Dystopian Visions of Panopticism and Instrumentarianism
Prof. Cornelia Wächter, Mo (4) ABS/2-07/U
Please note that, due to my disability, this course will start off on Zoom and might stay on Zoom for the entire semester. You will find the link under "Link list". However, the classroom remains booked and available for use. Should you need access, please ask one of my colleagues to unlock it for you.
For my office hours, please register here. Office hours are on Zoom.
Dystopian fiction has frequently served as an early warning of the potential or even likely consequences of the collective trajectory a society has embarked upon. This seminar explores dystopian visions of panopticism (Bentham/Foucault), as well as instrumentarianism, the new form of power identified by Shoshana Zuboff, in literature, film and television. As our point of reference, we will begin by reading George Orwell’s classic of totalitarian fiction, “1984” (1949), through the prism of Michel Foucault’s work on panopticism. Moving toward contemporary configurations of power, we will read and discuss excerpts from works by Mark Fisher, Byung-Chul Han and Shoshana Zuboff. These texts will serve as our analytical framework for the discussion of “The Circle” (2017), based on Dave Eggers’ novel of the same title; three episodes of “Black Mirror” (2011-present); and the second season of “The Capture” (2019-present).
Theoretical texts will be made available via OPAL. You will need to purchase, borrow, or rent the listed novel, film, and series (episodes).