Foresight Study-Units


How can we explore the future? (6 ECTS)
Professor Juha Kaskinen, University of Turku

Futures studies is a field of knowledge characterized by interdisciplinarity. This study-unit offers an introduction to the knowledge field of futures studies. Futures research in Finland focuses on visionary knowledge regarding alternative futures and challenges included in them. Futures research offers futures-oriented information to back up decision-making in the public and private sectors.

Students will learn the history of futures studies and become familiar with different theories and ways of value thinking in futures studies. Students will become familiar with the ethical foundations of futures studies. On completing this course students will understand various terms of futures studies as well as the historical and philosophical background of this field of knowledge.

Topics to be covered include the following:
  • What is Futures Studies?
  • Values, time and social transition
  • Systems thinking and complexity, Delphi as a Futures Studies method
  • Futures Studies concepts, tools and working methods
  • Futures Studies methods – Scenarios

Futures research methods (8 ECTS)
Professor Juha Kaskinen, University of Turku

This study-unit is designed to develop students’ understanding and ability to use various methodologies and methods in futures studies. They will learn the main theories and methods of the field, including the Delphi method, Scenarios, Environmental Scanning, Soft Systems Methodology and Foresight. Students will conduct an in-depth scenario exercise and write a report based on this exercise, thus gaining practical understanding of scenario-building and of the scenario process as a whole.  

Topics to be covered include the following:
  • An overview of Futures Studies methods
  • Systems Thinking and methodology
  • Delphi method
  • Environmental scanning
  • Integrated use of various Futures Research methods

Futures Research in Practice (6 ECTS)
Professor Juha Kaskinen, University of Turku

This study-unit is designed to give students a deeper understanding of the rhetorics of futures studies relating to various methodological approaches, and to deepen and broaden the student’s concept of method-based and methodological scientific discussion. Students will study some methods in depth and will learn how to design scientific inquiry and to argue for methodological choices. They will learn to use one or more of the methods of Futures Studies to solve scientific problems, to argue in a scientific manner, to assess scientific argumentation to evaluate research, to use multidisciplinary points of view in research, and to take advantage of interdisciplinary, transdisiplinary and multidisciplinary research methods and viewpoints. 
     

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