Innovation in Sustainability and Global Development Practice Precapstone

Harvard Extension School

ENVR E-597B

Section 1

CRN 17315

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This course serves as foundational preparation for Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) sustainability and global development practice capstone track candidates, enabling them to conceptualize, structure, and propose a comprehensive plan for their capstone project in the innovation and sustainability field. Students explore fundamental principles of sustainable product and service design, emphasizing aligning business practices with climate, environmental, health, and social goals. Additionally, the course introduces the essentials of assessing a regional innovation ecosystem, drafting a compelling business plan, and selecting an appropriate business or social model for start-ups addressing sustainability and global development challenges. Key focus areas include understanding the architecture and dynamics of regional innovation and sustainability ecosystems, which form the backbone of modern sustainable development practices. Students gain preliminary insights into the roles and characteristics of innovation investors, including angel investors, venture capital funds, and venture philanthropists. By the course's end, candidates deliver a detailed, actionable plan for their capstone project, combining creative innovation with practical strategies to foster sustainable solutions worldwide.

Instructor Info

Ramon Sanchez, ScD

Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer, The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy


Meeting Info

M 7:40pm - 9:40pm (9/2 - 12/20)

Participation Option: Online Asynchronous or Online Synchronous

In online asynchronous courses, you are not required to attend class at a particular time. Instead you can complete the course work on your own schedule each week.

Deadlines

Last day to register: August 28, 2025

Additional Time Commitments

Optional sections to be arranged

Prerequisites

Registration is limited to officially admitted degree candidates in the Master of Liberal Arts, sustainability or global development practice capstone track, who are in their penultimate semester. Prospective candidates and students with pending admission applications are not eligible. Candidates must be in good academic standing and in the process of successfully completing all degree requirements. Candidates must enroll in the capstone, ENVR E-599b, in the upcoming spring term as their one-and-only final course (no other course registration is allowed simultaneously with the capstone). Candidates who do not meet these degree requirements are dropped from the course.

Notes

This course meets via web conference. Students may attend at the scheduled meeting time or watch recorded sessions asynchronously. Recorded sessions are typically available within a few hours of the end of class and no later than the following business day. See minimum technology requirements.

All Sections of this Course

CRN Section # Participation Option(s) Instructor Section Status Meets Term Dates
17315 1 Online Asynchronous, Online Synchronous Ramon Sanchez Open M 7:40pm - 9:40pm
Sep 2 to Dec 20
26971 1 Online Asynchronous, Online Synchronous Ramon Sanchez Open T 7:40pm - 9:40pm
Jan 26 to May 16