The course provided an interdisciplinary lens for students to think about economic and social problems
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTORY MODULE The introductory module explored several of the most salient challenges facing emerging market economies (including corruption, and political and economic institutional voids). It also discussed in detail solutions to these problems, including unique biometric ids, microfinance, etc.
MODULE 2: THINKING LIKE AN ENGINEER
Students worked in teams to design entrepreneurial solutions to address contemporary challenges
The second module guided students through the design process from the perspective of an engineer. Professor Gajos engaged students in the methods of entrepreneurial needs assessment—how does an engineer, designer, or entrepreneur identify a need when individuals and communities might not even be aware of their problems? The module also reviewed methods for enhancing creativity and rapid prototyping, and the difference between creating a “product” vs. an “experience” for beneficiaries.
MODULE 3: THINKING LIKE A HUMANIST Led by Professor Sommer, the third module empowered students to think creatively about how arts and culture can be used to change cultural norms, promote social cohesion, and ultimately improve economic development. The module challenged the traditional conception of a “hierarchy of needs” – and discussed the role of pleasure and aesthetics, and how they relate to economic and social development.
ABOUT: For the fifth year, this unique and innovative course was open to all students across Harvard, including undergraduates and graduate students. The course provided an interdisciplinary framework (and multiple lenses) through which to think about the salient economic and social problems affecting five billion people, the majority, of the developing world. Case study discussions covered challenges and solutions in fields as diverse as health, education, technology, urban planning, arts, and the humanities. Students worked in teams to design entrepreneurial solutions to address such problems identified during the course.
FACULTY: Satchit Balsari, Chief, Weill Cornell Global Emergency Medicine Division; Faculty, Harvard FXB Center for Health and Human Rights
Krzysztof Gajos, Associate Professor, SEAS Tarun Khanna, Director, SAI; Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor, HBS Rahul Mehrotra, Professor of Urban Design and Planning, GSD Doris Sommer, Ira Jewell Williams,Jr. Professor of Romance Languages and Literature,
MODULE 4: THINKING LIKE A PLANNER Emerging economies, particularly those in South Asia, must cautiously balance economic development and simultaneously preserve the cultural heritage that makes each country, city, and community unique. This module, led by Professor Mehrotra, created a lens for thinking about responsible entrepreneurship from the perspective of an urban planner or architect. Key themes included: static vs. kinetic cities, cultural preservation in the context of urban development, and participatory urban planning. In order to identify several central issues in development and urbanism, students looked at case studies on low-income housing, and water and sanitation systems, as well as the development of the arts district in downtown Mumbai and the public-private partnership for the restoration of the Taj Mahal.
MODULE 5: APPLICATIONS TO DIFFERENT PROBLEMS AND
FAS; Director of Graduate Studies in Spanish, FAS
CONTEXTS
“Some of the most successful entrepreneurs studied the humanities.” – Doris Sommer, FAS
The final module, co-led by Professor Khanna and Dr. Balsari, applied the various lenses discussed throughout the course to unique contexts facing health and education challenges in developing countries.
“The problems we are tackling are incredibly complex. Simplistic solutions have not worked… I see a clear need to tackle these problems from many perspectives. Engineers have a very useful toolkit to bring to the table.” - Krzysztof Gajos, SEAS “Most people who take the course are interested in practical solutions that are informed by research to tackle problems faced by billions of people on our planet. It is a fun, exciting, rigorous way to get exposed to relevant issues from around the world.” – Tarun Khanna, SAI and HBS
Year in in Review Review 2015 2015 -- 2016 2016 Year
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