Section outline

  • General Information: 

    This course will delve into the challenges and possibilities of the commons, with a primary focus on sustainability. The course is organized into 8+1 semi-autonomous sessions, each offering a unique perspective on alternative methods of organizing production and society. Students will explore and reflect on various case studies related to commoning, covering a range of topics, from free and open-source software and open hardware cases to AI, energy cooperatives, and technology/science parks. A critical approach is expected from students as they formulate their perspectives on the subject.

    Final grade: 

    Pass/Fail, based on attendance, the self-evaluation report (one-pager), a short video, and participation in the discussions during the classes. On 20/05, students should submit their near-future landscape videos (3-6 minutes) by sending the link to the teacher (more info on the video exam in Class 9 below). The report submission deadline is 27/05 @ 11.59 p.m (Estonian time). The report should be sent by email to vkostakis AT pm.me. Students who fail to adhere to any of the deadlines will fail the course.

    Prerequisites for grading: 
    Lecture-seminar participation. Participation in online seminars is mandatory; absence from a maximum of two seminars is allowed. Missing more than two seminars results in failure in the course. For health or serious personal reasons, an additional absence may be justified.

    Schedule of classes:
    13/02, 27/02, 13/03, 20/03, 27/03, 10/04, 17/04, 24/04 @ 17:15 - 20:00 (all classes will take place on this zoom link).  On 20/05, students should submit their near-future landscape videos (3-6 minutes) by sending the link to the teacher (more info on the video exam in Class 9 below).

    Teacher: 
    Prof. Dr. Vasilis Kostakis (vkostakis AT pm.me)