Topic outline

  • General

     MUO-E8048 - Systems Thinking | Syllabus

    Time: 24.10.2023 - 1.12.2023 | Tuesday 16.15–19.00 & Friday 9.15–12.00 

    Place: various (room marked for each session) | Teachers: Mikko Jalas & Kata Fodor

    Course Content: 

    The course addresses socio-ecological systems and changes in systems over time. It introduces the theoretical foundations of systems thinking and the multi-dimensional interdependencies of sustainability. Key notions are derived from complex adaptive systems and transition theories. These concepts are used to analyse design approaches towards sustainability and to learn to anticipate unintended consequences of sustainability solutions.

    After completing the course, students understand the basic properties of socio-ecological systems; are able to define and discuss the key concepts related to systems thinking in the context of design; understand basic principles of regenerative design & are able to use them to approach design activities

    • Lectures, including 4 guest talks
    • Peer-to-peer teaching: Small groups present their assigned book & key ST concepts for the class
    • Readings: throughout the course to support classroom activities, course essay & exercises 
    • Learning Diary: Students reflect on the classes, readings & learning processes (on weeks 2,4,6)
    • Course Essay: Students write an independent argumentative essay with a systems perspective

    assessment criteria, workload distribution and assignements

    schedule