PADM 1449 Systems Thinking and Mapping for Public Policy

Course description

At its core, systems thinking attempts to better align how we think things work with how the real world actually works. The real world works in systems—complex networks of many interacting variables. Often nonlinear, complex, and unpredictable, real-world systems seldom correspond with our desire for simplistic, hierarchical, and linear explanations. Systems thinking is the field of study that attempts to better understand how to think better about real-world systems, and the complex problems we face. The complex systems and “wicked problems” that are characteristic of the public, nonprofit and private sectors pose conceptual challenges when our mental models are out of alignment with the complexities, nonlinearities, unintended consequences, and multi-perspectival issues that leaders, managers, and policy makers face. Students need to develop deep understanding as well as useful proficiency with systems thinking to solve both everyday and wicked problems effectively.

Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate a deep understanding of systems thinking and its application to everyday and wicked problems.

Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate proficiency with systems thinking modeling techniques.

Outcome 3: Students will integrate concepts learned in class through Challenges to gain personal mastery, develop professionally, contribute to the field, and solve a wicked problem, analyze a complex system, or serve an unmet need using systems thinking and modeling.

Previously offered classes