| Description | This interdisciplinary design course focuses on
ecologically-informed design practices. Students
are exposed to ethics of land-based and Indigenous
worldviews about the vitality and agency of the
natural world through readings and guests.
Relationships with more-than-humans are fostered
through a variety of ecological practices; these
are aimed at visceral
understandings that challenge anthropocentrism.
This experiential learning is complemented with
in-class discussions and progressive research
about plummeting ecosystem health.
Students develop actions and work through
methodologies to develop design concepts directed
to species and ecological flourishing. Nature
becomes a collaborator and a beneficiary of the
designs. Students are encouraged to explore
alternate design processes that range from daily
making (making-to-think), meditating in nature,
journaling, body storming, and so on.
They generate integrated design outcomes (designs
that 'give back') such as Social Innovation for
Sustainability (DESIS), Engagement Workshops,
Informational Campaigns, Educational materials,
and others, as they emerge. |
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