Surveillance, Technology and Control (L4109B)

30 credits, Level 6

Spring teaching

In this module, you'll examine key developments and controversies in surveillance and security.

You'll focus on the deployment of surveillance in diverse contexts including:

• crime control
• national security
• welfare
• border control
• consumption.

You'll be introduced to a range of historical, theoretical and empirical contexts that advance your understanding and the critical analysis of surveillance in society.

Through specific case studies, including DNA databases; the Snowden Affair; the 'internet of things' and military surveillance, you are encouraged to analyse contemporary surveillance trends in the light of shifting constellations of power, politics, resistance and control.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 267 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.