LCST
3127

Economies of the Self

Eugene Lang College Lib Arts: Culture & Media

Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Degree Students
Economies of the Self
Spring 2027
Taught By: David Bering-Porter
Section: A

CRN: 17830

Credits: 4

[Tracks C & M] Exploring the body as a medium, this course explores how notions of the self are economized and made use of as a touchstone of power in the neoliberal era. We will look at how the self is reflected in the media that surrounds us, exploring examples from digital photography and social media (the "selfie" and more), video art, cinema, and television as well as the ways that the body and brain are often understood as a medium for the self and for subjectivity. To frame how contemporary notions of the self came to be, we will read historical texts from philosophy and psychology, anthropology and economics. Topics and case studies will include questions of the self in popular media and art, theories of narcissism, biopolitics, and psychopharmacology. [Tracks C & M]

Prerequisites: No Prerequisites
Co-Requisites: No Co-requisites

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

Repeat Limit: N/A

Add/Drop Deadline: February 2, 2027 (Tuesday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 14, 2027 (Wednesday)

Seats Available: Yes

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: 10:42pm EDT 10/8/2026

Meeting Info:
Days: Monday, Wednesday
Times: 2:00pm - 3:40pm
Building: TBD
Room: TBD
Date Range: 1/20/2027 - 5/11/2027