About this course: The second course of the specialization EVALUATING PROBLEMS will show you how humans think and how to utilize different disciplinary approaches to tackle problems more effectively. It advances your knowledge of your own field by teaching you to look at it in new ways. EVALUATING PROBLEMS is constructed in the following way: Week I. “Thinking about Thinking” – How problem solving evolved in nature, how the mechanics of our brains work, and the psychological biases that can emerge when we think. Week II. “Philosophy, Science, and Problem Solving” – How humans have historically approached problem solving, from ancient times to the present. Week III. “Approaching Problems in the Natural Sciences” – How people in the natural sciences deconstruct problems. Week IV. “Statistics and Problem Solving” – How statistics can be used to evaluate problems and think critically. Week V. “Approaching Problems in the Humanities” – How people in the social sciences and humanities deconstruct problems. Week VI. “Evaluating the Anthropocene” – How to evaluate the problems of the Anthropocene.

Who is this class for: This course is for everyone: from any level of expertise, any field, any industry, any discipline. And for good reason. It teaches skills that enhance your work and endeavours, regardless of who you are. If you want to perform better in your career, to innovate in your field, and to improve your future prospects - take this course!

Created by: Macquarie University

Taught by: David Baker, Associate Lecturer
Big History Institute
Taught by: David Christian, Professor
Big History Institute
Taught by: Shawn Ross, Associate Professor
Big History Institute

Basic Info	Course 2 of 4 in the Solving Complex Problems Specialization.
Level	Beginner
Language	English
How To Pass	Pass all graded assignments to complete the course.

Syllabus

WEEK 1

The Evolution of Problem Solving

Welcome to the second course of our specialisation on solving complex problems! In this module, we will introduce you to modes of thinking, how our capacity for thinking has evolved, and the blindspots that can still arise out of our fragile, blindly evolved, ...

7 videos, 14 readings

Graded: Multiple Choice - Mod. 1

Graded: Short writing for Module 1: Epistemology, logic, and problem solving

WEEK 2

Philosophy, Science, and Problem Solving

In this module we shall explore how human cultures evaluate complex problems, taking in global perspectives from history, looking at modern science, and examining cases where contemplation of problems go beyond science into the field of ethics and society.

7 videos, 13 readings

Graded: Multiple Choice - Mod. 2

Graded: Short writing for Module 2: Introduction to the history and philosophy of science

WEEK 3

Approaching Problems in the Natural Sciences

This module will look at how we evaluate problems in the sciences in its various branches, and contemplate how these methods may lend themselves to our own approach to complex problems.

6 videos, 11 readings

Graded: Multiple Choice - Mod. 3

Graded: Short writing for Module 3: Approaching problems in the natural sciences

WEEK 4

Statistics and Problem Solving

In this module we will examine the very important role that statistics play in evaluating complex problems and certain skills and approaches that can be utilised in our own domains.

6 videos, 11 readings

Graded: Multiple Choice - Mod. 4

Graded: Short writing for Module 4: Statistics and problem solving

WEEK 5

Approaching Problems in the Humanities

In this module, we will examine the similarities and differences regarding how we approach complex problems in different areas of the humanities. Given the extreme complexity of human society, a multi-faceted approach is not surprising, but we shall also exami...

8 videos, 15 readings

Graded: Multiple Choice - Mod. 5

Graded: Short writing for Module 5: Approaching problems in the humanities

WEEK 6

Evaluating the Anthropocene

In this module, we shall apply what we've learned to our examination of complex problems in the Anthropocene. In such an age and in such a tangled system an increasingly transdisciplinary approach is required to make the right judgements and arrive at the best...

8 videos, 13 readings

Graded: Multiple Choice - Mod. 6

Graded: Short writing for Module 6: Problem solving in the Anthropocene

Graded: Final assignment for Course 2: Evaluating Problems

Graded: Reflections after completing Course 2: Evaluating Problems

FAQs

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Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

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Creators

Macquarie University

Macquarie is a hub of inspired and unconstrained thinking. Macquarie was founded with a unique purpose: to bring minds together unhindered by tradition. Created to challenge the education establishment, Macquarie has a rich track record of innovation. Macquarie actively shapes the complex issues that define the future of humanity.

Pricing

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