The Matrix Trilogy: Social Theory and Science Fiction

High-quality science fiction movies tell stories about individual freedom, self-discovery, self-determination, and agency in modern society. The MATRIX Trilogy will provide the primary example of this, as a story about alienation in modern society. Additional movies we will discuss include Aeonflux, Casshern, Dark City, Dune, The Truman Show, They Live, and V for Vendetta). My working hypothesis is that THE MATRIX is best understood as an effort to incite viewers to formulate and ponder questions pertaining to the nature and possibility of knowledge about societal reality, as it is molded by our relations to our own selves, each other, modern, western industrialized societies, and the current global condition–questions that would not occur to us, and which we would not want to consider, without instigation.

This seminar is tentatively scheduled to meet during Full Session on W from 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm.

Note: Please check the official timetable for the most up-to-date information about meeting times and locations and availability.

About the professor

Harry Dahms
Studied at the University of Konstanz (Germany) and at the New School for Social Research (New York). Taught at Florida State University, Tallahassee (1993-2004) and at University of Goettingen (Germany; 1999-2000). At University of Tennessee since 2004. Areas: social theory, globalization, economic and society; social inequality; social justice; basic income.

Contact Information

Email: hdahms@utk.edu
Phone: 974-7028
Webpage: http://web.utk.edu/~utsocdep/faculty/dahms.htm