Integrative Thinking

Course Description

Integrative Thinking is the intersection of Design Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Understanding Data. These tools and processes are applied together to address complex real-world problems and build evidence-based solutions. Use the 4-step integrative-thinking methodology to creatively solve problems, building on the critical thinking skills learned in the core courses. Prerequisite: BPS 301, BPS 302, BPS 303.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Apply the 4-step integrative thinking methodology to formulate an innovative solution to a complex human-centered problem.

  • Critically evaluate the application of integrative thinking methodologies to a range of different problems.

  • Describe a problem/issue, including potential paths to a solution supported by evidence (data).

  • Apply principles of design and systems thinking to address a real-world problem or issue, resulting in evidence-based outcomes.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

Student Introductions and Discussions

11%

Case Studies

14%

4 steps

40%

Final Project and Presentation

35%

*Students must earn a grade of C or better in IPS subject courses and in any courses applied to the Area of Focus requirement.

Grading Scale

Percentage

Letter Grade

94-100%

A

90-93.99%

A-

87-89.99%

B+

84-86.99%

B

80-83.99%

B-

77-79.99%

C+

74-76.99%

C

70-73.99%

C-

67-69.99%

D+

64-66.99%

D

60-63.99%

D-

Below 60%

F

Attendance/Participation:

The University defines class attendance to be your responsibility as a student and a privilege of university education. In the online asynchronous environment, you should recognize the advantage of regular and timely online activity, accept it as a personal responsibility, and apprise yourself of the consequences of non-participation. Evidence of attendance in an asynchronous, online course can be demonstrated by correct application of assigned learning content (textbook, videos, other assigned readings, etc.) to the coursework, your timely submission of assignments, and your contribution in discussion forums and group work.

One of the goals of this course is to get feedback each week to revise and improve your project. If you have several weeks where work is not submitted and you have not communicated with me, you will be administratively withdrawn from the course for lack of attendance. I will let you know by email if this is the option I am pursuing. I will not accept several weeks of late assignment submissions. I will not accept several missed assignments at the end of the course. Please keep up with your work and be accountable for your actions if you can't finish the work in a timely manner.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Riel, J. and Martin, R. (2017). Creating great choices: A leader’s guide to integrative thinking. Harvard Business Review Press. ISBN 978-1633692961

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate, and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.