The aim of this module is to help students find connections between emotions, moods or "masks" we put on with actual behavior in some practical life situations.

 

The learning outcomes may include:

• students combine expressions of eyes and mouth as readable emotions and differentiate those which may be confusing

• students predict which expressions of emotions may lead to certain attitudes or behaviors

• students critically think of experienced interactions with the use of masks

• students strategize how to deal with others "showing confusing masks"In this module it is important that students feel ownership over the choice of masks and share their understanding of their meanings, perceptions, social norms, expectations etc.

 

This is best achieved through a low key improvs with the masks. What if they are friends at a boring party? Or desperate strangers meeting in a public toilet with just one available? Even a short interaction is enough to reflect about the experience. How did we understand the mask, what did we expect of its behavior? What surprised us? What confused us? What was nice about being behind the mask? This can be a starting point for designing students' own masks and suggesting spaces and issues for interaction. In online interaction even smartphones offer some masks and hats that can be used. Some communication platforms have a nice choice of backdrops or even objects to be used.