Based in systems theory and complexity science, human systems dynamics (HSD) builds adaptive capacity through:
- Adaptive Action – taking action in ways that respond creatively to changing contexts and unpredictable circumstances with no specific, linear prescribed sequence of steps
- Pattern Logic – seeing patterns that are emerging in a changing context and making logical decisions based on the pattern
Human systems dynamics is a field of theory and practice that prepares you to make your implicit knowledge explicit. You will learn to see patterns as they emerge, understand them in useful ways, and take intentional action to influence behaviors and patterns that generate peace or conflict.
Participants in this course will explore ways to adapt to unpredictable change, see simplicity in chaos, understand the underlying dynamics that generate patterns of peace or conflict, observe the consequences of actions, and begin again in a new cycle of discovery and action. Through short lectures, group discussions, Adaptive Action experiments, and case studies, you will practice what you learn and prepare yourself to be an active, adaptive agent in complex situations.
This course is being offered for training and for academic credit. The syllabus details the number of credits hours and associated course requirements.
Falculty & Coaches
John N. Murray currently serves as the recruitment coordinator for Mennonite Mission Network, the denominational mission, service, and peacemaking organization for Mennonite Church USA. Previous to this role, he served as the youth pastor at Trinity Mennonite Church in Glendale, Arizona and as conference youth minister for Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference. John is an associate at the Human Systems Dynamics Institute, and has enjoyed applying his learning and practice of patterns and complexity to spirituality and to help bring understanding across differences.
When he's not traveling or speaking, you will likely find John outside engaged in some sort of activity - kitesurfing, biking, and music are just a few of his pastimes. While he may call a number of places home, John and his wife Denay currently live in beautiful St. Paul, Minnesota with their very lovable dog, Ruger.
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