Interfaces for Sustainability

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Optional electives: Knowledge Systems for Sustainability: 200-level: Interfaces for Sustainability
Leerdoelen	*understand potential of distributed knowledge co-creation (incl. citizen science) and the role of interfaces *connect design and epistemology to behavioural and data issues in interfaces *assess the potential of current interfaces, thereby reflect ing on the societal and ethical implications of information technology *collaborate with partner in the field to assess and improve an existing interface *understand how models of science-society relations are instantiated in different interfaces and assess the consequences of this *propose ways to instigate sustainable social change through scientific knowledge and lead and influence others in various academic and non-academic settings
Omschrijving	In this course, we look at knowledge and its importance for sustainability by focusing on interfaces. In many instances, we think knowledge is important for finding solutions to global challenges. For example, we think it is important to raise awareness (increase people’s knowledge), we think policy-makers should listen to experts (evidence-based policy), and we think that more knowledge will lead to better solutions to global challenges (innovation through knowledge). But how we do we concretely encounter knowledge? Where do we get it from, and how? This is where interfaces come in. On a technical level, we can think of an interface as a device that enables a user to communicate with a computer. More conceptually, an interface is a point where a subject interacts with a system. We will look at interfaces as being in-between, as constituting what gives access to knowledge systems. Three types of interfaces will be examined: system interfaces, data interfaces and physical interfaces. Across these types of interfaces, we will dive into data visualisations (maps, infographics), into apps crowd-sourcing knowledge using the walkthrough method, and visit physical locations where science and technology can be encountered (smart cities, labs, science parks, visitor centres).
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm	lecture, self-study (The perspective from Knowledge Systems addresses the challenge of converting our present socio-technical world to a more sustainable one. It provides students with a thorough understanding of science and technology studies approaches to science and knowledge infrastructures for sustainability, with)
Toetsvorm	Assignment, Exam, Project, Reflection paper (The course will provide you with conceptual frameworks to understand the place of knowledge in society. Short assignments (one-minute essays and worksheets) and a final exam will help you consolidate your knowledge. The course will also enable you to tackle concrete challenges. This will be the occasion to develop skills and put your knowledge in practice. One of the assignments is to create a ‘better’ interface for a stakeholder. A second assignment will focus on analysing and improving an infographic.)
Vaksoort	bachelor
Coördinator	Prof. Dr. J.A. Beaulieu
Docent(en)	Prof. Dr. J.A. Beaulieu
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs Environmental Visualizations: Framing and Reframing between Science, Policy and Society’. Environmental Science & Policy 114 (December): 497–505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2020.09.011. Beek, Lisette van, Tamara Metze, Eva Kunseler, Hiddo Huitzing, Filip de Blois, and Arjan Wardekker ‘The Walkthrough Method: An Approach to the Study of Apps’. New Media & Society 20 (3): 881–900. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444816675438. Light, Ben, Jean Burgess, and Stefanie Duguay Data and Society: A Critical Introduction. SAGE Publications Ltd. Beaulieu, Anne & Sabina Leonelli
Entreevoorwaarden	The 100-level course in the knowledge systems track (The Birds and the Bees: Knowledge Infrastructures for Monitoring Sustainability) is recommended but not compulsory. Please contact the instructor if you have not yet followed the 100-level but wish to enroll. Students who wish to enroll even if they have not followed the 100 level can register, provided they are willing and able to do a self-study module that will provide them with some essential basics for the course. This module consists of 3 readings and accompanying worksheets. It introduces key concepts like the research cycle, knowledge infrastructures, and models of science-society relations.
Opmerkingen
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type BSc Global Responsibility and Leadership  (Optional Electives) - semester II a Knowledge Systems for Sustainability BSc Global Responsibility and Leadership 2 semester II a keuzegroep