Rotation mode: The attendance time of the course is divided between two or more student groups, so that the lecturer holds all units, but changing student groups are present in the lecture hall. The contents that cannot be dealt with in attendance are worked on by the students in self-study.

In case of limited activity on campus (WU decision on 15.9.), students will be split into smaller groups and attend classes on a rotating basis. Participation of those students not attending a session in class will be evaluated through their activity in forums.

The core topic of this course is the relation of human beings and technology. We will approach this topic from two angles. First, we will discuss the impact of recent as well as emerging technologies on how we view the human and core characteristics of human beings. Second, we will debate to what extent different views of the role of technology influence how we design and develop information systems.

Topics covered include:
* The mind-body problem
* Humans and their situatedness in the environment
* Technology as tool vs. human enhancement
* Human goals, needs, and values
* 4E cognition: embodied, embedded, extended, and enactive cognition

By the end of this seminar, students will have gained a deeper understanding of various social, cultural, philosophical and psychological perspectives on human nature and technology. They will further develop their writing and presentational skills and appreciate the relevance of transdisplinary approaches to related contentious aspects of new and emerging technologies.

Following attendance is mandatory:
* attendance in the introductory unit (else you will lose your place in the course)
* general attendance of 80%

A mixture of student and teacher-led methods will be employed. The course will entail a combination of independent research, class discussions and presentations.

Students will work on a project related to the course topics. After agreeing on a research topic, students will iteratively refine their research proposal and develop the research ideas, with a view to submitting and presenting. This will be assessed via a final seminar paper which accounts for 60% of the grade and an in-seminar presentation which accounts for 30% of the grade. Participation in class will account for 10% of the grade.

The places for this course are allocated on the "first-come, first-served" principle during the official registration period. If you are registered for the course, but cannot participate, please cancel your registrations during the registration period, so that your place can be taken by students who want and can participate. The participation in the first unit is mandatory for registered students; students who fail to come forfeit their place to students on the waiting list.