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Thinking in Systems: How to Understand and Tackle Complex Problems

July 10 - August 1, 2026, Monday to Friday (8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)

SOCI 3200, DEGE Breadth (upper level, SCC)

Our world is messy: climate change, pandemics, conflict, inequality, pollution, economic shocks. These are not separate problems. They’re interconnected. They’re complex. And they are already shaping your future. Thinking in Systems: How to Understand and Tackle Complex Problems gives you the tools to make sense of this complexity, to understand it more deeply, and to begin imagining what your impact can be in this world. Through teamwork, action learning, and problem-based projects, you will apply systems thinking to challenges that cut across disciplines and sit at the intersection of ecology, economics, society, and human well-being. You will practice systems thinking tools, concepts, and mapping techniques to explore issues you care about and to design smarter, more sustainable solutions. By the end of this course, you will have developed skills that global leaders, communities, and employers are looking for: systems thinking, critical and holistic analysis, and the ability to move beyond “quick fixes” toward meaningful change.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Apply systems thinking habits, and frameworks to deconstruct complex problems and design impactful interventions.;
  • Analyze local and global issues from multiple perspectives to uncover deeper connections and insights;
  • Utilize systems thinking tools to identify power dynamics, cognitive biases, and colonial influences within systems;
  • Collaborate on a team project to analyze and propose interventions to a complex challenge, honing your communication skills to engage diverse audiences in a call to action.

This program is right for you if:

  • You have an issue or area of focus that you’re passionate about and want to create meaningful change in;
  • You’re eager to learn how to better understand and address complex, real-world issues while minimizing unintended consequences;
  • You thrive in collaborative environments and prefer hands-on, project-based learning;
  • You are looking to gain valuable 21st century skills that are applicable across employment sectors, and future career paths;
  • You aspire to develop systems thinking skills to drive positive change at local, national, and global levels;
  • You like engaging with diverse viewpoints and cultural insights, to enhance your understanding of issues facing communities and the world;
  • You want to connect with like-minded peers from various backgrounds, fostering collaboration and friendships that extend beyond the classroom.

What will you be able to do after this course?

  • Apply Systems Thinking concepts, habits and mapping tools to better understand difficult to solve problems;
  • Propose better solutions that address root causes and mitigate unexpected negative outcomes;
  • Employ systems thinking strategies and tools in a work-related practice, or area of study;
  • Better analyze “wicked” or “sticky” problems from a variety of angles;
  • Grasp complexity, craft more nuanced arguments, break down siloed thinking;
  • Collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to develop and present innovative, systems-based solutions to real-world challenges.
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