History of the Future

Introduction

What is Futures?

This course is called History of the Future1. What do you think that means?

What are your expectations for this class?2. What topics/ideas are you hoping to learn about/study?

Future Studies

Future Studies is: The systematic study of and preparation for

the future – both society’s and YOURS!

The future can be difficult to comprehend

because it is so uncertain We will consider:

Futures which are possible Futures which are probably Futures which are desirable

Future Education

Future education encompasses a wide range of subject matter: history, economics, government, geography,

sociology, psychology, biology, ecology, technology, etc.

We study the world holistically & systematically We consider open-endedness We research major issues of today https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u0EUFUL9ZA

Interconnectedness

In this class, we will consider that: Social systems exhibit continuity & change occurs

gradually The similarities between societies/cultures are

more similar than different The study of the past (causes/effects) can

facilitate an understanding of things to come Society changes to move toward goals

Central Concept

Trend Extrapolation This term will be a core concept for Futures

3. What do you think it means?

Definition: A forecasting technique using statistical methods to project the future pattern of events

Central Quote

Consider the following quote:

“We study the past to understand the present and prepare for the future”

4. Do you agree? Disagree? Why? Consider your life – is this applicable? ExplainConsider the world – is this applicable? Explain

Why does it matter?

There are numerous worldwide problems/crises >

War, pollution, population pressure, lack of adequate food/water, living space, etc.

By analyzing issues such as these, we can begin to plan & prepare for the future

Futurists

A Futurist is a person whose occupation or specialty is the forecasting of future events, conditions, or developments. In addition, they are dreamers - they think and act ahead of their time, even if that means going against traditional values or assumptions in society. Futurists can be artists, poets, engineers, scientists, philosophers, explorers….ANYONE who has a dream. Futurists’ way to success is often through perseverance; they see criticism as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock, and are not afraid to follow their hearts and dreams.

Futurists Walt Disney was a Futurist

“Tomorrow can be a wonderful age. Our scientists today are opening the doors of the Space Age to achievements that will benefit our children and generations to come. The Tomorrowland attractions have been designed to give you an opportunity to participate in adventures that are a living blueprint of our future."

– Walt Disney

Tomorrowland…

Although Disney is not alive today, his visions/dreams live on. The left photograph is the entrance to Tomorrowland in 1996 while the one in the right is the same entrance in 2006. How much can change in only 10 years?

Walt Disney

Walt Disney was a film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, & philanthropist. Disney is famous for his influence in the field of entertainment during the twentieth century. As the co-founder (with his brother) of Walt Disney Productions, Disney became one of the best-known motion-picture producers in the world. The corporation he co-founded, now known as The Walt Disney Company, today has annual revenues of approximately U.S. $35 billion.

Disney was an innovator in animation & theme park design. He and his staff created a number of the world's most famous fictional characters including Mickey Mouse. He is the namesake for Disneyland & Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in the U.S., Japan, France, & China

Futurists…

6. Make a list of 5 futuristic thinkers or ideas that you know about or have experienced in your lifetime. WHY are these people futurists? WHY are these ideas futuristic?

- Rank them 1 – 5 (1 being the most forward-thinking futurist/idea)