Topics In Anthropology (390-0-42)

Topic

The State of Techno Capitalism

Instructors

Pariroo Rattan

Meeting Info

555 Clark B01: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

In this course we will rethink two classical ideas—the state and capitalism— in light of contemporary technological change. We move beyond treating technology as a neutral tool and instead analyze it as a social, political, and cultural force that actively reorganizes and is reorganized by power, labor, governance, capital, and everyday life. We explore topics such as the rise of the tech-billionaire class, platform economies and gig work, bureaucracy, algorithmic systems, misinformation, e-governance, environmental regulation, smart cities as intertwined sociotechnical systems rather than isolated innovations. Through comparative works from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the United States,  the course sheds light on the global political economy while attending to national differences, local histories and cultures. We will also explore how social actors resist, subvert and contest technological power to imagine alternative futures. The course equips students with classical frameworks and critical conceptual tools for analyzing the intertwining of technology, politics, and economy in modern life. 

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Anthropology majors and minors until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites.