Development (PSC 391) is about global poverty and our related role and opportunity. Offered in the Fall.
Design (PSC 392) is about the design, construction, implementation, and adoption of low tech, environmentally benign technologies. 392 has a 3-hour shop section and as traditionally been offered in winter quarter. However, responding to student interests it will be offered in spring quarter in 2017, so students working outside at the Student Experimental Farm will have light in the evening.
Both classes include reflection on the way we live here in industrialized countries and the choices we have and the choices we make. We also impose week-long personal changes in our lives and document our experiences to see how we respond to imposed changes as a practice in empathy for others who need to change, insight for designers of disruptive technologies, and personal exploration.
Both classes have associated 400 level classes, 491 and 492. They are essentially the same class with the added expectation of leadership in the class and group project as well as a written summary of their experience in the class and how it may be integrated into their life paths.
I list the student comments from the past two years below. However, I also include a link to 492 summary papers with the permission of the student authors.
Winter 2016, 392 (Design)
Pete is awesome. Made me rethink the way I’m living in a good way. I might not have the courage to express opinions in class like everyone but low key it made me want to buy a bike and not use my muscle car for a few miles to class. Also, I love that we make use of the outside light instead of turning on the lights. Love that you are open minded to the world and accepting of differences. Thank you Pete !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think it would be beneficial for a little more lecture at the beginning of class to expand on the developing world. But still very important (most) to learn and discuss w/ our peers
I loved this class!
I was so lost at the beginning but learned so much and had a great time!
Thanks Pete.
– less repetition from Development course
– local projects
– do continuous reflection instead of once @ the end of the quarter.
– more scholarly articles please
– not challenging enough for Students
– same perspectives… a bit biased…
Really enjoy Pete’s style. Some students are very reticent to the lack of “structure” / learning style. But my opinion is that his classes are very beneficial and necessary for the growth of a student. Overall, great class w/ low stress.
This class has really humbled me. I admire Pete and his hard work.
I think Pete does a great job. He is informative and effective in how he delivers material.
This class wasn’t organized but it was a controlled chaos that really helped.
Pete’s the man
I liked this course, it opened my eyes.
great course!
This course was great, I wish more teachers encouraged collaboration the way Pete does.
Spring 2015, 391 (Development)
Refer to Sticky Wall*
This class was great, could still use improvements but wonderful nonetheless…. favorite class this quarter!
I think it would be nice if Pete was more organized and would stick to his lesson plans. Overall, I enjoyed taking the class and learned a lot about the larger wold and about how appropriate technology can help improve lives.
Keep doing what you’re doing. Ver thought-provoking and life-changing class.
more group time
less readings
more group project structure
Very Distinguished Professor
Pete – keep doing your thing! Overall a good class
It was a great class!
Best class I have had
*”Sticky Wall” is a course redesign activity we do at the end of the quarter to help improve the class and model collaborative design and community building.