The objective of the tutorial is to introduce attendees to Activity Theory, a general theoretical framework for the analysis of human and communal action in the world. After an overview of the theory, focus shifts to how this framework can be utilized in practice. Some examples are shown of how this framework can provide a fresh perspective on certain extant problems in the fields of HCI and CSCW. Hopefully, participants become more aware of the nature and complexity of current controversies concerning the role of theory in the design of computer artifacts. By the end of the tutorial, participants should be able to understand the basic principles of the approach, and to describe their work activities in ways illuminated by this framework