Contemporary Issues

Ensemble 1

Course Number	Course Name	C - L - H	Hrs
Contemporary Issues
365-BWP-DW	Designing Solutions for a Better World	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: In this course students will identify major contemporary issues from a cross-disciplinary perspective and use a design thinking approach to propose several solution paths to identified problems. Design Thinking refers to the way designers go about designing and solving problems. The approach can be applied to non-design problems such as organization change or solving societal problems. It is a form of solution-based or solution-focused thinking starting with a goal (a better future situation) instead of solving a specific problem. Several alternate solutions and paths leading to the goal are considered simultaneously and iterated. In some cases, the initial problem may be redefined. This approach differs from the more linear scientific method that elaborates all the parameters of a problem first in order to create one solution. Students will use visual tools such as Mind Maps and the Business Model Canvas to put their ideas to paper, set up experiments to test their hypotheses concerning possible solution paths by interviewing stakeholders and then returning to the classroom to share lessons learned. Critiques from classmates and the teacher will help students refine their solution model. At the end of the course, students should have at least one realistic solution to a contemporary issue.
365-BWP-DW	Designing Solutions for a Better World (INTENSIVE)	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course will allow students to explore a contemporary issue of their choice and examine the beginning phases of solving the issue. Through this weeklong intensive course, students will follow various methodologies, mainly, Design Thinking, to help them problem solve. Students will work in groups to research the contemporary issue by understanding the target market and the macro environment. Students will narrow their research to clearly define the contemporary issue and come to a concrete problem statement. Students will then ideate a multitude of possible solutions and prototype these solutions. Students will end the week with testing which solution is most viable and appropriate to solve their contemporary issue.
365-BWP-DW	Ecology and Culture	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: The main objectives of this course are to: (i) expose students to an environment different from that of Montreal in order to examine the natural history, ecology and evolutionary adaptations of the various organisms observed in said region and (ii) to expose students to the history and culture of the region in order to foster a social understanding of its customs (specifically regarding ecological views). Students will learn about the history of this region/country through discussions and interactions with local people, as well as through the study of historical and cultural landmarks. Activities will cover a wide range of topics including biogeography, climate, community structure, species interactions, coevolution, evolutionary adaptations, conservation, national history, and the impact of human activities on the environment.
365-BWP-DW	Imaging Violence and Non-Violence	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: The focus is on an urgent contemporary issue: why is violence so widely accepted in our world and how can we build resistance. The Humanities component questions some of our widely-held ideas about violence and explores how acceptance of violence is socially-constructed, while examining a world view that rejects violence on both ethical and practical grounds. The Cin-Com (contemporary issues) component provides students with the tools to deconstruct the visual language that makes violence possible, and engages them in the creation of a student-led media project that resists violence. This unique educational experience emphasizes close collaboration between students and faculty, and allows students to advance their work in both courses at the same time.
365-BWP-DW	Peace 365	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Peace 365 is an innovative complementary course that seeks to contribute to peace in the world by exploring peace-building from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Locally and globally, conflicts divide people and communities, and undermine well-being and happiness. Students in this course will learn to identify and understand the fundamental conflicts of humanity. The specific roles of several disciplines in understanding peace will be recognized and explored in panels, lectures, and coursework. Students will acquire and practice strategies for creating peace in their relationships with self, community, and nature. Individually and collectively, we will develop the confidence to apply these strategies in the real world, with the aim of creating a more peaceful world for all.
365-BWP-DW	Personal Finances and Money Management (EARLY INTENSIVE)	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Students will examine contemporary issues within the context of personal finance and money management. Students will participate in research and problem solving pertaining to contemporary forces contextualized within the backdrop of a financial framework. Students will consider personal financial requirements in various life stages and the application of goal setting and budgeting towards a personal financial plan.
365-BWP-DW	Personal Finances and Money Management (INTENSIVE)	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Students will examine contemporary issues within the context of personal finance and money management. This course will examine the process of managing one’s finances in order to achieve personal financial goals. Within this framework students will be exposed to topics including: rent vs own for a primary residence, automobile lease vs purchase, RRSPs, TFSAs, and planning for one’s financial objectives. The course is geared towards the general student population.
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