Dataism
Clemens Apprich
Institute of Fine Arts and Media Art, Media Theory
2023W, scientific seminar (SEW), 4.0 ECTS, 2.0 semester hours, course number S04797
Description
What is data? And how do contemporary forms of dataism shape the ways we measure, abstract, and categorize ourselves and the world around us? This course begins by considering recent approaches to data in contemporary media and social theory, especially the belief that all areas of life can – and should – be transformed into quantifiable data. But beyond computers, statistics, and machine learning, this course will explore how computational imaginaries and data paradigms seep into other areas of cultural and political life. This includes ideas about bodily capacities, sexuality, race, wellness, attention, and intelligence, as well as emergent pharmacological regimes and rituals that utilize data to animate new self-making projects and projects of social reproduction.
Extending datafication debates (e.g. van Dijck, Couldry/Mejias, Gitelman), the semester will examine the proliferation of data-driven substances and vitalities – from (smart) drugs and wellness apps to neurotech devices and mood conditioning practices – including the habitual, experimental, and prescriptive ways that these substances enter our bodies and milieux. In addition to readings, lectures, screenings, and site visits, the class will create a collaborative pharmacopeia that identifies and explains the key substances in our contemporary data pharmacy.
Examination Modalities
Students will contribute to a collaborative pharmacopeia, including a creative project and critical essay. The final essay (ca. 15.000 characters, including spaces and footnotes, but excluding appendices, references, or figures) is due by the end of the term. The essay should demonstrate a critical engagement with the topic of the lecture, applying the discussed literature. Examples will be provided in class.
Comments
The lecture will be held in English. Essays/book reviews can be submitted in English or German. A detailed course outline with assigned readings will be made available online.
This course is taught together with Joshua Neves from Concordia University. In preparation of the seminar, have a look at Joshua's recent publication on Technopharmacology.
Key Words
media theory, critical data studies, pharmacology, medientheorie
Dates
11 October 2023, 14:30–16:00 Seminar Room 33 (preliminary discussion)
25 October 2023, 12:30–16:00 Seminar Room 33
08 November 2023, 12:30–16:00 Seminar Room 33
29 November 2023, 12:30–16:00 Seminar Room 33
13 December 2023, 12:30–16:00 Seminar Room 33
24 January 2024, 10:00–16:00 Seminar Room 33
Course Enrolment
Via online registration
Curriculum Allocation
Art Education: subject kkp (Bachelor): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 067/003.80
Art Education: subject kkp (Bachelor): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: IT: Bachelorseminar Wissenschaftliche Praxis 067/003.85
Art Education: subject kkp (Bachelor): Schwerpunkt Digitale Grundbildung (DGB): Wissenschaftliche Praxis 067/020.20
Art Education: subject kkp (Master): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: Lehrveranstaltung nach Wahl aus wissenschaftlicher Praxis, SE 067/003.80
Art Education: subject kkp (additional subject): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 067/003.80
Art Education: subject tex (Master): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: Lehrveranstaltung nach Wahl aus wissenschaftlicher Praxis, SE 071/003.80
Art Education: subject tex (additional subject): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 071/003.80
Art Education: subject dae (Master): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: Lehrveranstaltung nach Wahl aus wissenschaftlicher Praxis, SE 072/003.80
Art Education: subject dae (additional subject): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 072/003.80
Art Education: subject dex (Bachelor): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 074/003.80
Art Education: subject dex (Bachelor): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: IT: Bachelorseminar Wissenschaftliche Praxis 074/003.85
Art Education: subject dex (Bachelor): Schwerpunkt Digitale Grundbildung (DGB): Wissenschaftliche Praxis 074/020.20
Art Education: subject dex (Master): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: Lehrveranstaltung nach Wahl aus wissenschaftlicher Praxis, SE 074/003.80
Art Education: subject dex (additional subject): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 074/003.80
TransArts - Transdisciplinary Arts (Bachelor): Theoretical foundations: Theoretical foundations 180/003.01
Expanded Museum Studies (Master): Electives: Media Theory 537/080.20
Stage Design (2. Section): Medientechnik: Geschichte, Theorie und Ästhetik von Film und Medienkunst 542/206.01
Media Arts: Specialisation in Transmedia Arts (2. Section): Wissenschaft, Theorie und Geschichte : Medientheorie, Mediengeschichte 566/208.02
Media Arts: Specialisation in Digital Arts (2. Section): Wissenschaft, Theorie, Geschichte: Medientheorie, Mediengeschichte 567/208.02
Studies in Art and Culture (Master): Electives Area 2: Media Theory 568/006.11
Cross-Disciplinary Strategies (Master): Study Areas 1-3: Study Area 2: Science and Technology 569/020.02
Design: Specialisation in Graphic Design (2. Section): Theoretical Basics: Media Theory and Semiotics 576/203.05
Design: Specialisation in Communication Design (2. Section): Methodological and Theoretical Basics: Media Theory and Semiotics 577/203.05
Conservation and Restoration (2. Section): Geisteswissenschaften: Kunst- und Kulturgeschichte 588/204.10
Fine Arts (2. Section): Scientific and Research Practice: Media Theory,Art&Knowledge Transfer,Th. of Architecture,Th. and Hist. of Design 605/202.02
Fine Arts (2. Section): Scientific and Research Practice: Free Electives out of Scientific and Research Practice 605/202.80
Design: Specialisation in Applied Photography and Time-based Media (2. Section): Methodological and Theoretical Basics: Humanities 626/203.02
Cross-Disciplinary Strategies (Bachelor): Science and Technology: Deepening / Application 700/002.20
Co-registration: possible
Attending individual courses: possible