How can we use the things we share in common to address some of the most challenging problems facing the world? This course examines issues concerning poverty, the environment, technology, health care, gender, education and activism to help us understand better how to initiate positive change.
How to Change the World
Wesleyan UniversityAbout this Course
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Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
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Flexible deadlines
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Beginner Level
Approx. 32 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
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. 32 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Offered by
Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand. With our distinctive scholar-teacher culture, creative programming, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Wesleyan challenges students to explore new ideas and change the world. Our graduates go on to lead and innovate in a wide variety of industries, including government, business, entertainment, and science.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
5 hours to complete
What are Social Goods? From the Commons to Moral Revolutions
Discussion about what our social good is, how we define it and how it can be sustainably used.
5 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 148 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
7 videos
Genealogy of the Idea of Social Good23m
Reciprocity and Giving Back to the Commons19m
From Legitimate Communal Regulation to Pressures for Exploitation23m
Fisheries Forests and Sustainable Productivity22m
Cultures of Trust and Reinforcing the Commons by Practicing Cooperation21m
From Copyright to Communities of Cooperative Practice16m
1 reading
Recommended Readings1h
6 hours to complete
Poverty and Development
Discussion about poverty and the relationship of poverty to philanthropy and to foreign aid, actions taken to mitigate the effects of poverty, of major theorists and economists working in this area and , also, a new approach to this subject through randomized experimentation.
6 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 165 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
7 videos
Varieties of Poverty and Development22m
Listening to the Poor to Find Out What Works24m
Multi-Pronged Effort: Private Enterprise, Government and Inclusive Growth24m
Systematic Efforts to Find Out What Works Best19m
Breaking out of Cycles of Suffering23m
Inclusive Economic Growth and a Global Movement to End Poverty24m
1 reading
Recommended Readings1h
6 hours to complete
Climate Change and Sustainability
Discussion about political and economic ramifications of climate change, including how to think big about sustainability
6 hours to complete
9 videos (Total 196 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
9 videos
Global Challenges and Local Responses23m
Making a Difference and Varied Challenges17m
Grassroots Politics and Climate Change (1)22m
Politics and the Disruption of Ecosystems21m
Conversation with a Climate Economist on Risk Management21m
Risk, Assessment and Reducing Likelihood of Disaster16m
Conversation on Energy, Sustainability and Solution Science23m
Solution Science and What We Can Do26m
1 reading
Recommended Readings1h
6 hours to complete
Disease and Global Health Care
Discussion about health care and poverty, considering major challenges that disease presents around the world and the global role of healthcare
6 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 191 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
7 videos
Democracy, Health and Engagement20m
Major Health Challenges and Responses (1)27m
Major Health Challenges and Responses (2)31m
Testing our Work to Make it Most Effective25m
Care, Organization and Making a Real Difference38m
Motivating Change and Holistic Responses to Poverty25m
1 reading
Recommended Readings1h
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD
by YCSep 6, 2017
Great experience that has changed my perspective of the world and my role in it. I would like to take this opportunity to thank professor Roth for taking on this course and offering it to everyone.
by VPSep 6, 2017
Honestly, my knowledge has broadened quite a lot on social issues face by various individuals today. I loved doing this course because its a real eye-opener.
by SJJul 21, 2020
How to Change the World is one of the first online courses I joined and enjoyed. The information I got helped me to pass the first part of 2020. Thanks
by ELNov 22, 2017
Loved it! I learned so much, really valuable information with incredible people. I feel very lucky to have has access to all of this material.
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:
- The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
- 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.
What is the refund policy?
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
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