Students are able to:
* understand the main concepts of systems thinking (including systems dynamics and mental models);
* create a systems diagram on a chosen social-environmental system;
* reflect on one’s self within the (social-environmental) system;
* reflect on one's own experience with systems thinking during in-class exercises.

A core competency for contributing to sustainable development is systems-thinking. Systems consist of 1) elements or parts, 2) interconnections (the way these characteristics relate to and/or feed back into each other), and 3) a function or purpose (Meadows, 2008). Systems can be simple or complex when they range across domains (environmental, economic, social, etc.) and scales (local to global). Systems thinking starts from an understanding of what systems are and the subsequent ability to analyze systems. A good understanding of the main facets of systems and of how systems work is of particular importance for thinking and acting in favor of sustainable development, as for instance intervention points can be identified, future trajectories anticipated, and for building transition strategies.

This skills course runs in parallel with the course Sustainability and Social-Ecological Systems. In both of these courses students will get acquainted with the core concepts of systems thinking (including system dynamics and mental models). Where this skills course clearly deviates is that students will experience and learn about the core concepts of systems thinking through in class exercises and games, and apply the concepts to a case in their present live to also understand the place of the self within a system. The focus on (in-class) exercises is intended to stimulate discovery and confirmation of the main principles underlying systems thinking theory.

Thinking in Systems: A Primar – D. H. Meadows, 2015. Reference list will be provided.

Exchange students who wish to register for courses within the Minor Sustainability should contact the International Relations Office (IRO) via iro-incoming-sbe@maastrichtuniversity.nl.

Incoming exchange students at SBE can choose to:
* follow the complete Minor Sustainability programme; or
* register for selected parts of the minor only.

Full Minor Options
Students can choose between the following options:
* Full minor excluding the Project Sustainability course (25 ECTS)
Students will be registered for all courses within the minor except the Project Sustainability course.
* Full minor including the Project Sustainability course (30 ECTS)
Students will be registered for all courses within the minor, including the Project Sustainability course.

Partial Minor Options
Students who only wish to follow specific parts of the minor can choose from the following options:

Period 1 package (12.5 ECTS)
Registration includes the following courses:
* Sustainability and Social-Ecological Systems (EBC2187, 5 ECTS)
* Sustainability and Human Health (EBC2188, 5 ECTS)
* Systems Thinking Competency (EBS2074, 2.5 ECTS)

Period 2 stand-alone courses
* Social and Sustainable Entrepreneurship (EBC2189, 5 ECTS)
* From Climate Conflict to Climate Justice (EBC2190, 5 ECTS)
These courses may be taken independently, without registering for other courses within the minor.

Period 2 combined option (7.5 ECTS)
Students may register for the skills course:
* Collaboration Competency: Exploring Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (EBS2075, 2.5 ECTS)
only in combination with:
* From Climate Conflict to Climate Justice (EBC2190, 5 ECTS)
Together, these courses amount to 7.5 ECTS.

Please note that exchange students have already received additional information about the Minor Sustainability and the available registration options in the course registration email. Students are advised to read this information carefully before applying.