The Moviegoer’s Guide to the Future (FIS 338)
A course on emerging technologies and responsible innovation like no other!
The Moviegoer’s Guide to the Future is an undergraduate course at Arizona State University that brings a highly innovative approach to exploring emerging technologies and responsible innovation.
Based on the book Films from the Future, the class does a deep dive into technologies from gene editing and de-extinction to smart drugs, human augmentation, and AI. We use a “flipped” structire where much of the learning is underpinned by readings, research and assignments outside of the weekly class. This is brought together in class where we watch each movie together in its entirity and have quite incredible class discussions around the intersevction between the film and the themes it touches on.
This is most definitely a stealth class where students come in looking for an easy class, and leave completely transformed in their thinking.
(The class is also offered in a slightly different format as an online course)
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Step into the world of The Moviegoer’s Guide to the Future, a one-of-a-kind learning experience that explores the intersection of film, cutting-edge technology, and social responsibility. If you’re passionate about science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, business, design, film, the arts, or practically any other field, this is the perfect elective for you! Not only will you get to watch twelve iconic movies in class, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of transformative technologies and their potential impacts on society.
Join Professor Andrew Maynard, scientist, author, and expert on emerging technologies, as we delve into groundbreaking films like Jurassic Park, Ghost in the Shell, and Transcendence. We’ll examine a wide array of topics, from genetic engineering and human enhancement to nanotechnology and artificial intelligence. But it’s not just about the tech – we’ll also explore the human side of innovation, discussing the ethics of cloning with Never Let Me Go, predictive justice with Minority Report, and the perils of unchecked ambition with Ex Machina. And tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges, we’ll use The Day After Tomorrow as a lens to examine climate change and Carl Sagan’s Contact to address the relationship between science and belief.
Throughout the course, you’ll gain valuable insights into the increasingly complex relationship between science, technology, and society, preparing you to navigate and shape the future responsibly and with confidence. Through this journey, you’ll not only engage with the captivating world of sci-fi cinema but also gain the critical skills needed to evaluate emerging technologies and their ethical implications. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to make informed decisions and contribute to a better future for all.
So, if you’re a sci-fi enthusiast, a technology aficionado, or simply someone who dreams of making a lasting impact on the world, don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity! Join The Moviegoer’s Guide to the Future and embark on a cinematic adventure that will challenge, inspire, and empower you to be a catalyst for positive change.