This course would not only provide students with vocabulary and insights into various branches of engineering (chemical, civil, computer, etc.) but also encourage critical thinking about the ethical, social, and cultural aspects of the engineering profession. Engineering in Films invites students to explore the world of engineering through iconic films. From the wartime challenges of Oppenheimer to the brilliance of Alan Turing in The Imitation Game. Teacher-led in the beginning, students will gradually take over, in a benign way of course, and lead their own interactive workshop, following certain guidelines and use their creativity. (Continuous assessment).
- Manager: Kehoe Bridget
We mostly like to think that we make good decisions, rational decisions. But how rational are we as a species? Apparently not very given the prevalence of conspiracy theories, climate change denialism and cults. But surely, aren’t these are merely fringe lunatics, so not at all representative of our species? Anti-vaxxers, populism and Gwynneth Paltrow’s popularity as a wellness guru all suggest not. And if we take this down to something that infects pretty much everyone’s judgement, how come advertising works? To answer the question of why we make bad decisions, we need to take a cold, hard look at human behaviour. What are intelligence, empathy, neurosis, psychosis? What are cognitive biases, which we all have to an extent, or personality disorders such as narcissism and psychopathy, which lead to manipulative behaviors? How does manipulation work and how can we guard against it? How can we deal with toxic personalities in our working and private lives? Or better still identify and avoid them altogether? Answering such questions, and plenty others we will be asking, would be of particular pertinency to those interested in artificial intelligence, management, politics, economic behaviours or merely those curious as to the eccentricities and often evil behaviour of the human species. Evaluation will essentially be based on an oral presentation and a short written dossier, both on the same question, with topics such as the following:
How important is IQ to success?
Is having high affective empathy a handicap?
(How) do anti-vaxxers convince themselves and their followers?
Should we be afraid of AI?
Why do we fall for scams?
How do cults draw you in and keep you there?
How does humour work in advertising?
Are populists dangerous?
Why are we fascinated by serial killers?- Manager: Airey John
In this programme you will improve your English through drama, literature, role-playing, improvising and creative writing.
You will also develop your communication skills (verbal & non-verbal) and your ability to interact and express yourself in different (fictitious) situations.
The final project will consist of you (in groups) writing, directing and eventually performing your own play.
Don’t worry…this is not an 'acting class' and you will not be graded on your acting abilities, but on how you use your spoken and written abilities in English.
- Manager: Atkinson Patrick