Leidy Klotz

Offered By

Sustainability through Soccer: Systems-Thinking in Action

University of Virginia

About this Course

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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.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

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Beginner Level

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Instructor

Instructor rating

4.4/5 (5 Ratings)

Leidy Klotz

Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and University of Virginia School of Architecture

Engineering and Architecture

2,565 Learners

2 Courses

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Offered by

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.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

Week 1

3 hours to complete

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).

3 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 21 min), 3 readings, 3 quizzes

8 videos

Why soccer?2m

The Black Panther and The Sacred Monster4m

Overlooked System Elements2m

Physical Flows1m

Information Flows2m

Stocks2m

Feedback Loops2m

Purpose2m

3 readings

Why me?10m

Systems-Thinking for Sustainability15m

System Parts: Elements, Flows, Stocks, Feedback Loops and Purpose15m

3 practice exercises

Reflection: How can you be successful in this course?30m

Reductionist and Systemic Thinking, Sustainability and Soccer30m

System Parts: Elements, Stocks, Flows, Feedback Loops and Purpose26m

Week

Week 2

3 hours to complete

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.

3 hours to complete

10 videos (Total 23 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes

10 videos

Space2m

Time2m

Detail2m

Inputs and Outputs2m

Insight1m

Interdependence2m

Thresholds2m

Self-Organization2m

Resilience2m

Emergence1m

4 readings

System Boundaries15m

Level of Detail15m

System Behaviors15m

Interdependence15m

2 practice exercises

System Boundaries30m

System Behaviors30m

Week

Week 3

3 hours to complete

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.

3 hours to complete

12 videos (Total 27 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes

12 videos

Path Dependence2m

Inertia2m

Carrying Capacities1m

The Five Whys3m

Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA)2m

Biomimicry2m

Closing Loops1m

Adaptability2m

Polycentrism2m

Transparency1m

Systematic Inequality1m

Elegant Systems are Sustainable Systems2m

4 readings

Evaluating Sustainability Overview15m

Path Dependence15m

Creating Sustainable Systems Overview15m

Closing Loops15m

2 practice exercises

Life Cycle Assessment - Your Footprint10m

Creating Sustainable Systems30m

Week

Week 4

1 hour to complete

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.

1 hour to complete

3 videos (Total 7 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz

3 videos

Visioning2m

Leverage Points2m

Mindset1m

2 readings

The Endless Quest10m

Leverage Points and Women's Equality in Brazil15m

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
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Sustainability through Soccer: Systems-Thinking in Action

Sustainability through Soccer: Systems-Thinking in Action