Program Overview

Youth, Democracy and Technology: Participatory Approaches for Critical Consciousness

Course Overview

This course teaches different participatory methods from fields like design, technology, research, arts, and education. These methods are used in critical citizenship education to help students understand the world better, recognize conflicts and systemic issues, and work towards justice.

Education Information

• Implementation date: 03.09.2025 - 31.07.2026
• Enrollment period: 03.09.2025 - 31.07.2026
• Subject: Information Processing Science
• Mode of delivery: Independent study
• Price: Free

Education Description

The course covers important ideas and discussions about how youth, democracy, and technology are connected. It includes real-life examples from recent research and innovation, showing how arts and technology can be combined. Additionally, the course provides materials to help educators in various settings.

Prerequisites

None

Objectives

By completing the course, the student will:

• Develop a basic understanding of critical debates about the course key concepts focused on youth, democracy and technology, and its interrelations
• Acquire practical knowledge on how to use participatory techniques, combining arts and technology to cultivate critical consciousness
• Critically reflect on the role of the technology to promote critical consciousness, by examining real cases

Teaching Methods

To complete this course, the student is expected to dedicate 54 hours of work (2 ECTS).

Teachers/Instructors

• Eva Durall Gazulla
• Marianne Kinnula

Teaching Materials

Study materials will be accessible online, after enrolling in the course space in DigiCampus.

Teaching Language

English

Study Methods

Students complete the course asynchronously, at their own pace. The course will be structured in modules consisting of lectures (in text, audio or video format) and activities involving making, analysis and reflection.

Assessment Criteria

Assessment is based on self-assessment and task completion. The course will be recognised after completing all the modules and tasks.

Further Information

Target group: BA and MA students of Information Processing Sciences who are interested in developing participatory activities for youth combining arts and technology. The target groups also include arts and education students, as well as non-formal education professionals and youth workers interested in using participatory approaches to arts and technology in their practice.