2023 Faculty Courses School of Environment and Society Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering Graduate major in Global Engineering for Development, Environment and Society
Emerging Insights in Science and Art
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Global Engineering for Development, Environment and Society
- Instructor(s)
- Masahiko Hara / Barnett Heather / Kayoko Nohara
- Class Format
- Lecture/Exercise (Blended)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Intensive (S5-407A)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- GEG.S414
- Number of credits
- 0.50.50
- Course offered
- 2023
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 8, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
There is increased recognition, within research, education and industry, of the benefits of transdisciplinarity, bringing different expertise together to tackle the complex problems of our time. Skills such as creativity, criticality and imagination are vital to the development of positive futures in social and technological terms. In this short project-based course, students will explore different modes of thinking, connecting science and art, and expand their field of experience in experimentation and communication. The course is designed to engage students from different cultural, linguistic and disciplinary backgrounds in hands-on experimentation and discussion, including a museum visit to explore the cultural context of art and science. In the final session students will present their research findings to the group.
Course description and aims
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1) Understand some concepts of STEAM (integration of art within science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and explain modes of transdisciplinarity between art and science
2) Demonstrate some skills in observation, ideation and communication through creative exercises and project development
3) Make a creative response to some socio-technical issues working in collaboration with others
4) Communicate with students from other cultures, ages and academic fields
Student learning outcomes
実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)
Dr Heather Barnett, (visiting researcher from University of the Arts London) a British artist and educator with a long-established practice working at the intersection of art, science and technology leads the course.
Keywords
Art and science, transdisciplinary, STEAM, cross-cultural, creative thinking, criticality, experimental systems, society
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
- Inquisitive thinking and/or problem-finding skills ＋ practical and/or problem-solving skills in particular
Class flow
All classes will be taught in person. Classes 1-2 and 4-6 will be delivered on campus, involving workshops, seminars and discussion (period 15:25-17:05). Class 3 will involve a visit to a museum to explore an exhibition merging art and science to examine current social and environmental issues (double period 15:25-18:55). Classes will combine short presentations and small-scale exercises to develop skills and understanding of transdisciplinary ways of working. Students will conduct a collaborative project to test and develop ideas. Each class will review progress so far and build on previous knowledge. The class is in an active-learning style focusing on participation of all members.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction to the course and setting themes - introducing terms, giving examples, pooling disciplines, short exercise | Understand the integration of art and science and different ways it manifests in research and culture |
| Class 2 | Practical workshop exploring material thinking, visualization and abstraction in art and science. - topics around microorganism, ceramics... will be introduced | Explain intentions and methods of activities undertaken and bring in own interpretations. |
| Class 3 | Site visit (double session) Visit a cultural venue with planned activity (venue to be confirmed) | Observe and interpret artworks or artefacts that integrate art and science. |
| Class 4 | Project development and group formation - creative thinking to generate ideas, development and task setting | Use tools learned to develop ideas and potential directions. Generate initial ideas in response to the brief. |
| Class 5 | Project development - Supervised group work to develop project ideas. | Critically evaluate own group’s performance and prioritise activities. |
| Class 6 | Presentations and reflection - Presentations by students followed by Q&A and reflection session | Respond to presentations with appropriate questions. Critically evaluate own group’s performance and offer feedback to others. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
Textbook(s)
ー
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Presentation material will be made available for student’s reference. Online resources (key art/science or STEAM resources) will be provided during sessions.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Active participation in group activities according to role (40%) Presentation of experimental project work (30%), a short reflective evaluative report (30%)
Related courses
- TSE.C317 ： Methodology of Transdisciplinary Research:theory and practice
- LAW.X314 ： Editorial Designing in the Media
Prerequisites
Ability to communicate and discuss in English.
Other
Classroom (6, 7, 13, 14, 15 December, 7/8Slot: 15:25-17:05)
Site visit (8 December, 15:25-18:55) More details will be shared on T2SHOLA