In this course students will identify major contemporary issues from a cross-disciplinary perspective and use a design thinking approach to propose several solution paths to identified problems. Design Thinking refers to the way designers go about designing and solving problems. The approach can be applied to non-design problems such as organization change or solving societal problems. It is a form of solution-based or solution-focused thinking starting with a goal (a better future situation) instead of solving a specific problem. Several alternate solutions and paths leading to the goal are considered simultaneously and iterated. In some cases, the initial problem may be redefined. This approach differs from the more linear scientific method that elaborates all the parameters of a problem first in order to create one solution.
Students will use visual tools such as Mind Maps and the Business Model Canvas to put their ideas to paper, set up experiments to test their hypotheses concerning possible solution paths by interviewing stakeholders and then returning to the classroom to share lessons learned. Critiques from classmates and the teacher will help students refine their solution model. At the end of the course, students should have at least one realistic solution to a contemporary issue.
365-BWP-DW
Ecology and Culture
3 - 0 - 3
45
Description:
The main objectives of this course are to: (i) expose students to an environment different from that of Montreal in order to examine the natural history, ecology and evolutionary adaptations of the various organisms observed in said region and (ii) to expose students to the history and culture of the region in order to foster a social understanding of its customs (specifically regarding ecological views). Students will learn about the history of this region/country through discussions and interactions with local people, as well as through the study of historical and cultural landmarks. Activities will cover a wide range of topics including biogeography, climate, community structure, species interactions, coevolution, evolutionary adaptations, conservation, national history, and the impact of human activities on the environment.
