Capstone project workshop

סדנת פרויקט גמר

Capstone project workshop 

Ella Klik & Denisa Reshef Kera| Science, Technology and Society studies & Hermeneutics
278129-01

 

Course Abstract 

This capstone course serves as the culminating experience for MA students, asking students to synthesize theoretical knowledge and methodological training acquired in the first year into an original, practice-based series of projects throughout the second year of the MA. Students will develop and execute creative research projects that critically engage with a topic of their choice relating to emerging technologies and the digital turn. Emphasis will be placed on innovative methodologies that challenge conventional academic formats, integrating speculative, artistic, and interventionist approaches to scholarship in the humanities. This capstone course therefore provides students with the opportunity to experience hands-on experience and develop theoretical depth, preparing them for diverse endeavors in academia, media production, policy, design, and creative industries.

The course is structured around a series of thematic modules, each introducing a different research format or output.

Each module unfolds over several weeks:

1. Introduction to the Format: A dedicated week exploring the format’s affordances, examples, and methodological implications.

2. Brainstorming & Work Sessions: Guided discussions and workshops where students generate ideas and begin experimenting with the format. Through workshops, peer feedback, and mentorship, students will refine their project ideas, articulate research questions, and experiment with media-making techniques.

3. Group Presentations & Discussion: Students present their work-in-progress for peer and instructor feedback before moving on to the next module.

By engaging with multiple formats, students will experiment with different ways of producing and communicating knowledge in their respective fields (STS and Hermeneutics & Culture). By courses end, students will also write a short reflection paper (1500-3000 words) on the projects they have produced throughout the year.

Learning objectives (expand)

By the end of this practice-based module, students will:

Synthesize theoretical knowledge and methodological training from the first year into an original, practice-based project.

Critically engage with emerging technologies and the digital turn through creative research and multimodal inquiry.

Experiment with diverse research formats, including speculative design, video essays, podcasts, policy papers, and interactive media.

Develop hands-on experience in applying innovative methodologies that challenge conventional academic formats.

Collaborate and provide peer feedback to refine projects through iterative design and conceptual development.

Produce and present a final project that integrates creative practice with critical analysis.

Write a reflective paper (1500-3000 words) that articulates key insights, research methodologies, and creative processes encountered throughout the capstone experience.

Knowledge

Students will develop a strong foundation in the key ethical, regulatory, and philosophical challenges related to emergent technologies. By the end of the course, they will be able to:

1. Describe critical ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges associated with emerging technologies such as AI, biotechnology, blockchain, quantum computing, and neurotechnology.

2. Define core concepts including algorithmic governance, digital rights, data sovereignty, techno-ethics, and regulatory frameworks.

3. Summarize global regulatory principles concerning emergent technologies, including AI ethics, data privacy laws, and responsible innovation policies.

4. Identify ethical dilemmas in the development, deployment, and societal impact of new technologies.

5. Compare philosophical, legal, and policy perspectives on the governance of emerging technologies, highlighting their strengths and limitations.

Skills

Students will apply their knowledge to analyze, critique, and design innovative responses to complex technological challenges. They will be able to:

1. Analyze real-world case studies addressing ethical, legal, and societal challenges in emergent technologies, such as bias in AI, privacy risks in genetic data, and ethical concerns in decentralized finance (DeFi).

2. Evaluate existing regulatory and ethical frameworks and propose improvements for more responsible technological development.

3. Design speculative futures that explore alternative governance models and ethical frameworks for emerging technologies.

4. Develop a research-based project addressing an ethical, legal, or regulatory issue using appropriate methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches.

5. Critique the governance, transparency, and accountability of decision-making systems in technological infrastructures.

6. Write policy recommendations, ethical analyses, or regulatory proposals supported by empirical evidence and case studies.

7. Communicate complex ethical and regulatory issues effectively using diverse formats, including infographics, articles, presentations, and videos.

8. Present research findings and project outcomes persuasively in an interdisciplinary setting, integrating both theoretical insights and practical applications.

Values

In addition to acquiring knowledge and skills, students will cultivate critical perspectives, ethical reasoning, and interdisciplinary dialogue regarding emergent technologies. This course encourages deep reflection on the societal, political, and ethical dimensions of technological development, fostering a sense of responsibility and agency in shaping the future of innovation.

By the end of the course, students will develop:

Critical Perspective – The ability to challenge dominant narratives, question biases and assumptions, and critically examine the power structures embedded in technological development and governance.

Ethical Awareness – A nuanced understanding of the ethical dilemmas posed by emergent technologies, including their impact on privacy, equity, democracy, and social justice.

Accountability & Responsibility – Recognition of the ethical obligations of technologists, policymakers, and society in ensuring fair, inclusive, and responsible innovation.

Interdisciplinary Openness – Engagement with perspectives from philosophy, law, social sciences, and technology, fostering the ability to synthesize diverse viewpoints and bridge disciplinary boundaries.

Constructive Debate & Open-Mindedness – A commitment to engaging in respectful, informed discussions on complex ethical and technological issues, considering diverse cultural, political, and ideological perspectives.

Techno-Social Responsibility – Awareness of the broader societal and human rights implications of technological advancements, advocating for governance frameworks that prioritize equity, sustainability, and public good.

Empowerment & Activism – Encouragement to take an active role in shaping conversations on the ethical and regulatory challenges of emergent technologies, whether through research, advocacy, policy work, or creative interventions..

 Lessons plan (Including active learning):

Final grade

Course requirements

Students are expected to attend and actively participate in weekly sessions. They must complete at least 5 out of 8 project-based assignments over the course of the semester.

A final critical reflection paper (1000–3000 words) is required at the end of the term. 

Active participation

Attendance is required.

Bibliography: 

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13. Forson, Kofi. (2021). Audio Papers and Sonic Scholarship. New York: Routledge.

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