PS: It was once revealed to me in a dream – Rechtliche Grundlagen in der Digitalität

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Building on foundational knowledge of copyright law, privacy and data protection, the right to one’s own image, freedom of expression, and artistic freedom, this proseminar critically examines current developments and debates surrounding digitality. Particular attention is given to digital cultures and their social, political, and educational dimensions. The proseminar combines an engagement with legal frameworks with critical reflection and practical application. We will explore how copyright, image rights, and data protection shape digital practices, artistic work, education, and teaching, as well as the forms of agency and possibility that emerge within these frameworks. Rather than simply acquiring knowledge of legal regulations, students will develop an understanding of their broader social and political contexts and learn to critically examine their implications. A particular focus is placed on digital self-defense: How can we navigate digital spaces in self-determined ways, protect our rights and personal data, and engage critically and responsibly with digital platforms and technologies? Through concrete examples, current developments, and connections to their own practices, students will develop strategies for a conscious and empowered engagement with digitality. The seminar takes students’ own educational and artistic practices as points of departure, alongside broader questions concerning the everyday use of digital practices and technologies. It provides a collaborative space for learning and discussion in which we engage with readings and case studies, share experiences and digital resources, develop our own research questions, and discuss current events and debates related to digitality. Key topics: Copyright, image rights, and the right to one’s own image Open Internet Culture and digital commons Privacy, surveillance, and surveillance capitalism Platform capitalism and digital cultures Media literacy / media fluency Artistic freedom, censorship, and content moderation Artificial intelligence (AI) Digital self-defense and self-determined engagement with digital technologies Examination Modalities: This is a course with continuous assessment. Active participation: 20% Research and reading preparation: 20% Short presentation: 30% Final essay: 30% Key Words: Digitale Kulturen, Urheberrecht, Datenschutz, Digitalität, Spätkapitalismus, Diskussion, Kunst im Internet, Copyright, Kulturpolitik Dates: Thu, 08 October 2026, 14:00–17:00 Thu, 22 October 2026, 14:00–17:00 Thu, 05 November 2026, 14:00–17:00 Thu, 19 November 2026, 14:00–17:00 Thu, 26 November 2026, 14:00–17:00 Thu, 03 December 2026, 14:00–17:00 Thu, 17 December 2026, 14:00–17:00 Thu, 14 January 2027, 14:00–17:00 Thu, 21 January 2027, 14:00–17:00, "class session may be canceled due to final degree examinations." Course Enrolment: From 31 August 2026, 09:00 Via online registration

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