Civil Society, Social Capital, and the State in Comparative Perspective, Fall 2004

Abstract:: In recent years both scholars and policymakers have expressed a remarkable amount of interest in the concepts of social capital and civil society. A growing body of research suggests that the social networks, community norms, and associational activities signified by these concepts can have important effects on social welfare, political stability, economic development, and governmental performance. This discussion based course examines the roles played by these networks, norms, and organizations in outcomes ranging from local public goods provision and the performance of democracies to ethnic conflict and funding for terrorism.

"NextLab I: Designing Mobile Technologies for the Next Billion Users, Fall 2008"

Abstract:: "Can you make a cellphone change the world? NextLab is a hands-on year-long design course in which students research, develop and deploy mobile technologies for the next billion mobile users in developing countries. Guided by real-world needs as observed by local partners, students work in multidisciplinary teams on term-long projects, closely collaborating with NGOs and communities at the local level, field practitioners, and experts in relevant fields. Students are expected to leverage technical ingenuity in both mobile and internet technologies together with social insight in order to address social challenges in areas such as health, microfinance, entrepreneurship, education, and civic activism. Students with technically and socially viable prototypes may obtain funding for travel to their target communities, in order to obtain the first-hand feedback necessary to prepare their technologies for full fledged deployment into the real world (subject to guidelines and limitations)."

Abstract:: This course addresses the following questions: What are Public Health, Civic Engagement, and Community Service, and how do they relate to general health and well-being? What are the fundamentals of epidemiology and biostatistics and what are their practical applications in general health and healthcare? Why are oral health and oral healthcare access major public health issues world-wide? How do the oral public health issues of water fluoridation, mercury disposal, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and tobacco use impact general health and well-being? How can the strategies and methods of community-based healthcare systems development make a positive impact on oral health and oral healthcare access?