Available fall 2024

During this application-driven course, students will begin to understand how to evaluate and analyze complex problems within their dynamic systems through different lenses. Students will apply this analysis to collaboratively develop novel potential solutions, presented through different visualization and modeling techniques.

Students will explore different creative approaches and methods to critically evaluate proposed solutions and projects. Students will explore risk analysis, develop research proposals, and use design thinking to solve complex problems. Students will partner with an external stakeholder to address a current, pressing challenge and take a project from idea to solution.

Available fall 2024

Through self-guided research and inquiry, students will explore the history and potential of innovation in their primary major of study. Students will examine different patterns of innovation and leaders in their fields using a range of techniques (e.g., forecasting, backcasting, road mapping). Students will consider technological, sociopolitical, cultural, and economic contexts that drive innovation. They will then apply this insight to develop innovations addressing pressing societal issues.

Students will explore advanced characteristics of complex, complicated, chaotic, and simple systems. They will then learn about concepts in complex systems through different techniques, like linguistics, nature, mathematics, and more. During this course, students will challenge themselves to use new-to-them and creative ways to map these systems. 

Students will explore movements and leaders in different disciplines. With these explorations, students will understand the requisites to catalyze change and progress, and drive impactful and lasting innovations. Students will look at the sociopolitical, cultural, economic, and epistemological drivers of innovation in groups. Students will develop frameworks and plans for innovation and leadership based on case studies and their own personal experience.

Students will explore the meaning of capacity building, developing and pursuing initiatives, and inter- and intra-organizational initiatives across disciplines, including art, social justice movements, technology, and more. Students will understand their value adds and learn to communicate these effectively with multiple stakeholder types that align with their goals, values, and priorities.