LCST
2234

Radical Software

Eugene Lang College Lib Arts: Culture & Media

Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Degree Students
Radical Software
Fall 2024
Taught By: Rory Solomon
Section: A

CRN: 17140

Credits: 4

This hybrid theory/practice seminar will trace the history of radical, activist, and countercultural uses of software and digital technology. From the milieu surrounding the Whole Earth Catalog, to hacker collectives such as Anonymous, to recent art and activism, we will explore efforts that have attempted to deploy software and its networks as anti-authoritarian or counter-hegemonic techniques. We will examine concepts that undergird the commitments of such actions, such as liberalism, freedom, sovereignty, and direct action. And we will consider industry discourse to ask whether and how we might distinguish between radical software and corporate marketing messages around “disruption.” Readings will include texts by authors such as Mackenzie Wark, Fred Turner, Gabriella Coleman, Alex Galloway, and Ruha Benjamin. Coursework will include hands-on projects comprised of creative and critical use and misuse of software and computer code. No prior computer programming experience is necessary.

College: Eugene Lang College Lib Arts (LC)

Department: Culture & Media (CAM)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 18

Add/Drop Deadline: September 9, 2024 (Monday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: November 17, 2024 (Sunday)

Seats Available: Yes

* Seats available but reserved for a specific population.

Status: Open*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 3:06am EDT 3/19/2024

Meeting Info:
Days: Tuesday, Thursday
Times: 12:00pm - 1:40pm
Building: TBD
Room: TBD
Date Range: 8/26/2024 - 12/15/2024