Interdisciplinary Arts 0281 - Design for Social Enterprise

In this class students will strive to develop affordable and effective equipment paired with business models with the goal of adding value to agricultural products in Asia and Africa, or more locally. Technologies may include grain threshing, seed harvesting, food drying and fermentation. Students will learn how invention and technology fits with economic development. Students will learn basic principles of design and prototyping innovations, as well as social enterprise models for sustainability and dissemination. Students will research agricultural, community, and economic conditions in target regions, and will have interaction through skype and other media with partners from other countries. Students will be working in the design workshop and must be willing and able to use tools and machinery. Prerequisite: At least one previous course in social entrepreneurship and/or design, or permission of instructor.

Power, Community and Social Justice Multiple Cultural Perspectives Independent Work In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, and research.