The course covers a range of topics, including the history of social movements, the role of institutions in shaping social change, and the practical skills needed to create effective social and political movements.
Throughout the course, students will learn about different strategies for creating change, from grassroots organizing to lobbying and advocacy. They will also explore the challenges and obstacles that can arise when trying to effect change, such as resistance from those in power or lack of support from the broader community.
The course includes a range of resources and tools to help students develop their understanding of social change and build the skills needed to create effective movements. These include readings, videos, and interactive exercises that encourage students to think critically and creatively about how to make a positive impact on the world.
By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of the complexities of social change and be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful and lasting change in their communities and beyond.
Course Content:
How can we use the things we share in common to address some of the most challenging problems facing the world? This course examines issues concerning poverty, the environment, technology, health care, gender, education and activism to help us understand better how to initiate positive change.
The How to Change the World course by author Michael S. Roth on Coursera consists of 6 weeks. Specifically, the course sections are:
Week 1: What are Social Goods? From the Commons to Moral Revolutions
7 videos (Total 148 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
Introduction: Social Good and Tragedy of the Commons 21m
Genealogy of the Idea of Social Good 23m
Reciprocity and Giving Back to the Commons 19m
From Legitimate Communal Regulation to Pressures for Exploitation 23m
Fisheries Forests and Sustainable Productivity 22m
Cultures of Trust and Reinforcing the Commons by Practicing Cooperation 21m
From Copyright to Communities of Cooperative Practice 16m
Recommended Readings 1h
Week 2: Poverty and Development
7 videos (Total 165 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
Extreme Poverty – Introduction 23m
Varieties of Poverty and Development 22m
Listening to the Poor to Find Out What Works 24m
Multi-Pronged Effort: Private Enterprise, Government and Inclusive Growth 24m
Systematic Efforts to Find Out What Works Best 19m
Breaking out of Cycles of Suffering 23m
Inclusive Economic Growth and a Global Movement to End Poverty 24m
Recommended Readings 1h
Week 3: Climate Change and Sustainability
9 videos (Total 196 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
Climate Change and Sustainability 23m
Global Challenges and Local Responses 23m
Making a Difference and Varied Challenges 17m
Grassroots Politics and Climate Change (1) 22m
Politics and the Disruption of Ecosystems 21m
Conversation with a Climate Economist on Risk Management 21m
Risk, Assessment and Reducing Likelihood of Disaster 16m
Conversation on Energy, Sustainability and Solution Science 23m
Solution Science and What We Can Do 26m
Recommended Readings 1h
Week 4: Disease and Global Health Care
Disease and Global Health – Introduction 22m
Democracy, Health and Engagement 20m
Major Health Challenges and Responses (1) 27m
Major Health Challenges and Responses (2) 31m
Testing our Work to Make it Most Effective 25m
Care, Organization and Making a Real Difference 38m
Motivating Change and Holistic Responses to Poverty 25m
Week 5: Women, Education and Social Change
8 videos (Total 177 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
Introduction and Quiet Violence Against Girls and Women 20m
Social Entrepreneurship and Gender Lens Investing 23m
Education and Risk Taking 21m
Education and Building Human Capacity 27m
Malala and the Courage of Education (1) 20m
Malala and the Courage of Education (2) 30m
You Can Have Impact: Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn (Part 1) 15m
How We Can Change the World: Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn 17m
Recommended Readings 1h
Week 6: Looking Back, Looking Foward
2 videos (Total 48 min)
Wesleyan Students Share Their Thoughts about Change 25m
Listening to the Local and Practical Idealism 22m
Reviews:
As a former student of the How to Change the World course by Michael S. Roth on Coursera, I found the course to be a valuable and thought-provoking experience. The course is designed for individuals who are interested in effecting social change, and provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities involved in making a positive impact on the world.
One of the strengths of the course is its emphasis on critical thinking and analysis. The course materials are thoughtfully designed to challenge students to think deeply about complex issues and to evaluate different arguments and perspectives. This has helped me to approach my work with greater clarity and focus, and to be more effective in advocating for social change.
