Machines, Capital, and the Posthuman (Deposit)

$100.00

This small-group seminar led via Zoom by a PhD-level instructor explores the entanglements of technology, society, and identity in the contemporary world. Through discussion-based sessions, we explore questions of power, creativity, labor, and resistance, considering what it might mean to live, think, and act in a capitalist, AI-powered world.

Virtual Seminars Thursdays 6-9pm EST: 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, & 4/30

Enrollment is limited to maintain the intimacy and rigor of discussion.

This small-group seminar led via Zoom by a PhD-level instructor explores the entanglements of technology, society, and identity in the contemporary world. Through discussion-based sessions, we explore questions of power, creativity, labor, and resistance, considering what it might mean to live, think, and act in a capitalist, AI-powered world.

Virtual Seminars Thursdays 6-9pm EST: 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, & 4/30

Enrollment is limited to maintain the intimacy and rigor of discussion.

Course Description

This private seminar explores the entanglements of technology, society, and identity in the contemporary world. Drawing on Donna Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto, Mark Fisher’s Capitalist Realism, and critical perspectives on AI and automation, participants examine how human, technological, and economic systems co-constitute one another. Through discussion-based sessions, we explore questions of power, creativity, labor, and resistance, considering what it might mean to live, think, and act in a capitalist, AI-powered world. Far from abstract theory, this seminar encourages reflection, debate, and imaginative thinking about the ethical and political stakes of our increasingly technologized lives.

Enrollment is limited to maintain the intimacy and rigor of discussion.

Logistics & Registration

Format: Meets once per week for 3 hours on Zoom for 4 weeks (live, discussion-based).

Capacity: 7–15 participants max to maintain an intimate learning environment.

Structure: Reading- and discussion-based; participants are expected to complete assigned readings between sessions.

Reflections: Participants are asked to email a brief reflection after each class to cultivate a closer, more engaged relationship with the instructor and enhance discussion in subsequent sessions.

Certificate of Completion: Participants who attend all sessions and submit their reflections will receive a Certificate of Completion acknowledging their engagement in the seminar. This is not academic credit, but a record of your participation and learning.

Pricing & Access:

A $100 non-refundable deposit reserves your spot. This deposit is applied toward your chosen tier price, and the remaining balance is due two weeks before the first session in order to receive the Zoom link and syllabus.

Tier Price Who it’s for / How to think about it

Premium $550 ($450 after deposit) Participants who can comfortably pay more and are willing to subsidize the space for others.

Standard $450 ($350 after deposit) Typical rate for most participants who can pay but not at the top tier.

Accessible $350 ($250 after deposit) Participants with limited financial resources.

Scholarship: One spot is covered by scholarship per course; please inquire and explain your need in the attached form. Scholarship recipients still must pay the required $100 deposit to secure their spot.

FAQ

1. Do I need prior knowledge or expertise?
No! These seminars are designed for curious, engaged participants, not for people who already “know everything.” Your questions, reflections, and perspectives are what make the discussion rich.

2. What is expected of participants?
Participants should complete the assigned readings, attend each live session, and submit a brief reflection after each class. This reflection is a short email or note to help you process ideas, answer any questions that came up for you in class, and foster a closer engagement with the seminar and instructor.

3. How large are the seminars?
Each seminar is limited to 7–15 participants, ensuring an intimate and interactive environment where everyone can contribute.

4. What is the format?
Seminars meet once per week for 3 hours on Zoom. Sessions are discussion-based and encourage active participation.

5. How does the pricing work?
We use tiered pricing ($350–$550) so participants can choose a price that fits their financial situation. One scholarshipped spot is also available for applicants who would otherwise be unable to participate.

6. What is the registration process?
A $100 non-refundable registration fee is required to hold your spot. The remaining balance is due one week before the first session, when you will receive the Zoom link.

7. What if I can’t attend a session?
We ask that you commit to attending all sessions. Because seminars are small and discussion-based, missing a session can disrupt the flow. If you anticipate a scheduling conflict, please contact the instructor before registering.

8. I’m nervous I’m not “smart enough.” Should I still apply?
Yes! These seminars are about curiosity, engagement, and reflection, not prior knowledge or experience. Participants with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences are what enrich our conversations. 

9. Are these seminars suitable for professionals, students, or lifelong learners?
All of the above! The seminars are designed for anyone who wants to engage deeply with the material, whether you’re in school, working professionally, or learning independently.

10. Can I get a certificate or academic credit?

Participants who attend all sessions and submit reflections will receive a Certificate of Completion acknowledging their engagement. This is not formal academic credit, but it provides a record of your participation and learning.