This unit contains mature or sensitive content and may not be suitable for some students.
Surveillance from Modernity to the Present
UndergraduateUNE-HIST3902027
Course information for 2027 intake
Surveillance has long been tied to social control, power and security. Connect changing technologies and institutions with questions about power, privacy, security and everyday life.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Enrol by
- 21 Feb 2027
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Start dates
- 22 Feb 2027
- Price from
- $2,553
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Surveillance from Modernity to the Present
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the history of surveillance, contemporary surveillance practices and their relationship;
- critically analyse and evaluate theories of surveillance and apply them to solving historical and contemporary problems;
- find, evaluate and synthesise evidence effectively and autonomously to support well-developed arguments; and
- use academic writing and oral presentation skills to communicate ideas, demonstrating autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
Surveillance is a key element of modern social control and a growing focus of public concern and resistance. In this subject, you examine how new digital technologies such as widespread cameras, data tracking and Global Positioning System (GPS)-enabled monitoring shape everyday life and fuel debates about privacy, security and power. You also consider the ways popular culture amplifies surveillance’s darker implications.
You take a longer historical view to understand how surveillance becomes an essential way of knowing and governing society and fighting crime. Using the approach of historical criminology, you trace major developments in surveillance across the last two centuries, including the panopticon, the bureaucratic state, surveillance capitalism and ‘artificial intelligence’. You identify key shifts in both the theory and practice of surveillance, as well as evolving forms of resistance. By connecting historical patterns to current practices, you build a more critical understanding of surveillance’s importance and its dangers in the present.
Assessment 1 - Assurance Task 1: 5 minute presentation, 5 minute Q+A. Relates to Learning Outcome 1-4;
Students must pass both Assurance Task 1 and 2 in order to pass the unit and must meet all other passing requirements of the unit.
Assessment 2: Written Assessment: 2000 words (equivalent). Relates to Learning Outcome 1-4;.
Assessment 3: Final Examination - Assurance Task 2: 2 hrs. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4.
Students must pass both Assurance Task 1 and 2 in order to pass the unit and must meet all other passing requirements of the unit.
There is a supervised exam during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.
UNE manages supervised exams associated with your UNE subjects. Prior to census date, UNE releases exam timetables. They’ll email important exam information directly to your UNE email address.- Assessment 1 - Assurance Task 1: 5 minute presentation, 5 minute Q+A (20%)
- Assessment 2: Written Assessment (40%)
- Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- UNE-CRM-DEG-2027 - Bachelor of Criminology
Others
Candidature in Bachelor of Criminology.
To enrol in this subject you will need to have passed 12 credit points of previous study in CRIM, HIST, or SOCY coded subjects.
Please note as UNE results are released after the close of enrolment date, your enrolment into this subject will be withdrawn if you do not receive a satisfactory result for these subjects.
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. For additional information please visit UNE Hardware Requirements: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Other requirements -
Textbook requirements:
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateUNE-CRM-DEG