Introductory description

This module will critically explore the idea of surveillance and its symbiotic relationship with the idea of security. In other words, we will consider why surveillance is framed and understood as necessary for security and how discourses of security help to perpetuate cultures of surveillance. So through the course we will explore the multiple forms and operations of surveillance in contemporary society, examine the historical roots of and motivations for surveillance, how power operates through surveillance practices and the ways in which these practices create, reinforce and augment social structures of oppression. We will also consider the ways in which oppressed groups have been at the forefront of making sense of surveillance strategies, organizing against them whilst also subverting the use of surveillance media technologies to ‘police the police’.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Week 1: Histories of Surveillance; Frames of Classification
Week 2: Surveillance Capitalism: Part I
Week 3: Surveillance Capitalism: Part II
Week 4: (Inter)National Security: War on Terror
Week 5: National Security: Surveillance, Gender, Borders
Week 6: Reading Week
Week 7: Cultures of Surveillance
Week 8: Counter-Surveillance, Resistance and Social Justice
Week 9: Critical Feminism on Security and Securitisation
Week 10: Summary workshop/ Time for assessment discussion

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• On completion of the module students will:Have developed knowledge and understanding of the social and historical constructions of surveillance practices, and their racialized, gendered and classed dimensions. Be able to identify, evaluate and critically analyse appropriate sociological theories relating to the study of surveillance and security including the purposes, practices and technologies of surveillance, and its race, gender and class dimensions.Be able to explain and critically engage in political and intellectual debates on surveillance, security and securitisation.Be able to organise and present oral arguments, carry out a formal presentation and facilitate classroom discussion in seminars. Be able to organise and present written information clearly and coherently through their exam writing. Develop their research and organisational skills by using library e-journal and other on-line resources.

Indicative reading list

Browne, S. (2015) Dark matters: On the surveillance of blackness. Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
Kundnani, A. and D. Kumar, (2015), ‘Race, Surveillance and Empire’, International Socialist Review, Issue 96, Spring 2015.
Mamdani, M. (2012) Define and Rule: Native as Political Identity, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Stoler, A. L. (2010) Carnal Knowledge and Imperial Power. Race and the Intimate in Colonial Rule, University of California Press.
Smith, A. (2015) "Not Seeing: State Surveillance, Settler Colonialism, and Gender Violence." In R.
Noble, S. U. (2018) Algorithims of Oppression. How Search Engines Reinforce Racism, New York, NY: NYU Press.
Puar, J. K. (2007) Terrorist assemblages: Homonationalism in queer times. Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
Puar, J. & Rai, A. S. (2002) ‘Monster, Terrorist, Fag: The War on Terrorism and the Production
of Docile Patriots’, Social Text, 20(3), 117-148.
Dubrofsky, R. E., & Magnet, S. A. (eds.) (2015) Feminist surveillance studies, Durham NC: Duke University Press.
Kundnani, A. (2014) The Muslims are Coming, London: Verso.
Morsi, Y., (2017) Radical Skin, Moderate Masks, London: Rowman and Littlefield.
Kapoor, N. (2018) Deport Deprive Extradite: 21st Century State Extremism, London: Verso.
Sian, K. (2017) Countering racism in counter-terrorism and surveillance discourse, Palgrave Communications (3) doi:10.1057/s41599-017-0010-7
Sharma, S. & J. Nijjar (2018) ‘The racialized surveillant assemblage: Islam and the fear of terrorism’, Popular Communication. The International Journal of Media and Culture, 16(1), 72-85.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the development of the social and historical constructions of surveillance practices, and their racialized, gendered and classed dimensions.

To be able to apply theoretical concepts and ideas to empirical case studies and different forms of security and surveillance.

To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of resistance practices against surveillance technologies and governmentalities as well as knowledge of critical theoretical perspectives on security.

To demonstrate critical analytical skills for interrogating and evaluating key concepts, theories and empirical research relating to security and surveillance techniques and technologies.

To engage with sociological and criminological texts on surveillance and security through the use of research-led learning and empirical data collection.

Evaluate strengths and limitations in theoretical approaches to surveillance and security and its raced, gendered and classed dimensions

Transferable skills

Undertake independent, desk-based research skills.

Gather appropriate library and web-based resources that are appropriate for UG level 5.

Make theoretical, methodological and empirical evaluations and use the available evidence to construct and synthesise an argument in oral and written form.

Demonstrate effective time management skills.

Work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Manage complex information and demonstrate critical analytical skills.

Develop oral presentation skills synthesising academic material in an effective manner.