The Solving Societal Problems Micro-credential prepares students for working in fields requiring a substantive knowledge of social problems and skill at designing solutions to those problems. According to the World Economic Forum and others, problem solving is presently one of the the most in-demand job skill. Students who are competent problem-solvers, approach societal challenges with curiosity and are ready to embrace the challenge before them. In addition to exposing students to a variety of social problems, this micro-credential will impart students with skills in the areas of empathy, collaboration, problem solving, participatory design, human-centered design, design thinking, communication and presentation.
Eligibility
- CU Boulder Students (including nondegree/ACCESS)
- CU Boulder Employees
Delivery Mode
Credit Status
Credit
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Fee
Yes
Requirements
Students must take SOCY 2031 (Social Problems) and SOCY 4160 (Designing Social Innovations).
Criteria
Using short essays, multiple choice exams, reflection exercises and group projects, participants in this program will be evaluated using the following criteria:
1. Has the student developed an understanding of a sociological understanding of social problems?
2. Is the student able to explain and apply the different methodologies used to conceive solutions to such problems?
3. Can the student assess existing solutions and identify remaining opportunities to address a social problem?
Skills
- Collaboration
- Design thinking
- Empathy
- Human-centered design
- Participatory design
- Problem solving