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.
Offered By
Wesleyan University
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
15 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.
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
Week
26 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.
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
Week
36 hours to complete
Climate Change and Sustainability
Discussion about political and economic ramifications of climate change, including how to think big about sustainability
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
Week
46 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
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
4.7
35 ReviewsTop reviews from How to Change the World
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.
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.
About Wesleyan University
At Wesleyan, distinguished scholar-teachers work closely with students, taking advantage of fluidity among disciplines to explore the world with a variety of tools. The university seeks to build a diverse, energetic community of students, faculty, and staff who think critically and creatively and who value independence of mind and generosity of spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.