Ereignis Center for Philosophy and the Arts Foundations of Future Studies II: Utopias, Dystopias, and Imagined Worlds cover photo

Foundations of Future Studies II: Utopias, Dystopias, and Imagined Worlds

Instructors: Dr Zachary Isrow and Dr Frank Karioris

Intensive course

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Full access €400,00

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Register by 2 October 2026

First seminar: 17 October 2026

This course is part of the learning module 2026-II Ereignis Institute. Registration and full overview are available on the module page.

Learning module details
How do stories shape the future? This course examines the role of imagination, culture, technology, and narrative in constructing visions of tomorrow. Drawing on literature, social theory, systems thinking, and media studies, students explore how utopias, dystopias, science fiction, and cultural narratives influence expectations about social change and technological development.

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By the end of the course students will be able to:
  • Analyze future-oriented narratives and cultural imaginaries.
  • Explain how stories influence social expectations.
  • Apply systems thinking to future challenges.
  • Identify major drivers of change and uncertainty.
  • Critically evaluate utopian and dystopian visions.

No prior knowledge is required. Students should have an interest in contemporary social issues, philosophy, ethics, politics, environmental questions, technology, or public policy.

This course is intended for:
  • Undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline.
  • Professionals interested in long-term thinking.
  • Students considering further study in Future Studies.
  • Individuals interested in ethics, sustainability, technology, or social change.

  • Social imaginaries
  • Narrative and social reality
  • Futures literacy

Students will:

  • Explain how societies imagine futures.
  • Analyze narrative structures.

  • Ideal societies
  • Failed futures
  • Political imagination

Students will:

  • Compare utopian and dystopian traditions.
  • Evaluate social critiques embedded in future narratives.

  • Technology and society
  • AI and posthuman futures
  • Environmental futures

Students will:

  • Interpret science fiction as futures thinking.
  • Connect fictional futures to real-world issues.

  • Systems thinking
  • Feedback loops
  • Emergence and uncertainty

Students will:

  • Map complex systems.
  • Identify drivers of change.

Reading list

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