for clarification on the term. The response was it is a new paradigm concept, containing the following myriad attributes: morphogenetic, holographic, heterarchical, mutually causal, multiplicity of perspectives, unpredictable indeterminacy, and dynamic complexity. Once I began to understand its meaning, I saw it everywhere. I went to a play, the program notes claimed it had elements of postmodernism. I picked up a magazine, it mentioned a film that had "po-mo" tendencies. At work, cataloging books for the Denver Public Library, I found books that had subject headings with tracings for Postmodernism. It really made me sit-up and take notice when I found that the Library of Congress recognizes Postmodernism as a va about ideas represented in drama. To all the folks who so kindly shared with me their wisdom, knowledge, and expertise; who helped me research the information contained in this bibliography--Thank you.