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The Knowledge Base of Future Studies

Unit Code: HBF540




Duration

Contact Hours

Campus

Prerequisite

Corequisite

1 Semester

36 hours of contact in weekly or block mode

Hawthorn

Nil

Nil

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Master of Management (Strategic Foresight) suite and the Master of Commerce (Social Investment and Philanthropy) suite.

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Aims & Objectives:

After taking this unit of study students will:

  • be familiar with key ideas, concepts, models, tools, methods, overview 'maps' and literature in the Futures Studies/foresight disciplinary environment;
  • recognise the central role played by 'mental models' in conceptualising the future and in undertaking any form of futures/foresight enquiry or activity;
  • be prepared to 'join in the conversation' enabled through the international academic and applied futures discourse; and
  • be ready to begin exploring possibilities for practical applications in specific organisational or other contexts.

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Teaching Methods:

A range of teaching methods will be used, including lectures, presentations and small group activities.

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Assessment:

Written response to journal article 10-20%
Written discussion piece of text: 20-30%
Major essay: 40-60%.
Class Contribution: 10%

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Generic Skills Outcomes:

Learners bring to Swinburne University of Technology a range of experiences and graduate with individual understandings, abilities and attitudes. Within this context it is the intent of Swinburne that all its graduates:
  • are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
  • operate effectively in work and community situations
  • are adaptable and manage change
  • are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
  • are aware of the dynamic nature of environments.

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Content:

The purpose of the introductory unit of study is to outline core components of the knowledge base of Futures Studies and to provide students with a number of concepts, overviews of methods, tools, and 'maps' or 'guides' to the territory. This foundational knowledge will allow students to locate themselves (and/or their organisations) within a disciplinary matrix and to begin the process of acquiring 'fluency' in futures/foresight enquiry.
 
The main themes explored in this unit of study are:
  • Introduction to the Foundations of Futures Studies/Foresight
  • Key Futures concepts and ideas
  • Mapping the (FS) Territory
  • Understanding value systems and personal perspectives
  • Scoping the 'singularity'
  • Professional Standards, Writing, Communicating in FS

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Recommended Reading:

Slaughter, RA., Inayatullah, S & Ramos, JM. (2005) The knowledge base of futures studies. Brisbane, Australia, Foresight International.
 

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References:

Bell, W. (2003-2004) Foundations of futures studies. New Brunswick, NJ, USA, Transaction Publishers.

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