Another strength of the course is its practical focus. Throughout the course, students are provided with a range of practical skills and strategies that they can apply to their own work. This includes skills such as strategic planning, effective communication, and community organizing, among others. These skills have been invaluable to me in my own work as a social change advocate.
The course is also well-structured and engaging. The online format worked well for me, and the course materials were presented in a clear and accessible manner. The peer review assignments were particularly helpful in providing me with feedback on my work and helping me to refine my skills.
Overall, I would highly recommend the How to Change the World course to anyone who is interested in making a positive impact on the world. The course provides a wealth of valuable insights and practical skills, and is designed to be accessible to individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. If you are passionate about social change and want to develop the skills and strategies needed to be effective in your work, this course is an excellent resource.
At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on over 253 ratings.
What you'll learn:
After completing the How to Change the World course by Michael S. Roth on Coursera, students will have developed a range of skills that can be applied to effecting meaningful and lasting change in the world. These skills include:
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Critical thinking: Students will have learned to think critically about the challenges and obstacles that can arise when trying to create social change, and how to develop strategies to overcome these challenges.
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Strategic planning: Students will have learned how to develop effective plans for creating change, including identifying key stakeholders and building alliances.
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Grassroots organizing: Students will have learned about the power of grassroots organizing and how to mobilize individuals and communities to create change.
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Advocacy and lobbying: Students will have learned about the role of advocacy and lobbying in effecting social change, and how to engage with policymakers and decision-makers to influence policy.
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Communication skills: Students will have developed strong communication skills, including the ability to articulate their ideas and engage with others in a constructive and persuasive manner.
Overall, students who complete this course will be better equipped to create positive change in the world and make a meaningful impact on the issues they care about most.
Author:
Michael S. Roth is an American academic, writer, and intellectual historian who has made significant contributions to the fields of education, cultural criticism, and social theory. He is currently the president of Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, where he has been serving since 2007.
Roth was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1957 and attended Wesleyan University, where he earned his BA in history and his PhD in history and humanities. He went on to teach at Scripps College, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the California College of the Arts before returning to Wesleyan as its 16th president.
Throughout his career, Roth has been a prolific author and has written extensively on a wide range of topics, including education, politics, philosophy, and culture. He is the author of several books, including "Beyond the University: Why Liberal Education Matters" and "Memory, Trauma, and History: Essays on Living with the Past."
Roth is also a regular contributor to a number of publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. In addition, he is a sought-after speaker and has given talks and lectures at universities and conferences around the world.
Overall, Roth is widely respected as a leading intellectual in his field and has made significant contributions to the study of education, culture, and social change. His work is known for its depth, insight, and relevance, and has had a profound impact on the way we think about these important issues.
Requirements:
Here are the requirements for the How to Change the World course by Michael S. Roth on Coursera:
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Internet Access: Students must have access to a reliable internet connection in order to access course materials, view videos, participate in online discussions and submit assignments.
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English Proficiency: The course is taught entirely in English, so students should have a strong command of the language in order to engage with the course content, read articles and research papers, and participate in class discussions.
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Time Commitment: The course is self-paced, but students are expected to spend 4-6 hours per week on coursework. The course is designed to be flexible so students can balance their other responsibilities and commitments.
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Computer Skills: Students should have basic computer skills, such as creating documents, navigating websites, and using email.
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Openness to Diverse Perspectives: The course includes a range of diverse perspectives on social change. Students should be open to learning from and engaging with different perspectives, and be willing to respectfully consider viewpoints that may differ from their own.
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Critical Thinking Skills: The course emphasizes critical thinking and analysis, so students should be able to think critically about complex issues, evaluate different arguments, and construct well-supported arguments.
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Passion for Social Change: The course is designed for students who are passionate about making a positive impact on the world, and who are committed to working towards social change in their own communities and beyond.
Overall, the course is intended to be accessible to a wide range of learners who are interested in effecting meaningful change in the world, and who are willing to engage with complex issues in a thoughtful and critical manner.
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