COURSE DESCRIPTION

This class will explore what Steve Mann has called "inverse surveillance" or "sousveillance" -- the practice of watching from below (sous-) rather than above (sur-). We will explore the cultural and political implications of sousveillance, an act which tends to be discussed as empowering when manifest as a "taking-back" of cameras or the rising-up of "little brother," but which also unfolds in an era of increased self-surveillance, encouraged by both the government and the culture of participatory and 'transparent' media. We'll read a variety of classic texts on surveillance, panopticism, scopophilia, and vision, and combine theoretical discussion with extensive case studies of artists whose engage with surveillance--some of whom will visit our class to discuss their work. Students may complete either a research paper or sousveillance-related creative work as their final project. These projects will be presented in an off-site public conference on Saturday, April 26. The structure of this class emphasizes active group discussion and a high level of intellectual engagement. Among our objectives will be an analysis of contemporary art and political policies through the lens of media studies, which will involve a concerted effort to engage with theoretical texts and to stay abreast of news related to surveillance and privacy issues.