Meticulously tailored for bachelor students aspiring to make a tangible impact on the world, this two-week intensive program, hosted by AEI International School - UPEC, starting on June 17, 2024, provides a unique opportunity to earn 6 ECTS credits while immersing yourself in the dynamic realms of Societal Innovation and Futures Studies.
Week one, driven by Professor Felipe Koch, promises an exploration of the immersive world of Futures Literacy. Brace yourself for hands-on engagement in a Futures Literacy Lab, mastery of facilitation techniques, and a deep dive into Social Foresight and the Foundations of Futures Studies—equipping you with tools to not only envision but also lead transformative change.
The second week unfolds a rich variety of expertise, featuring renowned lecturers such as Philippe Frouté on Data Analysis and Forecasting, Fabio Scarano on Regenerative Futures, and Rocco Scolozzi on System Thinking. Each module is meticulously designed to challenge your perspectives, empowering you to forecast and shape the future landscape of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Furthermore, this course seamlessly aligns with the Aurora competence framework and integrates Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing you with a powerful lens to address global challenges encompassing poverty, hunger, health, education, and beyond. It transcends the boundaries of conventional learning; it's about acquiring the skills to initiate tangible, real-world change.
Our classes, conducted in English at AEI International School, ensure a truly global perspective. As a participant, you'll engage in hands-on, practical learning within a physical setting, fostering a profound understanding and facilitating valuable network building.
Application start: December 18, 2023 - March 15, 2024
For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Felipe Koch at AEIsummerschool@u-pec.fr
Find more information here.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Futures Literacy and Social Foresight
Being able to understand the process of Anticipation.
Distinguish between concrete and abstract futures.
Distinguish between Forecast, Foresight and Anticipation
Distinguish between Simple, Complicated and Complex systems.
Apply system thinking when doing strategic planning.
EXAMINATION
1 Group facilitation of a Futures Literacy for Novelty lab – end of first week.
2 Examination on Data Analysis and Forecasting – second week.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAM PROCEDURE
The first exam will consist in hosting a 1h30 Futures Literacy lab. It accounts for 14 points out of 20.
The second exam will consist of an activity (test, pitch or group exercise) regarding Forecasting and/or Data Analysis.
COURSE CONTENT, STRUCTURE, AND PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH
Futures Literacy : Navigating Tomorrow's Possibilities
At its core, Futures Literacy empowers individuals to explore and comprehend diverse future scenarios, providing a foundation for making well-informed decisions in the present. This transformative skill set involves the development of the capacity to identify, analyze, and envision various potential futures. It equips individuals and organizations alike to navigate uncertainties and adapt to change effectively. By fostering an understanding of anticipation mechanisms, this training enables the utilization of future insights for innovation in the present, fostering proactive and informed decision-making.
Endorsed by UNESCO, Futures Literacy is widely acknowledged as one of the most crucial competencies for the 21st century. Our course curriculum offers a comprehensive introduction to Futures Literacy tailored for third-year bachelor students. It encompasses practical experience in a Futures Literacy Lab, a deep dive into theoretical foundations, facilitation training, and hands-on lab facilitation practice. The curated bibliography includes key works in the field, forming the basis for enriching discussions and deepening knowledge throughout the course.
Social Foresight : Anticipating Societal Change
Social Foresight, an interdisciplinary field, is dedicated to understanding and anticipating the social dimensions of change. This includes an examination of trends, challenges, and opportunities that may impact societies and communities in the future. Our course is designed to impart the fundamental principles of Futures Studies and essential skills required for communities or institutions to adopt a forward-looking approach to challenges.
The discipline of Social Foresight contributes to decision-making processes, policy development, and strategic planning for various stakeholders such as governments, businesses, NGOs, and more. It integrates key elements of strategic foresight, involving the identification and analysis of emerging trends, opportunities, and potential risks to formulate informed strategies and action plans. One of the key objectives of this training is to foster an understanding of different types of futures and how to effectively utilize them for present-day action.
Additionally, the course delves into systemic thinking—an approach that examines relationships, interactions, and dependencies among different system components. Emphasizing the importance of viewing the system as a whole, this perspective encourages participants to go beyond isolated elements, providing a holistic understanding of complex systems.
Enrich your academic journey by immersing yourself in the profound insights offered by Futures Literacy and Social Foresight—essential tools for navigating the complexities of our ever-evolving world.
Description of the teaching methods
Lectures, group work, learning by doing, assessments.
Feedback during the teaching period
Lectures will provide feedback along the course. During the first week, special slots for check-in and check-out have the goal of providing feedback and verifying key take-aways from students.
Student workload
Class preparation of 30 hours readings
Optional online videos and podcastas of around 30 hours.
Teamwork 5-10 hours
Lectures 40 hours
Futures Literacy lab 20 hours
Further information
Short 2 weeks cours
This is an Aurorarized course initiated by Aurora
We reserve the right to cancel the course if we do not get enough applications. This will be communicated on webpage in start March.
Expected literature
Will be provided after enrolment.