About this course: This course takes learners on a journey through a progression of systems-thinking and sustainability concepts. Using the beautiful game of soccer (also known as football in many parts of the world) as an analogy, we'll work together to illuminate real-world interdependencies (such as between climate change and human rights), building the chain of concepts in a fun, accessible way. Soccer/Football nerds and newbies alike will be entertained and, ultimately, rewarded with the epiphanies that come from seeing in systems more clearly. Those who complete the course will: create examples of systems parts, boundaries, and behaviors related to sustainability (and soccer/football); practice evaluating the sustainability of systems they care about using several complementary methods; generate ideas to improve the sustainability of a system they care about; and explain a mindset shift that would enhance the sustainability of a system they care about.
Who is this class for: This course is for learners of all ages seeking a relatable introduction to sustainability and mindsets to pursue it.
Created by: University of Virginia
Taught by: Leidy Klotz, Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and University of Virginia School of Architecture
Engineering and Architecture
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 6 modules, 2-3 hours/module |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Background and System Parts
This section explains who I am, why I'm using soccer as a metaphor, systems and reductionist thinking and sustainability. This section also outlines the main parts of a system (elements, flows, stocks, feedback loops, and purpose).
8 videos, 3 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Leyendo: Why me?
- Cuestionario de práctica: Reflection: How can you be successful in this course?
- Leyendo: Systems-Thinking for Sustainability
- Video: The Black Panther and The Sacred Monster
- Leyendo: System Parts: Elements, Flows, Stocks, Feedback Loops and Purpose
- Video: Overlooked System Elements
- Video: Physical Flows
- Video: Information Flows
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Elements of a System
- Video: Stocks
- Video: Feedback Loops
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Feedback Loops
- Video: Purpose
Graded: Reductionist and Systemic Thinking, Sustainability and Soccer
Graded: System Parts: Elements, Stocks, Flows, Feedback Loops and Purpose
WEEK 2
System Boundaries and Behaviors
Our approach to sustainability depends on how we define our system boundaries. What must we consider? What can we leave out? And, what can we reasonably infer from the perspective we define? We will also dive into system behaviors in this section. With parts and boundaries defined, we can detect system-level behaviors and discover how they affect sustainability.
10 videos, 4 readings
- Leyendo: System Boundaries
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Space Boundaries
- Video: Time
- Leyendo: Level of Detail
- Video: Detail
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Level of Detail
- Video: Inputs and Outputs
- Video: Insight
- Leyendo: System Behaviors
- Video: Interdependence
- Leyendo: Interdependence
- Video: Thresholds
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Threshold Crossing
- Video: Self-Organization
- Video: Resilience
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Resilience
- Video: Emergence
Graded: System Boundaries
Graded: System Behaviors
WEEK 3
Evaluating Systems and Creating Sustainable Systems
To evaluate sustainability in our systems, and check our progress, there are properties to consider and methods to apply. Once we define and evaluate our systems, then we’re ready to create systems that are more sustainable.
12 videos, 4 readings
- Leyendo: Evaluating Sustainability Overview
- Leyendo: Path Dependence
- Video: Inertia
- Video: Carrying Capacities
- Video: The Five Whys
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: The Five Whys
- Video: Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- Leyendo: Creating Sustainable Systems Overview
- Video: Biomimicry
- Video: Closing Loops
- Leyendo: Closing Loops
- Video: Adaptability
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Adaptability
- Video: Polycentrism
- Video: Transparency
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Transparency
- Video: Systematic Inequality
- Video: Elegant Systems are Sustainable Systems
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Elegant Systems
Graded: Life Cycle Assessment - Your Footprint
Graded: Creating Sustainable Systems
WEEK 4
The Endless Quest for Sustainability
There is no magical fix; pursuing sustainability is an endless quest of constant effort at the limits of our abilities, and that’s where the fun is.
3 videos, 2 readings
- Leyendo: The Endless Quest
- Cuadro de aviso de la discusión: Vision
- Video: Leverage Points
- Leyendo: Leverage Points and Women's Equality in Brazil
- Video: Mindset
Graded: What is your vision of a sustainable world in ten years and what can you do to get there?
FAQs
How It Works
Trabajo del curso
Cada curso es como un libro de texto interactivo, con videos pregrabados, cuestionarios y proyectos.
Ayuda de tus compañeros
Conéctate con miles de estudiantes y debate ideas y materiales del curso, y obtén ayuda para dominar los conceptos.
Certificados
Obtén reconocimiento oficial por tu trabajo y comparte tu éxito con amigos, compañeros y empleadores.
Creators
University of Virginia
A premier institution of higher education, The University of Virginia offers outstanding academics, world-class faculty, and an inspiring, supportive environment. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University is guided by his vision of discovery, innovation, and development of the full potential of students from all walks of life. Through these courses, global learners have an opportunity to study with renowned scholars and thought leaders.
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