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EDL 396b I Design Thinking for Social Change

In this interdisciplinary course, students learn and apply the Design Thinking (human centered design) process in partnership with a community partner to examine issues faced by the organization that are unique to their mission and populations served. Design Thinking offers a new way of seeing and understanding the world. It is a robust process which involves empathetic, human-centered observation, critical research and analysis, innovation, and experimentation. With an emphasis on visualizing information and testing and iterating ideas, the fundamental principles of Design Thinking can be applied to a wide variety of academic disciplines and professional sectors, making this course relevant for all students. Students will work collaboratively to uncover some of the root causes of challenges faced by the organization. The curriculum is grounded in systems thinking with an emphasis on equity and social justice. 

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