1. Use quotations from the Readings (for essays that have two or more readings, there needs to be quotations from each of the readings)
2. Write your own ideas (not ideas copied from the internet)
3. Please answer all the questions mentioned in the prompts
4. If have any question don’t be hesitated to ask me for clarification
Thank you
Literature 101 Papers:
1. Psychopolitics Paper
Readings:Psychopolitics by Byung-chul Han, The Transparency Society by Byung-chul Han
I would like each paper to have at least one thought you have never had before. This could be an insight or analytical approach you have never used, use of a concept that is new to you, a framework for analysis you have never used, etc. Underline the new thought(s) in the paper.
Referring to Psychopolitics and The Transparency Society (our final reading; a 49-page-long book), write an analysis of how Han uses transparency and what is at the heart of his critique of transparency.
Psychopolitics describes a new mode of control. Write a short essay describing a program for evading or escaping the regime of control it describes.
Write an evaluation of idiotism in Psychopolitics. (Consider bringing in Adornian or Marxist perspectives).
If you disagree with the claims made in Psychopolitics about either positivity, gamification, or Big Data, write a refutation of Han’s position (on one of these). Make sure to speculate on how Han might respond to your refutation.
2. Last Short Paper
Readings : Psychopolitics by Byung-chul Han, The Transparency Society by Byung-chul Han, In the Swarm
Using the analysis of internet and data culture developed in Byung-chul Han’s work—Psychopolitics and The Transparency Society were assigned, and another short book you could consult if you want extra reading—In the Swarm: Digital Prospects-- is in FILES-- write a short analytical evaluation of your own internet habits. If you feel that Han’s diagnosis doesn’t apply to you, either specify where and why you disagree with his analysis or how you managed to escape the consequences he describes. Unlike other essays (except the very first essay on Capitalist Realism), it is OK to be personal in this one.
Your essay is not expected to reflect anything besides the Tuesday lecture content, and any reading other than Psychopolitics and The Transparency Society and other assigned work in the course. In the Swarm (linked here) is there as an option.
3. Marxist Feminism / Marxism Race Paper
Reading: Mistaken Identity by Asad Haider
All topics presume a thorough comprehension of course readings for this week and last, and the papers should give evidence of this.
Discuss Haider’s critique of “victim” discourse in Mistaken Identity. This is a critique that has also been made of certain strains of feminism. Do you agree or disagree with the critique of “victim” discourse. Why?