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851-0149-01L 2 Credits DS D-GESS

Databases - Between Fascination and Terror

Datenbanken - Verheissungen und Horrorszenarien einer Kulturtechnik (Teil 1)

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. David Gugerli
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:06:31

Abstract

The seminar discusses the precarious relation between maintenance and loss of control, between the fantasies of totalitarian governance and the joy of individual tether.

Objective

Databases are combining the fascination and the terror of any kind of surveillance. This becomes evident in all varieties of thrillers and whodunit series, and it is one of the main driving forces of the never ending debates on data security and data protection. The failure of databases might lead to the general collapse of huge technological infrastructures, whereas their success allows for the installment of customer retention programs, the management and logistics of goods in retail business or the refinement of any other marketing strategies. And vice versa. Failure and success represent the janus-faced appearance of the database. Therefore, databases provoke a whole series of questions concerning the precarious relation between maintenance and loss of control, between fantasies of totalitarian governance and the joy of individual tether.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Course material will be available underwww.tg.ethz.ch

Literature

For an extended bibliography see www.tg.ethz.ch at the beginning of the semester.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
DS

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Datenbanken - Verheissungen und Horrorszenarien einer Kulturtechnik (Teil 1)
Beginn am 31. Okt.
  • Tue 12:15-14:00 (HG E 22)
2 h weekly

Offered In