This course focuses on The Anthropocene (the proposed name for our current geological epoch, in which humans are making a significant geological impact on the planet).

Following the methodology of “The Temporary Expert,” in which students combine traditional research with hands ­on experimental project development, and idea exchange with experts in the field, students will develop
art/design projects and interventions that interface with psychology, ecology, geology, energy, capitalism, policy and the economics of climate change.

The idea of becoming a “temporary expert” requires you to adopt the sometimes ­dissonant roles of wild speculator and deep knowledge ­collector. Weekly work consists of prototyping, scholarly research, interviews, writing, daily artistic practice and systems thinking exercises.

By Marina Zurkow