Making a Difference Ⅰ: The Science and Art of Creating Impact

Course Description

"Making a Difference Ⅰ: The Science and Art of Creating Impact" is an eye-opening, interdisciplinary course designed to equip you with practical tools and knowledge to make a significant positive impact on the world. This course delves into the realms of economics, public health, behavioral science, ethics, and exact sciences to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to effect meaningful change.

In a world where millions of children die from preventable diseases, hundreds of millions live in extreme poverty, and billions of animals suffer, this course addresses the burning question: Can one person truly make a difference? The answer is a resounding yes, and this course will show you how.

What Students Will Learn

• Analytical tools for evaluating effective interventions
• Frameworks for prioritizing impact options
• Critical thinking and decision-making techniques
• Research methodologies for assessing impact
• Concrete opportunities in promising cause areas
• Ethical and philosophical considerations in world improvement
• Insights from various disciplines including philosophy, medicine, economics, psychology, and statistics

Prerequisites

This course is designed to be accessible to all and has no specific prerequisites. It welcomes anyone passionate about making a positive impact on the world, regardless of their background or prior knowledge.

Course Coverage

• Foundations of cost-effectiveness in creating impact
• Measurement and evaluation techniques
• Ethical considerations in extending compassion and concern
• Evidence-based opportunities for making a difference
• Tools for decision-making in everyday life and significant life choices
• Introduction to various cause areas with actionable opportunities
• Interdisciplinary approaches to solving global challenges

Who This Course Is For

• Individuals passionate about making a positive impact on the world
• Students interested in social entrepreneurship and global development
• Professionals seeking to align their careers with meaningful causes
• Anyone looking to make more informed decisions about charitable giving and volunteering
• People interested in effective altruism and evidence-based approaches to doing good

Real-World Application of Skills

1. Making more informed career choices aligned with creating impact
2. Improving decision-making in personal and professional life
3. Evaluating and selecting effective charitable organizations to support
4. Designing and implementing impactful social initiatives
5. Advocating for evidence-based approaches to solving global problems
6. Enhancing critical thinking skills applicable to various fields and industries
7. Developing a more nuanced understanding of global challenges and potential solutions

Syllabus Overview

While a detailed syllabus is not provided, the course is structured to cover foundational ideas and tools for achieving positive impact. Each lesson introduces a new cause area with concrete opportunities for making a difference. The course focuses on:

1. Foundations of cost-effectiveness
2. Measurement and evaluation techniques
3. Ethical considerations in extending compassion
4. Evidence-based opportunities for impact

This course is the first part of the Making a Difference program, with a second course, "Making a Difference Ⅱ: High Stakes," building upon these concepts to explore tools for prioritization and assessment in high-stakes scenarios.