Course Description

This course explores how people and the environment can interact in ways that support both sustainability and social well-being. Using real-world problems, students will learn tools and models from both the social and natural sciences to better understand these complex systems.

Part 1: Understanding the Basics
We start by learning a framework that helps us break down and analyze systems where people and nature are closely linked. Students will use basic mathematical models to explore how these systems change over time and what causes stability or sudden shifts. We’ll also study how people make decisions—individually and in groups—through simple game theory examples.

Part 2: Real-World Applications and Final Projects
Next, the class will focus on real-world challenges such as managing shared resources and promoting cooperation. From Weeks 12 to 15, students will lead discussions and explore how various social and environmental factors influence behavior and outcomes. At the same time, they will work on independent projects on a topic of their choice, using tools like MATLAB, Python, or XPPAUT. This process includes developing a proposal, receiving feedback, and presenting the final project at the end of the term. Final presentations and written reports may be completed in either Korean or English, depending on your preference.

Expected Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Analyze dynamic systems using one or more differential equations.
2. Formulate real-world problems and construct simplified models to investigate them.
3. Apply key concepts from the course to understand resilience, social-ecological systems, human behavior and governance, and infrastructure dynamics.

강의개요

이 강의는 인간과 환경이 어떻게 지속가능성과 사회적 후생을 모두 지원하는 방식으로 상호작용할 수 있는지를 탐구한다. 현실 세계의 문제들을 바탕으로, 학생들은 사회과학과 자연과학에서 사용되는 다양한 도구와 모델을 배우며 복잡한 시스템을 이해하는 능력을 탑재하게 될 것이다.

1부: 기본 개념 이해하기
인간과 자연이 밀접하게 연결된 시스템을 분해하고 분석할 수 있도록 돕는 하나의 분석틀을 배우는 것부터 시작한다. 학생들은 기본적인 수학 모델을 활용하여 이러한 시스템이 시간에 따라 어떻게 변화하는지, 그리고 어떤 요인이 안정성 또는 급격한 변화(전환)를 유발하는지를 살펴본다. 또한, 개인 및 집단 수준에서 사람들이 어떻게 의사결정을 내리는지를 간단한 게임이론 사례를 통해 배운다.

2부: 실제 사례 적용과 기말 프로젝트
이후 강의는 공유자원의 관리, 협력의 촉진 등 현실적인 문제 해결에 초점을 맞춘다. 12주차부터 15주차까지는 학생들의 참여와 토론을 통해 진행하며, 다양한 사회적 및 환경적 요인이 인간의 개별적 행태가 시스템 수준의 집합적 결과에 어떤 영향을 미치는지를 탐색한다. 이와 병행하여, 학생들은 각자의 관심 주제를 바탕으로 독립적인 프로젝트를 수행한다. MATLAB, Python, 또는 XPPAUT와 같은 도구를 활용하여 프로젝트를 진행하며, 이 프로젝트에는 제안서 작성, 피드백 세션 참여, 학기 말 최종 발표 및 기말페이퍼 제출까지 포함된다. 토론, 발표 및 기말페이퍼는 한국어로 진행해도 무방하다.

There are no prerequisites for this course. The math in this course will mainly involve geometry, algebra, and logical reasoning. However, a little bit of knowledge on differential calculus and matrix operation is needed. It will be also beneficial to have little background in computer programming.

- Problem-set assignments (35%)
- Quiz (10%)
- Model presentations (15%)
- Research project (40%): Each student will complete a dynamic modeling project based on their individual research interests. The project consists of three main components:
• Proposal (7%): In the middle of the semester, you will deliver a brief presentation outlining your research question, modeling approach, and goals for the project.
• Final Presentation (8%): During the final week, you will present your completed project to the class and engage in discussion about your findings and insights.
• Project Report (25%): Your final report should follow the academic writing standards of your field. It should clearly state a research question, review relevant literature, describe the model, present a thorough analysis, and explain how the results address your research question.
Final presentations and written reports may be completed in either Korean or English, depending on your preference.

Suggested (Optional) Texts
- S. H. Strogatz, Nonlinear Dynamics And Chaos: With Applications To Physics, Biology, Chemistry And Engineering. 1994.
- Scheffer, M. Critical Transitions in Nature and Society. Princeton Studies in Complexity. 2009

1. Week 1 (9/1-9/5): Course Intro; IAD Framework
2. Week 2 (9/8-9/12): Stability analysis in 1-Dimension: Graphical Approach (Population dynamics); Non-dimensionalization in 1-D
3. Week 3 (9/15-9/19): Regime shifts/bifurcation (Resource-harvest dynamics); Resilience thinking
4. Week 4 (9/22-9/26): Stability analysis in 1-D: Formal approach; A model of forest-budworm outbreak dynamics; and Resilience thinking
5. Week 5 (9/29-10/3): Critical slowing down and Early warning signals of critical transitions; Resilience, Adaptability, & Transformability
6. Week 6 (10/6-10/10): Korean Thanksgiving Day and Hangul day (Tuesday and Thursday)
7. Week 7 (10/13-10/17): Stability analysis in 2-D: Graphical approach (Competition dynamics)
8. Week 8 (10/20-10/24): Midterm Exam Period (No midterm exam for this course)
9. Week 9 (10/27-10/31): Modeling social change (evolutionary game theory); Problem set #1; Quiz 1
10. Week 10 (11/3-11/7): Modeling social change (evolutionary game theory); Modeling diffusion phenomena
11. Week 11 (11/10-11/14): Stability analysis in 2-D: Formal approach; Problem set #2&3
12. Week 12 (11/17-11/21): Short catch-up lectures and student-led discussions; Project proposal
13. Week 13 (11/24-11/28): Project proposal; Proposal presentation
14. Week 14 (12/1-12/5): Project consultation; Quiz 2
15. Week 15 (12/8-12/12): Project presentation
16. Week 16 (12/15-12/19): Final Exam Period; Project paper due (11:59 pm, 12/20)

This course will be delivered through in-person.