Thinking in Systems (809W)
Virtually every public policy has causes and consequences beyond those that are intended or immediately visible. This is true of criminal law policies that use algorithmic predictions of flight before trial; environmental policies involving greenhouse gas emissions and conventional pollutants; and social and health policies that address homelessness, institutional racism, and the distribution of Covid vaccines, to name just a few examples.
The causes of the problems that these policies seek to address are complex. As a result, these policies often fail and sometimes have unintended adverse consequences. “Systems thinking” reveals the web of associations in which such policies reside. Its goal is to identify the multiple causes of problems and aid in designing enduring solutions.
Thinking in systems and learning to map systems are core skills for policy makers. After several introductory classes devoted to these concepts and learning how to use the web-based systems mapping tool, Kumu, students will work on systems design projects of their choice. In addition to Stanford Law students, students from other Schools are invited to apply.
Elements used in grading: Attendance, Class Performance, Class Participation, Written Assignments.
CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete a Consent Application Form available at SLS Registrar https://registrar.law.stanford.edu/.
