Systems Thinking is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses all traditional disciplines, from mathematics, technology and biology to philosophy and the social sciences. The systems approach distinguishes itself from the more traditional analytic approach by emphasizing the interactions and connectedness of the different components of a system. Some of the dimensions of Systems Thinking include model building and distinguishing between models and reality; thinking in feedback loops and interrelated structures; and recognizing patterns over time (oscillations, delays).

While we do not have required textbooks per se for this course, we expect you to file in your course binder all the handouts and any hard copy of the website content that we will provide you on an ongoing basis. In effect, your course binder is your textbook.

Familiarity with the concepts and the applications thereof can only be gained through substantial reading outside the classroom. For this purpose, we have placed on reserve a collection of books specially purchased for this course. We recommend that you browse through these books to get a sampling of the tremendous breadth and transdisciplinary nature of the material in this course. The list of books on reserve is in your course binder. Throughout the course, we will be adding URLs as needed.

This interdisciplinary course will introduce students to the theoretical concepts of systems thinking followed by an introduction to models of system dynamics and culminating in the application of systems thinking to a wide variety of disciplines.

The following outcomes are expected at the end of the course:

a) a basic comprehension of some of the fundamental systems concepts and terms;

b) develop an ability to apply what has been taught to real world issues and problems;

c) have a basic understanding of system dynamics through concepts and modeling using NetLogo® or Stella®

The material will be presented in a pedagogical format that is open to different learning styles and will be mindful of learning outcomes to be assessed via multiple assignments. Extensive use of the Internet and systems dynamics software, NetLogo® is required.

1) Short inquiry projects/papers on readings

2) A mid-term examination [cumulative]

3) Projects using NetLogo®

4) A final examination [cumulative] on the date announced by the Registrar's office.

Inquiry papers

Midterm examination

Final Examination

Project

Attendance records will be kept in order to determine the level and degree of your participation in the class. For each class missed without documented reason for your absence, points will be deducted from your final grade. Note that there is a direct correlation between class attendance and performance on assignments and examinations.

Please note that the Academic Integrity Statement in the College Catalog (page 27 ) will be strictly adhered to in this class.