Liberal Arts

Global Humanities 4: Futures

Module code: Q9121
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework

This module investigates how we might talk meaningfully about the future. It will consider a range of potential future scenarios linked to issues including migration, democracy, climate, work, economy and technology. The module will explore the future as an idea and as a concept across fields such as politics, art, philosophy and literature. Students will address critically what claims are being made now about the future and will analyse some of the ways in which the future is projected or disavowed, and how this affects the present. The module will ask: what do we want from the future? What do we mean by the future? Can we imagine a different world and help to bring it into being?

Module learning outcomes

• Identify concepts and make connections between different approaches to understanding, projecting and imagining the future.
• Critically evaluate and communicate key aspects of future studies.
• Propose and communicate arguments and hypotheses.
• Prepare for more extended study into related topic areas.