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Systems thinking is used in diverse fields, from arts to engineering, to understand how components interact in complex ways. Systems thinking can be used to quantify and understand the movement of mass and energy in Earth’s climate system, or to inform decision-making by governments or communities. Earth system scientists use a systems approach to understand the structure, functions and feedbacks among the earth’s anthrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, pedosphere and cryosphere. Economists use systems thinking to maximize the impact of sustainable development decisions. Geographers use systems thinking to identify the effects urban transport systems have on communities. Learning how to identify and model the properties and processes at work within a system helps us make a difference and achieve sustainability goals. In this 200-level course, students will develop understanding of the way systems thinking is used in sustainability studies, including in local, regional and international contexts. Students are introduced to some of the strengths, limitations and major challenges inherent in this approach to helping us address complex interdisciplinary problems.
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:Describe the basic principles of systems thinking (GA3; EIE1).Analyse a range of complex sustainability challenges using systems thinking, including indigenous approaches to systems thinking (BiCC3,5,6).Articulate the role of feedback loops, systemic leverages and tipping points in a range of social, economic and environmental contexts (CE3).Explain how we can model likely impacts and possible responses using systems thinking (GA3).Apply systems thinking to future decision making scenarios (EIE3).Identify the strengths and weaknesses of systems theory as a concept when applied to understanding relationships of power, cross-cultural decision making, as well as environmental understanding (BiCC1,2).
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
SENS101
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Travis Horton
Bronwyn Hayward and Diane Mollenkopf
Senior Lecturer - Hamuera Kahi
Domestic fee $1,003.00
International fee $4,209.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .