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
In this course, you will learn:
- to observe, explore/unpack, and discuss these relationships between socio-ecological developments and work
- to understand different ways films portray, represent, or construct the relationship between work and nature
- to identify and contextualize ideologies in these representations
- to articulate what you consider meaningful work for yourself in the contemporary era
- to express, build on, and argue your own perspectives through class discussions, visual- and text-mediated reflections.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 01.03.2021 - 31.03.2021
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Inês Simões De Brito Peixoto, Tim Smith, Tiina Taipale
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Inês Simões De Brito Peixoto, Tim Smith, Tiina Taipale
Contact information for the course (valid 27.01.2021-21.12.2112):
Inês Peixoto (main contact) ines.peixoto@aalto.fi
Tiina Taipale tiina.taipale@aalto.fi
Please use the detailed syllabus (pdf) available in the main page.
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Do you enjoy watching films, movies and documentaries? Are you worried about the ways complex environmental problems are changing our environment and future?
In the course, we use films to tease out and construct the relations between work and the Anthropocene. The Anthropocene refers to industrial and capitalistic forms of wealth production that have caused profound changes in the ecosystems that support (human) life on the Earth. How have we entered, how do we exist, and how can we exit the Anthropocene? Answering these questions offers clues for eco-social change. We position films at the core of this course to scrutinize, question, construct, and make visible our agency as creative workers in this contemporary era.
The course has four main aims:
- First, we use films to illuminate the relationship between ecosystems and work, working life, and labour in the context of the Anthropocene.
- Second, we unpack how films portray and construct social reality with the support of theories from social sciences and environmental humanities.
- Third, we learn to examine and evaluate social developments related to work and the Anthropocene.
- Fourth, we develop creativity and reflexivity, and strengthen agency as workers, citizens, and members of ecosystems.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
- Attendance of a minimum of 8 out of 11 course sessions (includes screenings, discussion/lecture, and workshop sessions)
- Handing in individual or group assignments - all assignments need “pass” grade
Applies in this implementation:
Assessment methods (update)
Requirements for the “pass”
grade:- Attend at least 8 out
of 10 course sessions - Hand in all assignments with “pass” grade (1 pre-assignment, 4 intermediate assignments, and 1 final assignment)
- Active participation
in the discussion/workshop sessions and in the collective learning activities
- Attend at least 8 out
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Total working load: 5 ECTS x 27 hours = 135 hours
Contact teaching (30h) and independent work (105h)
Attendance of 8 out of 11 sessions is required.
Applies in this implementation:
Expected workload
Contact learning:
30 h (course sessions)Independent
work: 105 h, of which- Individual preparation for the course sessions: 12h
- Intermediate assignments: 20h
- Final assignment: 73h
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
- Selection of films related to course topics to be screened during class.
- Selection of readings in the fields of social sciences and environmental humanities (made available to students in advance).
- Supplementary materials provided in class to support and motivate reflection and creative thinking and help develop students assignments.
Applies in this implementation:
Readings, videos, and extra materials will be available in the Materials section of the course page.
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
None
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
1 No Poverty
2 Zero Hunger
3 Good Health and Well-being
6 Clean Water and Sanitation
7 Affordable and Clean Energy
8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 Responsible Production and Consumption
13 Climate Action
14 Life Below Water
15 Life on Land
FURTHER INFORMATION
Details on the schedule
Applies in this implementation:
Please check the detailed schedule and sessions information in the pdf version of the Syllabus available in the course home page.