Speculative Systems (ABPL90147)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Stanislav Roudavski (Subject Coordinator)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This seminar explores technology in relationship to nature, culture and design. Its core goal is to critically consider future design practice and values, knowledge, skills, communities, learning behaviours and forms of resistance that are of relevance to future practitioners.
The seminar engages with creative, speculative, imaginative, critical and aesthetic aspects of technology. It does so by analysing a broad range of computational and other practices including generative design, textual or visual programming, electronics and mechatronics, robotics, digital fabrication, game design, interactive and new media art, dynamic modelling, simulation and visualisation, interactive and distributed systems, forms of autonomy and artificial intelligence, self-organisation and self-assembly, material computing, cyborgs, singularities and even extra-terrestrial creativity.
The teaching method combines reading and class discussions with individually tailored speculative research methods where students are encouraged to develop and investigate future-oriented projects motivated by their own long-term personal goals.
As an opportunity for an in-depth exploration, the seminar can be used to develop themes for the subsequent Design Thesis or topics for the Master and PhD programs. Beyond this, the outcome of this course can be used to inform design/art projects, support research within professional practices or lay foundations for innovative career paths and business models.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject students should have developed:
- Familiarity with the current conceptual thinking in regard to natural, technical and cultural systems.
- Critical understanding of the creative opportunities emerging from science, technology and computation.
- Critical awareness of the role design plays in complex, hybrid ecologies.
- Understanding of collaboration with non-human creative agencies (algorithms, machines, materials and living entities).
- Ability to define research and implement innovative, future-oriented projects.
- Ability to plan personal development in the light of current trends and possible futures.
Generic skills
On completion of the subject students should have developed:
- critical thinking and analytical skills
- skills in information gathering and critical synthesis
- skills in developing comprehension of complex concepts and the ability to express them orally and in writing
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Conceptual, design and artistic skills; ability to conduct independent research. Students with established personal activities in design, creative writing, art, political or environmental activism are especially welcome. Technical and digital skills are a bonus.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- Evidence of individual reading and research, evidence of analysis of assigned readings, active participation in class discussions, acting as a leader of at least two in-class discussions; ongoing throughout semester (10%);
- Initial research proposal, up to 300 words and in-class presentation supported by images and references; due in week 03 (10%);
- Essay draft of up to 1500 words, demonstrating familiarity with key concepts , creative opportunities and the role of design ; due Week 4 (20%);
- Final essay of up to 5000 words, developed from the 1500-word draft, demonstrating learning outcomes as defined in the requirements for the draft as well as an understanding of collaborative creativity, description of an innovative project and plan of further work; due end of semester (60%).
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Stanislav Roudavski Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Stanislav Roudavski (Subject Coordinator)
Time commitment details
170 Hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Architecture Course Master of Architecture Major 300 point Master of Architecture Major 200 point Master of Architecture - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
This subject has a Quota and priority will be given to UoM students
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022