Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - CA 412W D100

Advanced Seminar in Art and Culture Studies (4)

Surveillance, Art and Digital Culture

Class Number: 12853

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    Eight upper division units and CA (or FPA) 210.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides an in-depth investigation of a selected theoretical, historical or thematic topic in art and culture studies. This course requires independent research leading to a substantial paper, as well as directed reading preparation for seminars. Topics will vary from term to term. The course may be repeated when different topics are offered. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This seminar will examine the intersections of surveillance, art, and digital culture. We'll look at surveillance technologies' integration into almost every facet of modern life, and how those technologies affect social relations, public space, economic inequality, and human bodies. We will also consider the history of surveillance and the new logics that it generates. Finally, we'll explore media and technologies designed to thwart surveillance, and artworks that aim to enlighten viewers about surveillance and challenge them to question it. Artists studied will include Trevor Paglen, Hito Steyerl, David Rokeby, Surveillance Camera Players, Steve Mann, Superflux, and others. Topics will include dataveillance, sousveillance, surveillance and sexuality, border surveillance, and the racial politics of surveillance.

This is a seminar course, and the majority of class time will be devoted to field trips, film screenings, and student-led discussions. The major project will be a research essay, which will be presented orally as a pecha kucha presentation, and in the form of a 10-page paper. Participation, weekly writing assignments, and peer review will also be integral components of the course.

Grading

  • Class participation 20%
  • Reading responses 15%
  • Seminar provocation 10%
  • Pecha kucha presentation 10%
  • Essay proposal and bibliography 10%
  • Essay - first draft 5%
  • Peer review 5%
  • Final paper 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Assigned weekly readings will be made available online.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS