Just Sustainability Design

Information technology and systems are reshaping our societies. Those involved in technology design and development have a chance to work towards social justice and sustainability. But how? Despite the enormous potential of IT to make the world a better place, actual tech development practice often reinforces inequality, fossil fuel production and other unjust and unsustainable aspects of our societies. The rising refusal of tech workers to build what they consider “evil” tech is a reminder that it doesn’t have to be that way. But how can those involved in systems design exercise professional responsibility and ethical judgment?  What is the room for maneuver that we have available in systems design to make the world a more just and sustainable place? And what do we need to understand about computational systems, engineering methods and social theory to make meaningful contributions and interventions in this space?

This course can be used to fulfil either the “Professional Values” Requirement or the “Critical Perspectives” Requirement.

Pre-requisite:  Completion of 4.0 credits

• Syllabus Fall 2020
• Syllabus Fall 2021
• Syllabus Fall 2022