The Future of Humanity: A System Approach

Harvard Extension School

CSCI E-138

Section 1

CRN 26912

View Course Details
It is tempting to believe that humanity will endure forever, despite the many challenges facing our planet. However, these challenges are deeply interconnected, involving conflicting interests and forming complex systems that resist simple solutions. Historically, reductionist approaches—focused on linear cause-and-effect relationships—have failed to provide effective solutions. This course takes a systems-oriented approach, emphasizing both depth and breadth in understanding global challenges. Students gain an appreciation for the complexity of today's most intractable problems, develop strategies for navigating an uncertain future, and think critically about how to design systemic solutions for the betterment of humanity. Designed for students from diverse backgrounds, this course introduces foundational concepts such as complexity, systems mapping, design, foresight, and coalition-building. Discussions focus on pressing global issues, including artificial intelligence and its effect of humanity, sustainability, climate change, epidemics, inequality, human displacement, and the availability of essential materials for civilization. Through critical analysis of trends and current events, students engage in informed debates that could influence humanity's future. Working in small groups, they apply forward-looking analysis techniques to create comprehensive frameworks that integrate economic, political, technical, ethical, and social perspectives. This process helps identify potential unintended consequences and roadblocks, equipping students with the tools to address complex challenges effectively. Students may not take both CSCI E-138 and ISMT E-138 (offered previously) for degree or certificate credit.

Instructor Info

Fawwaz Habbal, PhD

Senior Lecturer on Applied Physics, Harvard University


Meeting Info

W 5:40pm - 7:40pm (1/26 - 5/16)

Participation Option: On Campus, 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: January 22, 2026

Notes

Students can attend in person on campus, participate live online at the time the class meets via web conference, or watch the recorded video 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
26912 1 On Campus, Online Asynchronous, Online Synchronous Fawwaz Habbal Open W 5:40pm - 7:40pm
Jan 26 to May 16