KindSoCIETIE KNoT
ModeWorkshop
ThreadEnabling Technologies
Skills Developed
Critical AnalysisStorytellingFutures Thinking
About this KNoT
In this KNoT, we explore cybernetic methods for exploring the practice of history from a systems point-of-view. Specifically, you will learn ways to both analyse the common, dominant narratives that compose our historical self-understanding and ways in which to generate different perceptions of events, uncover hidden stories and voices, and plot alternative paths forward.
The methods we will consider include:
- Teleology – the idea of purpose
- Recursion – the idea of loops, circular causality, feedback
- Requisite variety – the idea of how complex phenomena are managed
- Futures – the idea of alternative histories and new paths
What You’ll Learn
Apply cybernetic methods for generating new narratives/stories
Learning Resources
How to Complete This KNoT
Reflection prompt: What new insights have you gained in relation to how our assumptions and dominant narratives create stories/histories and how we can generate new/alternative ones.
Writing your reflection
Most completion tasks ask you to reflect on what you did. For prompts, sentence starters, and the five areas a strong reflection covers, see Writing Your Reflection. Your completed tasks come together at the end of the semester in the Completion Evidence.
Scheduled dates
Keep an eye out for the next session.
Past dates (1)
- Wed 24 Sep 2025, 1:00 PMJoY: John Yencken [45], Ground Floor
You might also like…
Meet the Author
The ANU Meet the Author Series has been bringing writers, historians and commentators to Canberra for nearly four decades. Each event is a conversation with...
Gameful Learning: Quantum Diplomacy
Fri 09 Oct 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
A serious game that explores how we collaboratively make decisions about future technologies. The year is 2035. Come and play!