This is a student-centered class conducted entirely in English for the learning of systems thinking principles.
The class consists of 15 sessions. By the end of the course students will have an understanding of systems thinking principles, processes, and applications using business case studies and free market economics learning activities.
The purpose of the course is for students to learn and understand systems thinking principles and applications.
1: Course Introduction. Systems Thinking Basics: Concept, Context, and Principles
2: Systemic Structures: Behavior Over Time Graphs (BOTs) & Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs)
3: Unit 1: The Broken Window
4: Unit 2: The Demobilization
5: Unit 3: Taxes
6: Unit 4: Theaters and Fine Arts
7: Unit 5: Public Works
8: Unit 6: The Middlemen
9: Unit 7: Complex Systems: Restraint of Trade
10: Unit 8: Complex Systems: Machines
11: Unit 9: Credit
12: Unit 10: Algeria
13: Unit 11: Complex Systems: Thrift and Luxury
14: Unit 12: Complex Systems: Right to Employment
15: Complex Systems Student Presentations
Required Book:
What Is Seen and What Is NOT Seen: Fun Systems Thinking Activities with Frederic Bastiat: Supplementary Economics Activity Book to Systems Thinking Basics. College Station, TX: VBW Publishing, 2011. By Michael Reber. ISBN 978-1-60264-689-6
Supplementary Book:
Systems Thinking Basics: From Concepts to Causal Loops (Workbook) by Virginia Anderson and Lauren Johnson, 1997. ISBN 1-883823-12-9
Not applicable
Student grades will be based upon the regular letter grade system as described below:
AA= Excellent- 90-100%
A= Very Good- 80-89%
B= Good- 70-79%
C= Average- 60-69%
XX= Failing based upon coursework grade.
X= Failing based upon not attending 2/3 of class sessions (Fourth absence is automatic failure)
Grades are based upon the following:
1) In-Class Participation and Attendance: 50%
2) Final Exam: 50%
Total for Semester: 100%
*The student must participate in all class sessions unless otherwise excused. The student must complete all assignments, attend regularly, take notes, and work with others in a congenial manner.
*It is highly recommended that students do outside reading on issues discussed in class.