UWAS-C0055 - Design for the Posthuman Era, Lecture, 10.1.2022-14.2.2022

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Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Through this course, students are expected to:

  • Become familiar with the philosophy of posthumanism
  • Discuss the future role of the human, while considering also the nonhuman actors in a geopolitical, but also in an eco-philosophical manner
  • Develop an understanding of theoretical frameworks focused on the relation between technology and humans, and their implications for the design of technology.
  • Get acquainted with design thinking methods that foster creativity and alternative thinking.
  • Critically reflect on the challenges and opportunities associated with the design of future technology.
  • Gain a first-hand experience of technology design process
  • Collaborate with others in order to solve a transdisciplinary design project.

Credits: 3

Schedule: 10.01.2022 - 14.02.2022

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Eva Durall Gazulla, Jana Pejoska, Maria Villa Largacha

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Throughout the history of thought, design and technology, technology has been frequently regarded as a way to transform the human condition. Current approaches like posthumanism question what does it mean to be human, while formulating new concepts around the human condition. These considerations of the roles of humanity in the environmental and socio technical sphere, provide a base from which we can reflect the current and future approaches to the design of technology.  By understanding the types of agencies that these entities have, the designers or creators of new technologies can develop corresponding design methods and practices that better address the challenges that we face on the planet.

    Throughout the course, participants will get familiar with theories of posthumanism, transhumanism, systems thinking and design thinking methods. Practical tools and methods for the design challenge will be offered for hands-on activities that help acquire a first hand experience on what it means to design technological systems where the distinction between humans and technologies is not that clear anymore. 

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Students will be evaluated based on their participation and input throughout the course. In addition, the group project which is expected to be presented at the end of the course will have a central role in the evaluation. This project will be assessed by peers and the teachers in charge. In order to ensure transparency on the evaluation criteria, students will have access to the rubric to assess their performance throughout the course.

    Also, students will be asked to create a learning portfolio throughout the course. The learning portfolios are important tools for supporting reflection and capturing changes in the students thinking about the issues discussed during the course.  Students will receive specific guidance for the elaboration of the learning portfolios, which will be inspired by self-ethnography methods.

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The total amount of hours of the course is 81h (3 credits). The work hours are distributed as follows:

    • 16h of lectures
    • 10 hours of individual work (reading and assignments)
    • 45 hours of group work
    • 10 hours of reflection

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The study materials will consist in seminal works, recent publications and works from art, design research and practice, ethics of design and technology, as well as works from philosophy. Attention to diversity (gender, geographical context, format) will be paid to the selection of readings and materials.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    UWAS course selection criteria: Registration order is not the primary selection criteria for this course. In order to ensure that students from different programs and schools of Aalto University may take UWAS courses, the selection is also based on the variety of students' disciplines. Master's students are also welcome.

    Teaching Period:

    2020-2021 Spring III

    2021-2022 Spring III

    Course Homepage: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=UWAS-C0055

    Registration for Courses: Sisu replaces Oodi on 9 August, 2021. Priority order to courses is according to the order of priority decided by the Academic committee for School of Arts, Design and Architecture: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/registering-to-courses-and-the-order-of-priority-in-aalto-arts

    WebOodi

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof