Sustainability through Soccer: Systems-Thinking in Action

University of Virginia

À propos de ce cours

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.

Cours en ligne à 100 %

Commencez dès maintenant et apprenez aux horaires qui vous conviennent.

Niveau débutant

Approx. 18 heures pour terminer

Recommandé : 6 modules, 2-3 hours/module

English

Sous-titres : English

Cours en ligne à 100 %

Commencez dès maintenant et apprenez aux horaires qui vous conviennent.

Niveau débutant

Approx. 18 heures pour terminer

Recommandé : 6 modules, 2-3 hours/module

English

Sous-titres : English

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

1

Section

2 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)....

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?8m

Reductionist and Systemic Thinking, Sustainability and Soccer20m

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

2

Section

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....

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 Boundaries16m

System Behaviors22m

3

Section

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....

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 Systems16m

4

Section

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....

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

Instructor

Leidy Klotz

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

About 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....

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 pay for this course?
If you pay for this course, you will have access to all of the features and content you need to earn a Course Certificate. If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. Note that the Course Certificate does not represent official academic credit from the partner institution offering the course.
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