GER 3655
Surveillance. Control. Conspiracy.
Germany and the US
Tuesday and Thursday 2:30-3:45 PM in Folwell Hall 4
Thomas Gurke
DAAD Visiting Professor
This course delves into the multifaceted dynamics of societal control mechanisms, spanning from premodern forms of incarceration to modern technologies and ideologies. By examining historical, philosophical, and contemporary perspectives, we explore the matrices through which societies exert control, including capitalism, technology, and the internet. We scrutinize the emergence of conspiracy theories and their portrayal in fiction and media, addressing how they intersect with issues of power and resistance.
The course is structured around key themes:
1. Political Philosophies and Constitutional Frameworks: Drawing insights from Aristotle, Plato, and the German and US constitutions, we analyze the concept of sovereignty and its implications for social order.
2. Biopolitics and Surveillance: Through the lens of Foucault, Agamben, and the Panopticon model, we investigate how power operates within systems of surveillance and control, including the role of AI, Big Data, and urban surveillance technologies.
3. Capitalism and Labor Exploitation: Engaging with Marx, Zizek, and contemporary critiques, we examine the intersection of capitalism and labor exploitation.
4. Resistance and Activism: Exploring the dichotomy between activism and slacktivism, we analyze historical and contemporary forms of resistance, including the role of whistleblowers like Snowden and Assange in challenging systems of power.
5. Cultural Representations of Control:
Investigating how control and resistance are portrayed in media, literature, and music, we examine the influence of streaming platforms and social media on the dissemination of conspiracy theories and dissenting narratives.
Through seminars, readings, discussions, and multimedia analysis, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities of societal control and resistance.
By critically engaging with diverse perspectives, the course aims to cultivate analytical skills necessary for navigating contemporary socio-political landscapes in Germany and the US.