The University: Design Problem

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

The University as a Design Problem is a combination seminar and studio centered on imagining and designing new models for a Georgetown education. This year’s focus will be at the intersection of the environment, justice (especially systemic racism) and high-impact learning experiences. The seminar portion will have two layers: 1) it will ground students in the history and present conditions of environmental racism around the world, with particular emphasis on recognizing the leadership of afflicted communities in defending and healing their land, air, water and lives. Our inquiry into environmental justice will be significantly shaped by Georgetown’s location in Washington D.C., whose present too reflects centuries of violence, as well as the desire to transform the relationships among humans and their homes; 2) the second layer will introduce students to theory and philosophy of education and learning, especially focus on justice and decolonization. The studio portion will focus on using design methodologies to develop and mount educational initiatives that both build upon the efforts of environmental justice activists everywhere and imagine new ways of addressing this urgent and existential moment through innovative new curricula. The primary purpose of the course is to create a community of practice among students, faculty and academic staff around a common problem, inquiry and multi-faceted project.The course is designed for a semester, though it may continue for the whole year if the class community desires it.