ODL 647 Appreciative Inquiry: Theory and Practice of Positive Whole System Change (3 credits)

In the past, organizations have often relied on the traditional problem-solving approach, finding what is wrong and forging solutions to fix the problems. Appreciative Inquiry focuses on already achieved success in order to gain insights on how to further expand these successes. The course includes the foundations of Appreciative Inquiry (Ai), provides a brief survey of other positive whole systems change processes, and gives an overview of positive, appreciative, strengths-based approaches to leadership. It provides students with the practical and theoretical building blocks towards positive change in individuals and complex organizational systems. Key elements include understanding the act of unconditional positive questions, conducting Ai interviews, and the change cycle of the Ai model. Students will engage in the planning, implementation, and facilitation of an Ai Summit that will serve as the course’s capstone experience. May be taken as an elective for the ALT, OPD, or ODL concentrations.