552.626.81
Systems Thinking: Concepts and Methods

Location
Internet
Term
4th Term
Department
Extradepartmental
Credit(s)
0.5
Academic Year
2023 - 2024
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online
Start Date
Monday, March 25, 2024
End Date
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Ligia Paina
Contact Name
Ligia Paina
Contact Email
lpaina@jhu.edu
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analyzing how components of complex systems interact and adapt. Through systems thinking we can understand how societies organize themselves to achieve collective health goals and how different actors contribute to policy outcomes. The practice of systems thinking includes the ability to integrate multiple perspectives and synthesize them into a framework or model that encompasses the various ways in which a system might react to policy choices.
Provides students with an understanding of how to apply systems thinking in public health. Trains students on the fundamentals of systems thinking theory and offers opportunities to apply key methods and approaches to health policy and health questions. Prepares students to ask relevant research questions and apply systems thinking to describe, understand, and anticipate complex behavior. Examines how systems models can be critically appraised and communicated with others so public health policymakers can exercise a greater degree of wisdom and insight.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Identify characteristics of a system and critically appraise systems models
  2. Identify unintended consequences of public health system changes
  3. Assess strengths and weaknesses of applying the systems approach to public health problems
  4. Use systems diagrams and figures to show how feedback loops might lead to unanticipated consequences
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 40% Participation
  • 60% Quizzes
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Consent Contact
lpaina@jhu.edu
Jointly Offered With
International Health