… From Propaganda to Paranoia is the new online seminar being taught by friend Douglas Rushkoff. It’s a version of his much respected and sought after New York University syllabus. if you have the time and money, get thee over there. It’s a powerful introduction into why we think as we do, the market and media forces that shape our thinking and how we can combat those forces. Notes Douglas in his summary of the seminar:
We will first study the fundamentals of persuasion, influence, psychology and coercion, and then look at how they have been adapted for use in interactive contexts. I’m particularly interested in looking at the relative media capabilities of people and their would-be “controllers,” and to determine whether the “masses” ever seize the true potential of the technologies being offered them.We will study a broad range of applications, from simple marketing to political campaigns, activism, and satire – and we will discuss the ethics of using these techniques for different purposes. We will look at the propagandistic use of technology and futurism by both governments and corporations in their effort to “create” future scenarios favorable to their interests.
Readings will include Coercion and Media Virus by Rushkoff, as well as writings by Adorno, Richard Barbrook, Edward Bernays, Norbert Weiner, Walter Benjamin, MoveOn, RtMark, and etoy, We will also watch Rushkoff’s documentaries, Merchants of Cool and The Persuaders, as well as Adam Curtis film Century of the Self. Although students with all ranges of interests are welcome to take the course, be forewarned: the seminar will be structured to allow for a highly critical analysis of the role that marketing and influence techniques have played in both online and offline society. (You may not be able to go back to your job at the advertising agency after this.)
Personally, I can think of no greater place to learn about these issues that not only define our times, but how we come to our opinions about our times.
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