Global issues and futures: A theory and pedagogy for heuristic modeling

Most futures methodologies might be termed "heuristic", that is a way to promote learning, discovery, and problem solving through trial and error. This paper describes one such approach, used primarily in teaching a Masters planning program class Global Issues and Futures in a class designed to raise awareness of a variety of global concerns. After explaining the underlying framework and concepts, and their foundation in previous futures studies, the core equations, data, and a classroom application are described. The method serves primarily to raise questions rather than answer them; to broaden the perspective that students will bring to their later careers.¹1This paper is based on the author's contribution to Dator [7]. The seminar described was taught from 1996 to 2007. The author is grateful for comments from Ted Gordon, the late Professor Himmi Jammal, and many students.