Main Field of Study and progress level:
Informatics: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Department of Informatics
Contents
The course examines embodied interaction understood as a central, contemporary strand in Human-Computer Interaction. It presents embodied interaction as a multi-faceted, heterogeneous, way of conceiving and framing HCI, not as a unified theory. The course outlines a historical development by means of juxtaposing a succession of HCI technology and HCI theories, perspectives and frameworks. The motivation for this approach is that students should learn and gain insights into the dynamics between the way technology is used and the ways it is conceived of.
Expected learning outcomes
After having completed the course the student will be able to:
- Explain embodied interaction as one of several different perspectives within research area of human-computer interaction.
- Use the concepts and theories in the field of embodied interaction when performing analysis or design.
- Assimilate advanced texts within human-computer interaction and explain their content verbally and in writing.
- Actively and independently orient oneself about, and assess, current research related to the field of embodied interaction.
Required Knowledge
Prerequisites for the course are 45 credits in Informatics, Computer Science or Cognitive Science, or equivalent, including at least one course (7.5 credits) in Human-Computer Interaction, or equivalent.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section). Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Form of instruction
Teaching is conducted mainly in the form of lectures and tutorials in connection with self-instruction and when performing obligatory computer laboratory assignments or other assignments. Some parts of the course can require obligatory attendance. Teaching can be done in English. All necessary computer applications to be used by the students on their own are introduced and maintained during the course. Some assistance is provided when using these applications. Good knowledge in performing written presentations and the English language are important in order to be able to complete the course.
During the course the student will have round the clock access to several of the departments computer laboratories, except when these have been booked for other courses.
Examination modes
Examination is done by written exam. Final grades are pass with distinction, pass or fail. For students who fail the first exam a second exam is normally given soon afterwards. Students who do not pass the exam after these two attempts have the possibility to take the exam three more times when the exam is given. To be able to do so requires that the student be registered for the course during the term the exam is given. Additional attempts to take the exam require permission of the director of studies or the student counselor.
Transfer of Credits from Equivalent Courses
An application to transfer credits from previous courses should be sent to the registrar (Registrator, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå). The application is then forwarded to the department of Informatics for assessment. The application must state for which course the credit transfer is requested. Authentic copies of course certificates or equivalent must be presented showing grade, higher education institution, date, field of study, level of study, credit points and so on. Also required is the course syllabus including literature for courses whose credits are to be transferred.
Literature
Valid from:
2011 week 26
Dourish Paul Where the action is : the foundations of embodied interaction Cambridge, Mass. : MIT Press : 2004 : x, 233 s. : ISBN: 0-262-54178-5 Mandatory Search the University Library catalogue
