Course description
It is irresistible to think that the human race will survive forever. Yet, major changes are happening every day, and some of them create new challenges. Challenges can be complex and wicked. They may be related to new technology, the decline of sustainability, and human conflicts. Life goes on and even when there are wars, hope prevails. But is humanity safe? Are there existential risks? Is growth limitless? Are human values protected? Are there tipping points when the future becomes at risk? Among so many possible perils, how do we fit in? What is our role? How do we sustain sociability? What are the opportunities? What tools do we need to acquire and add to our skills? In this course, the instructor creates the provocations and exercises and guides the group. This course is a combination of learning useful techniques as well as valuable content, and is structured over three parts: an overview of systems thinking and systems mapping, tools and challenges, and navigating uncertainty by thinking in futures. Students learn through reflections and discussions, and solve problems using systems analysis and design methods. Students read, write, watch movies, and search the web for data to synthesize information. Most importantly, they create new ideas and solutions with their peers. Learning takes place through creating innovative solutions to human challenges, and small groups work to create insights and prototypes. Critical thinking and collaborations are the fuels for creating these innovative proposals.
