51-388 Sharing Economies

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

This topic course explores the nature and practice of sharing. The course is s a survey of cultural theories about why and how we do and dont share and the difference design can make to systems of sharing. It explores philosophies and anthropologies of sharing, distinguishing sharing from giving, lending and exchanging. It interrogates psychologies and histories of ownership, and notions of privacy. The course also explores the range of new systems that promote sharing in the contexts of the new sociality enabled by the social media and cosmopolitan urban living. It investigates the role of politics, such as concerns about ecological sustainability, and the role of perceived autonomy and convenience. By the end of the course, you will have a more comprehensive understanding of what facilitates and constrains sharing, and so be in a better position to design systems that promote increased resource productivity. Open to Sophomore Graduate from across the university no prior design capacities necessary, though they will help.

Prerequisites: none listed

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