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Diplomat, Soldier, Spy: The Deep State (ANTH20013)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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In contemporary societies, few of our activities are anonymous. From paying with credit cards to browsing the internet, an increasing amount of information is stored and processed in the interest of public safety. But who is monitoring these data, and why? Looking at ethnographic and historical analyses of new and old methods of surveillance, this subject explores the “Deep State” and its transformations over time.

Throughout the semester, we will examine the networks of economic, political, and military interests that covertly enable different forms of state surveillance. Looking ethnographically at how the experiences of diplomats, spies, and soldiers changed over time, we will understand how states adapt to the digital era—and how common citizens navigate a world without privacy. Students will be required to engage with interactive activities in order to finish this assessment.

Intended learning outcomes

Students that successfully complete the subject should

  • Have a thorough understanding of the diverse theoretical perspectives that anthropologists have brought to bear on the study of state surveillance and the state more broadly
  • Understand how to use ethnographic evidence to critically evaluate large-scale claims about privacy (or lack thereof)
  • Develop a historically nuanced awareness of the roles that states and state-surveillance have played in both creating and responding to socio-cultural change
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of the ethical and methodological challenges of 'studying up,' with a particular focus on the strengths, limitations, and challenges of conducting ethnographic fieldwork in secretive environments
  • Be able to communicate in a variety of written and oral formats and to collaborate effectively in groups with people whose disciplinary and cultural backgrounds may differ from your own.

Last updated: 15 February 2024

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 15 February 2024

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Digital Footprint Project

  • 500 words
Week 410%

Mid semester essay

  • 1500 words
Week 740%

Final research essay

  • 2000 words
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 15 February 2024

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    CoordinatorFabio Mattioli
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal of 30 contact hours: A 1.5 hour lecture and 1 hour tutorial for 12 weeks
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024
    Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024
    Census date 2 September 2024
    Last date to withdraw without fail20 September 2024
    Assessment period ends15 November 2024

    Semester 2 contact information

    fabio.mattioli@unimelb.edu.au

What do these dates mean

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Last updated: 15 February 2024

Further information

Last updated: 15 February 2024