MUO-E8048 - Systems Thinking, Lecture, 24.10.2023-1.12.2023

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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

After completing the course, students

  • Understand the basic properties of socio-ecological systems
  • Are able to define and discuss the key concepts related to systems thinking in the context of design.
  • Understand basic principles of regenerative design and to be able to use them to approach design activities.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 24.10.2023 - 01.12.2023

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Mikko Jalas

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:

    The course addresses socio-ecological systems and changes in systems over time. It introduces theoretical foundations of systems thinking and multi-dimensional interdependencies of sustainability. Key notions are derived from complex adaptive systems and transition theories. These concepts are used to analyse design approaches towards sustainability and to learn to anticipate unintended consequences of sustainability solutions.

    Lectures

    Peer-to-peer teaching: Students read an assigned book and prepare a presentation for the class

    Readings: Readings are used throughout the course to support classroom activities, a course essay, and exercises. Students write summaries of the readings and expand on their significance for design activities in a learning diary.

    Course essay: Students write an independent argumentative essay in which they address a key concern of their field of activity from a systems perspective

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Course essay, active presence in class and in online platforms, learning diary, peer-to-peer teaching.

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    6 ECTS = 162 hour

    - Lectures 36 h

    - Essay 24 h

    - Teamwork 30 h

    - Learning diary 16h

    - Literature, individual work 40h

    - Course feedback 1h

    - Personal reflection 15h

DETAILS

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Autumn II
    2023-2024 Autumn II

    Enrollment :

    Registration for courses: in Sisu. Maximum amount of students 55. Order of selection: 1. Creative Sustainability master students 2. Creative Sustainability minor students 3. Other master's programmes at Department of Design.

    First priority is also given to students in the BA programme of Design who have been selected to enter the Creative Sustainability studies.

    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-at-aalto-arts 

     

     

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