When studying so-called ‘wicked problems’ – complex problems, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, scientists aim to gain an overview, by seeking to understand the relationships between all agents within a certain system, e.g., the climate- or ecosystem.

If only we can understand how everything is interconnected, then we can motivate politicians and perhaps come up with technical innovations, and solve the complex problems we are currently facing? And even though gaining an overview can certainly be useful, I believe that our ability to feel part of the bigger wholes, by being-in-the-world is equally important, when longing to evoke ‘system change’.

Besides observing the Earth from above – and modelling systems as if we can place ourselves outside of them – we need to feel that, as individuals, we are part of the larger bodies that hold us: our own bodies in flux, our (extended and queer) families, our communities, universities, cities, societies, the world wide web, web of life, atmosphere, biosphere, Planet Earth, and even the extending universe.

During the seminars, we will explore perspectives from complexity sciences, biogeochemistry, philosophy, psychology and the arts. This transdisciplinary framework, presented by several guest-lecturers, will serve as an inspiration your own creative projects.

How can the Amsterdam Science Park, your ‘habitat’ as a student, become a green, lush and healthy space for all living beings? By listening, observing, and exploring, you will first strengthen your intuitions of the entanglements that shape this complex environment. Based on fieldwork, artistic research, and your own imagination, you will then create your own speculative scenario for the Science Park of the future. Thereby, you are encouraged to develop a vision of what is important to you: what do you long to take care of, what can be improved, what should be prevented?

Timetable

All lectures will take place on-campus and we assume you can be physically present during the scheduled hours. You can find the timetable on Datanose.

Registration

Registration is possible students participating in an Honours programme. The registration for the Honours courses will start on June 5, 10 am -  June 11, 11.59 pm. You can register through the online registration form that will appear on Honoursmodules IIS. (registration is NOT through SIS)

Please note: There is no guarantee for placement if you register after June 11, so make sure you register on time. You will hear which course(s) you are registered for before June 30. 

For questions about registration, please contact us at: Honours-iis@uva.nl

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