We are still accepting applications for POLI 371: Human Engineering — Politics in Practice!
This project-based, interdisciplinary course is co-taught by faculty members from the Faculties of Arts and Applied Science. Students from engineering, political science and international relations will work together in mixed discipline teams to design comprehensive and sustainable solutions to real-world humanitarian challenges in collaboration with partnering NGOs, by applying user-centered design principles, alongside social and political analysis tools.
The course will explore humanitarianism from social, political and technical perspectives, cover best practices on how to make efficient and appropriate use of the technical design process in humanitarian relief settings, apply political and context analysis tools to inform the design process, and provide students with tools and resources necessary to pursue humanitarian programming or other related fields as a career.
An outline of humanitarian issues and failures of aid as well as critical analytical perspectives will be covered alongside case studies of successful contributions.
This course is an opportunity for students to apply their diverse skills to real complex challenges and have an impact on the work of NGOs and communities from around the world.
More about POLI 371:
- Vancouver Sun: UBC students design engineering solutions for humanitarian projects around the world
- The Ubyssey: Humanitarian engineering course host first ever student showcase
How to apply
Given the unique nature of the course, and that much of the value of the course will come from active participation and collaboration in interdisciplinary teams, registration requires you to submit a (short) personal statement to outline your interest in the course.
This is simply to assess your interest and fit for the course, so that we can hit the ground running in September. Registration is capped at 30 students from engineering, and 30 students from political science/international relations.
Applications will be accepted up until August 6, 2024.
Submit your application via: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1NvFi8K40UsLPdI.
