University of Colorado Boulder

Transforming Communities

Joel Hartter

Instructor: Joel Hartter

4,353 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6

(54 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

7 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6

(54 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

7 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Understand key principles of leading change within organizations and communities.

  • Use stakeholder-informed methods to identify needs, strengths, and priorities.

  • Apply systems thinking to support context-driven decision-making and implementation.

Details to know

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Assessments

10 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Leading Sustainable Community Transformation Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 3 modules in this course

This module introduces core ideas behind sustainability and resilience and how they shape long-term thinking. Learners explore the balance between social, economic, and environmental priorities, and examine how systems adapt to disruption. The module also highlights common assumptions about sustainability and shows how a resilience lens can uncover vulnerabilities, strengthen adaptive capacity, and guide decision-making in changing environments.

What's included

11 videos3 assignments

This module introduces practical tools for understanding a community’s needs, strengths, and priorities. Learners explore how to build relationships, engage stakeholders, and gather meaningful input through structured assessments. The module breaks down each step of the needs assessment process and shows how to surface barriers and opportunities. It also introduces asset mapping as a way to identify local resources, support systems, and existing capacity that can guide strategy and build momentum for change.

What's included

16 videos3 assignments

This module focuses on how systems thinking can guide real, lasting change in organizations and communities. Learners explore how to identify leverage points, anticipate unintended consequences, and manage complexity across teams and networks. The module connects systems thinking to inclusive leadership, project management, and the triple bottom line. Learners also reflect on their role as changemakers and gain practical strategies for supporting collaboration, co-creation, and resilient outcomes.

What's included

13 videos2 readings4 assignments

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Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.2 (15 ratings)
Joel Hartter
University of Colorado Boulder
6 Courses19,086 learners

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Learner reviews

4.6

54 reviews

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Reviewed on Jun 26, 2020

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Reviewed on Jan 13, 2022

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