Introductory description

The intensification of surveillance in recent years has led to a proliferation of popular, political and intellectual discussion, where the reach and purpose of surveillance, its technological and material forms, its relationship to capitalism, and its role as a normalised state/ social disciplinary device have all been debated. In this module we will engage with some of these discussions and consider the growth of surveillance in relation to the growth of the data society. We will move way from normative conceptualisations of surveillance and security which tend to frame such trends as being relatively recent, solely centred in technological developments, and homogenous in their implications. Rather, this course will employ feminist, critical race, and postcolonial theory and perspectives to examine the ways in which race, gender and class thinking inform how surveillance is organized and deployed, as well as underlie the legitimation of surveillance practices. 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.

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: Introduction/ Surveillance, Security and Data Societies
Week 2: Surveillance, Data and Capitalism Part 1
Week 3: Surveillance, Data and Capitalism Part 2
Week 4: Surveillance, Security and Population Governance Part 1
Week 5: Surveillance, Security and Population Governance Part 2
Week 6: Reading Week
Week 7: Cultures of Surveillance
Week 8: Cultures of Surveillance
Week 9: Counter-Surveillance, Protest and Resistance
Week 10: Summary workshop/ Time for assessment discussion

Learning outcomes

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

• 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

Data politics: worlds, subjects, rights
Book edited by Didier Bigo; Engin F. Isin; Evelyn Sharon Ruppert 2019

Feminist surveillance studies
Book by Rachel E. Dubrofsky; Shoshana Magnet 2015

Theorizing surveillance: the panopticon and beyond
Book edited by David Lyon 2006; ©2006

The surveillant assemblage in British Journal of Sociology
Article by Kevin D. Haggerty, Richard V. Ericson 2000-12-1

Surveillance in TSQ: Transgender Studies Quarterly
Article by T. Beauchamp 2014

Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code
Book by RUHA. BENJAMIN 2019

The age of surveillance capitalism: the fight for a human future at the new frontier of power
Book by Shoshana Zuboff January 2019

Gendering Surveillance Studies: The Empirical and Normative Promise of Feminist Methodology in Surveillance & Society
Article by Yasmeen Abu-Laban 2015

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Interdisciplinary

Though the module centres a Sociological focus, it will cover literature and debates pertinent to students interested in studying politics, governance and political economy.

International

The module will draw on empirical examples and case studies from global contexts, thus broadening students horizons and reflecting the diversity of the student body in the classroom. It will also draw on a range of theoretical and scholarly texts from academics writing from and about a number of different national contexts.

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 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 theoretical texts on surveillance and security.

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.