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Technology Assignment Reflection

What did I do? For Project 3, I conducted a one-day sociological experiment called “A Day in the Life Without Technology.” With the help of a friend who observed and documented my state of mind, I voluntarily reduced or eliminated my use of several 20th- and 21st-century technologies, including headphones, computers, lights, mobile phones, and even a microwave oven. The observation took place on May 27, 2026. I tried to go through a normal day — studying, eating, moving around, and communicating — using as little modern technology as possible. What did I learn? I learned that not all technology is equally important. Some things I thought were necessary, like headphones and computers, turned out to be replaceable in the short term. Without headphones, I became more aware of natural sounds around me. Without a computer, I switched to pen and paper, and my pace of life felt slower and calmer. However, I also discovered technologies I am deeply dependent on. The mobile phone was the hardes...
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The Sideline and the Midline: A Public Space Observation on a Basketball Court

 For this public space observation assignment, I chose a community outdoor basketball court. My reason was simple: a basketball court has clear physical boundaries (sidelines, baseline, hoops) while simultaneously hosting complex social interactions. I observed for about 45 minutes, covering a transition from low to high density in the early evening. My focus areas included: how players interact on the court, the behavior of people waiting on the sidelines, how spatial boundaries shape behavior, and the difference in space usage between solo practice and group games. What I Did I sat in an unobtrusive spot (about 3 meters behind the baseline, not interfering with anyone) and took notes on my phone: 1. Interaction rules among players on the court – how teams formed (shouting "who's got next?" or shooting to decide teammates), substitutions ("cover me for a sec"), eye contact and hand gestures during passing, and emotional expressions after scoring or making a mis...
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A Personal Take on The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces- LI ZIYIN（2025024157）

  Introduction I read the entire book. That means all chapters, including Chapters 6 through 11 and the appendixes. I also watched the first half of the LMS video “The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces” (about 25 minutes), which is essentially a visual summary of Whyte’s core findings. When I first began reading William H. Whyte's *The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces*, I expected to encounter a dry, outdated 1970s urban planning manual. However, I was captivated by its lively, observational explorations—deeply dissecting how people actually use cities—that are particularly relevant to social science students in the 2020s. Having read through the entire book, including Chapters 6-11 and the appendix, I found that while the 1970s Manhattan setting presented is obvious, Whyte's core insights into human behavior, public space design, and the hidden dynamics of urban life remain strikingly relevant today. My Reading Experience: Interesting, Accessible, and Unexpectedly Engaging Fi...
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