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Databases - Between Fascination and Terror
Datenbanken - Verheissungen und Horrorszenarien einer Kulturtechnik (Teil 2)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:17
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.
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 2)
nur für Teilnehmende von Teil 1
Daten: 24.5.07 (9-17 Uhr) und 25.5.07 (9-13 Uhr)
Ort: ETH ADM A4
|
No time listed | 11 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (In order to be awarded credits, please register under "Pflichtwahlfach GESS"!. The language courses are offered by the ETH and University of Zurich Language Center.)
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Compulsory Electives GESS (Categorically all students at ETH Zurich are required to obtain 8 credit points (ECTS) within the frame of this elective course program throughout their studies; 6 credit points during the bachelor and 2 for the master. Some of the lectures are part of other departments’ curricula. Further information can be found in the course catalog or at the particular student offices.)
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