Towards the transparent self

The future? Wherever you are, whoever you are with, or whatever you think, will be known. You are transparent, have no secrets, and can tell no lies. Discuss whether, if you no longer have any privacy, you can really be you?

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Key course information

Date
14/01/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £11

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HP056

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

The ways in which our understanding of the self changes as codes of privacy change.
Surveillance and monitoring have increased enormously in all spheres of life, a trend that does not appear to be slowing. This has resulted in a massive transfer of personal data to commercial and state organisations. As one is monitored in whatever one does and comes to rely on services that require such monitoring, does one’s sphere of privacy shrink? What are the psychological and social effects of a lack of privacy? Are we shifting in our ways of thinking about the self, from the ‘opaque’ and private self of Descartes, to a transparent, networked self? “If you have something that you don't want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn't be doing it in the first place.” - Eric Schmidt (Google CEO)“You have zero privacy anyway … Get over it.” - Scott McNealy (Sun Microsystems).

What topics will we cover?

1) The ‘Cartesian’ boundary: privacy, identity, and anonymity.
2) Power and surveillance: who’s data & information and who's security?
3) Privacy and ‘soft Totalitarianism’.
4) Paranoia: practical and impractical.
5) Transparency as opportunity: multiple personality order?

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Explain different conceptions of ‘privacy’.
Discuss whether sharing personal data is a real threat to privacy or not.
Examine how one’s conception of the self changes one’s thinking about the value of privacy.
Evaluate your own ideas concerning the value and importance of privacy.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No prior knowledge is assumed, and the level will tend to adjust to the overall level of participants. However, a rough guide would be that of BBC Radio 3 or 4 humanities programmes such as 'In Our Time', 'Reith Lectures' or 'The Essay'. A willingness to critically and creatively engage with ideas and some basic familiarity with discussion/debate, argument, and evaluation will be beneficial.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The sessions are ‘open learning’ format - i.e., questions and discussion are not only welcomed but are central to our thinking through the topics presented. However, given the limitations of time and the different wishes and interests of participants (some engage more by listening, some more by talking), discussions may sometimes be shortened. Course topics will be covered by short verbal presentations supported by slides, including any relevant video clips. Slides and other materials will be available online. There is no set work outside of the class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No special equipment is required, other than for note-taking as preferred.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.