Anthropology 342 - SEM: BIOPOWER, BIOPOLITICS

Fall
2018
01
4.00
Suzanne Gottschang
T 01:00-02:50
Smith College
10438-F18
HILLYR L19
szhang@smith.edu
Topics course.: The obesity epidemic, personalized cancer treatments, and the commercialization of surrogate pregnancy represent manifestations of Foucault's conception of biopower or the regulation of the lives of individuals and populations. While institutions like law, medicine, and public health can make visible state interests in bodies and population, more indirect social processes operate to the same ends. For example, advertising and consumer products indirectly shape norms and ideals convergent with government interests. This seminar explores the workings and limitations of biopower, biopolitics, and governance through case studies drawn from anthropology.
Instructor Permission. Not open to first-years, sophomores
Permission is required for interchange registration during all registration periods.