Principles of futures thinking and foresight methods (2 cr)
Code: C-10088-LM00DL09-3002
General information
- Enrollment
- 01.01.2026 - 10.03.2026
- Registration for introductions has not started yet. Registration starts :startDate
- Timing
- 10.03.2026 - 20.03.2026
- The implementation has not yet started.
- Number of ECTS credits allocated
- 2 cr
- Local portion
- 2 cr
- Mode of delivery
- Blended learning
- Institution
- University of Eastern Finland
- Teaching languages
- English
- Seats
- 0 - 50
- Course
- C-10088-LM00DL09
Evaluation scale
0-5
Objective
The student: - understands the scientific concept of the futures. - knows what skills are needed in futures thinking and is able to describe what kind of methods may be used to study the futures of forest bioeconomy. - can sketch how to apply the most common foresight methods for forest-related societal topics.
Methods of completion
Lecture (5%), facilitated exercise (10%), online videos (20%), readings (25%), essay (40%). Grading scale 0-5
Methods of completion
An introductory lecture at the beginning of the course. Obligatory participation in a facilitated scenario exercise. Individual work: watching online videos, reading literature, and writing one essay, which is evaluated for the grade. Evaluation criteria: conceptual clarity, analytical and critical pondering.
Content
Concepts of futures, forecasting and foresight. Possible, plausible, probable, and preferable futures. Futures awareness and futures consciousness and their dimensions. Futures table, futures wheel, scenarios, Delphi, backcasting, and horizon scanning as futures methods.
Materials
Hines A, Bengston DN, Dockry MJ, Cowart A. Setting up a horizon scanning system: A U.S. federal agency example. World Futures Review. 2018;10(2):136–151. Online videos, other online study material.