ENT 1501 - Fundamentals of Changemaking and Critical Thinking

3 credits
Fundamentals of Changemaking and Critical Thinking is an interdisciplinary course designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive social and economic innovation within their communities. This course delves into the principles of changemaking, social innovation, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in addressing complex societal challenges.

Students will explore the historical and current landscape of social, environmental, and economic issues, learning to analyze and evaluate these challenges using various tools and methodologies. The course also focuses on developing essential skills for effective social innovation, including transformative leadership, conflict resolution, resilience, and storytelling.

Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students will recognize their potential as changemakers and entrepreneurs. They will learn to integrate changemaking principles into their personal and professional lives, understand the role of empathy and cross-sector collaborations, and apply design thinking to develop innovative solutions. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to create meaningful change by identifying opportunities, generating ideas, and implementing solutions that consider balanced feedback loops for sustained impact.