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Further information (ECTS, description of assessment methods, etc.) can be found in the module description in TUMonline.

We live in a world of constant observation – from state surveillance and commercial data collection to social mechanisms of control. Surveillance Studies is an interdisciplinary field that analyzes and critically examines these processes. The central question is not only who is being watched, but also how, why, and with what societal consequences. Surveillance is neither inherently good nor bad – it can enhance security but also reinforce power imbalances. Historically, it ranges from early modern state control to today’s big data algorithms that predict and influence our behavior. Michel Foucault’s concept of the Panopticon illustrates how individuals discipline themselves when they feel watched, while more recent theories – from the Surveillant Assemblage (Haggerty & Ericson) to the Post-Panopticon (Boyne) – describe surveillance as a networked and omnipresent force. This seminar provides an introduction to the key theories, methods, and current debates in Surveillance Studies. We will discuss classical texts by Foucault, analyze real-world surveillance practices – from facial recognition and social media monitoring to state intelligence programs – and critically examine their implications for democracy, privacy, and social justice. This module encourages critical thinking and interdisciplinary engagement. It is ideal for students interested in privacy, digital rights, and the role of surveillance in contemporary society.

Further information (ECTS, description of assessment methods, etc.) can be found in the module description in TUMonline.

Further information (ECTS, description of assessment methods, etc.) can be found in the module description in TUMonline.