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Catalog Description
This course will present the basics of ethnographic research, completing a project centered on the idea of sociotechnical imaginaries to interrogate the future. Ethnographic research has been adapted and adopted by all types of academic disciplines and industry. This class will introduce the basic elements of ethnographic thinking and doing for the study of sociotechnical systems. Grounded in anthropological approaches, but oriented to current developments such as design ethnography, the class will present an emphasis on futures and the various imaginaries about it. The future has always been at the center of how we use and design technologies, systems, and information. A common trope is to present a particular technology or system as a "revolution" or "the future of" something. This course will follow an ethnographic approach to interrogate various sociotechnical imaginaries of the future.
Instructor Description
Ethnographic research has found application and acceptance across various academic disciplines as well as industries. This course aims to introduce fundamental tenets of ethnographic methodology for investigating sociotechnical systems. Its foundation rests on interdisciplinary perspectives and anthropological insights, while simultaneously aligning with contemporary advancements such as design and speculative ethnography. The role of the future has perpetually held a central position in the utilization and shaping of technologies and information systems. A recurring narrative involves positioning a specific technology or system as "revolutionary" or "the future of" a certain domain. Adopting an ethnographic approach, this course seeks to critically examine sociotechnical imaginaries. Its objective is to glean insights from diverse communities, offering guidance in the construction of futures that are more inclusive, equitable, and diverse.
This course will present the basics of ethnographic research, completing a project centered on the idea of sociotechnical imaginaries to interrogate the future. Ethnographic research has been adapted and adopted by all types of academic disciplines and industry. This class will introduce the basic elements of ethnographic thinking and doing for the study of sociotechnical systems. Grounded in anthropological approaches, but oriented to current developments such as design ethnography, the class will present an emphasis on futures and the various imaginaries about it. The future has always been at the center of how we use and design technologies, systems, and information. A common trope is to present a particular technology or system as a "revolution" or "the future of" something. This course will follow an ethnographic approach to interrogate various sociotechnical imaginaries of the future.
Restricted to graduate students in the School of Information through registration periods 1 and 2. Outside students will be permitted to join our waitlists beginning with registration period 3.