Creative Ecologies

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2026-2027/L_AABAMKD223

Course Objective

By the end of the course, students will have achieved the following learning objectives. Students are expected to: Demonstrate understanding of various art and design strategies, as well as their cross-overs, for intervening in or reflecting upon the various ecosystems of our planet. Be able to conduct research in the field of ecological art and/or design, based on close readings of case-studies and literature, using the appropriate methods and terms; Be able to communicate their research in written formats.

Course Content

In this course, we will explore how design and art practices and theories have been engaging with ecological concerns since the 1960s. The art and design fields have developed various strategies to engage with the ecological challenges of our time. However, these strategies are not completely distinct; indeed, we identify increasing crossovers between these fields, which demonstrates the fruitfulness of considering them in relation. Many of these key strategies are motivated by similar concepts, such as impact and transition, awareness and representation, speculation and fiction, collaboration and community engagement.

Teaching Methods

Lectures, seminars, tutorials and excursions. The lectures and seminars of this course are offered in English only. Students following the Dutch track can submit all written assignments in either English or Dutch. Exceptions are: the midterm exam, assignments with peer reviewers across language tracks, and group assignments (across language tracks).

Method of Assessment

The course comprises one midterm exam (50%, individual grade), and one final audiovisual/written paper (50%, group grade).Midterm exam (50%): learning objective 1Final paper (50%): learning objectives 1,2,3Final attainment levels of the BA MKDA: 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9

Literature

A list of mandatory class literature will be published on Canvas and/or the Study Manual.

Target Audience

This course is compulsory for all BA MKDA students in their second year who chose Art or Design as their specialisation. It is open as an elective to other MKDA students.

Additional Information

For attendance rules, see Teaching and Examination Regulations. Students should be aware that regular attendance is necessary to pass the course.

Entry Requirements

See the Onderwijs
- en Examenregeling (OER), c.q. Teaching and Exam Regulations (TER) for MKDA.