What are the biggest challenges facing humanity, and what is your role in addressing them?
In this course, you will explore the context and history of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Then, working with individuals and organizations engaged in solving these challenges, you will use your knowledge to contribute to solutions locally and globally to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
In March 2012, the world population topped 7 billion people. While this population continues to grow exponentially, natural resources dwindle due to human consumption with remaining resources unequally distributed. More than ever, our world needs thoughtful, engaged, global citizens to address the world’s growing crises.
Course Units
How can everyone have access to resources that meet basic human needs?
In this unit you will identify the fundamental human needs, define international development, analyze one historical example of a lack of access to basic needs, and critique one solution to the barriers of poverty and hunger.
Here are the unit sub guiding questions you will pursue:
- How can we equalize access to basic human needs satisfiers?
- What are the consequences of unequal access to education and basic resources?
- How will you help others access local solutions to world problems?
What does gender inequality look like, and what are the consequences?
In this unit you will identify examples of gender inequality in the world and understand the link between gender equality and maternal health.
Here are the unit sub guiding questions you will pursue:
- What does gender inequality look like in the world?
- What does gender inequality look like in my community and society?
- How will you bring gender equality to your society?
How can we work together to solve problems that have no borders?
In this unit you will explore problems that extend beyond national borders – problems such as the spread of diseases and global climate change. Here are the unit sub guiding questions you will pursue:
- How can development and sustainability be achieved simultaneously?
- What is being done locally to protect the environment globally?
- How can I creatively inspire others to take collective action on the environment?
