Semester Social Innovation Cluster Certificate Studies
Dates: TBA
In times of uncertainty and abrupt change, societies often experience crises that generate new political, economic, and social challenges. In that sense, the impact of COVID-19 is demanding more adaptability, emotional intelligence, and creativity. As Yuval Noah Harari points out, it is essential to learn how to innovate creatively to adapt, reinvent ourselves, and do it rapidly. That is why the Social Innovation Cluster of the University of Haifa has developed an interdisciplinary model that brings together the best elements of the Israeli innovation ecosystem as well as the cultural diversity characteristic of the city of Haifa. The main goal is to provide a practical guide, with the necessary keys and tools, to effectively adapt to our constantly changing world.
Innovation In The Digital Era:
Prof. Gustavo Mesch
The course focuses on the radical changes connected to what has been described as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is characterized by the high connectivity, abundance of data, and the extensive use of robots as well as artificial intelligence. It will describe the main characteristics of this new industrial revolution, its impact on the labor market, and specifically the productive areas it will benefit, disadvantage, and ultimately transform. The course will also cover the latest research about the effect of labor automatization and its implication on the future of work and the necessary skills to adapt to this new era. Course participants will learn about a model developed by the University of Haifa to help prepare the labor market for the jobs of the future.
Conflict Transformation and Multi-Track Diplomacy:
Prof. Edy Kaufman
The course presents the Innovative Problem Solving Workshops (IPSW) model which was designed for application in different conflict scenarios. The cooperative methods of the course come from the pioneering field of ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution). Participants will be trained with tools to facilitate the resolution of a conflict by transforming the attitudes and perceptions of the parties involved in dispute.
This method aims to approach the current problem and examine the potential key elements that need to be addressed in order to reach an agreement. At the same time, the ADR approach focuses on engaging with the underlying causes of the conflict to reconcile the relationship among the partners.
The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has increased and accelerated scenarios of social tension across regions and sectors (governments, corporations, social and academic institutions among others). In the eyes of the conflict resolution field, the global pandemic constitutes both a significant threat and an opportunity to improve participants’ capacity to resolve conflictive scenarios of their personal and professional life.
Empowerment Practices for Social Inclusion:
Prof. Roni Strier
The course presents a practical introduction to the Social Empowerment Centers developed by Israel since 1996 as an integral response to the high rates of poverty and exclusion that the country was experiencing. After more than twenty years of development, the model has evolved to be adaptable and applicable in different contexts and regions of the world. Participants will analyze the theoretical and practical frameworks of the social empowerment model. The course will also cover the explanation of the manuals to effectively implement social inclusive practices. Case studies from Israel will be used to explain the grassroots functionality of the Social Empowerment Centers.
The course sessions will combine theoretical and practical content in order to provide clear guidelines on how to apply the knowledge in participants’ specific fields of work.
Requirements:
All applicants must be above the age of 18
Tuition:
$360 Per Course
Courses will open with a minimum of 15 students
