TNDY 312 - From Modern Thought to Wicked Problems

This course introduces students to the evolution and perspectives of transdisciplinary science and practice, how these differ and relate to other methodologies in knowledge creation, and why transdisciplinarity matters. We will explore this within the contexts of addressing the world’s complex or wicked problems, especially from the perspective of creating positive social impact. This transdisciplinary survey course offers a tools-based approach for building positive futures by more effectively addressing large-scale, high stakes, and complex realities. Going beyond traditional, disciplinary approaches, we will study how to build positive futures across four domains: 1) Systems thinking and analysis; 2) Design thinking and process, 3) Complexity thinking and problem-solving, and; 4) Foresight and futures strategy. Each domain will comprise one of the four modules in the course, and all modules will be linked by a shared ‘wicked-problem’ to tackle around equity and sustainability. Throughout the course, we will collaboratively problem-solve and re-frame our approaches and understanding to the most vexing issues of our world.
Units: 2
Course Type: Seminar