From worries about digital surveillance, to the widespread dissemination of misinformation, we live in a paranoid age. But technological anxiety and mistrust are hardly new to our culture. We will see how emerging media technologies have been met with fear throughout history—from beliefs that early electronic media such as radio could contact other worlds, to contemporary concerns about how corporations and governments track our every behavior. We will trace how popular media such as film have represented paranoia, from 1950s science fiction to 1970s thrillers, and conclude by examining how paranoia is central to so much of today’s popular culture and political discourse. Central to our exploration will be an examination of how our understanding of “reality” has shifted alongside our adaptation of emerging technologies.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 20

Prerequisites: None.

Distribution Requirements: ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered; Spring