Human Venture Foundations
An introductory course for transforming how we understand and tackle systemic challenges by learning about the human story across disciplines and cultures.
Course Description
Human Venture Foundations is a five-month program co-facilitated by Elizabeth Dozois and Mark Hopkins. It is designed to give participants a foundational understanding of Human Learning Ecology, a new cross-disciplinary field of study on how human beings, from individuals to civilizations, learn or fail to learn. Through the exploration of a wide range of human endeavours - engineering, military strategy, science, forensics, epidemiology, ethics, education, politics, and more - participants will gain insight into the roots of a diversity of issues and how they might be addressed. For example:
- What shapes how we understand climate change and why is denial and avoidance a common response?
- What are the limitations of schooling in preparing students for life?
- What is the role of culture in how we think, act and care?
- What capacities do we need to anticipate and prevent problems?
- What does it mean to be alive and human in our time and place in history?
Participants will be encouraged to read widely, engage in challenging deep conversations, and develop the stamina for life-long learning.
We are human 'becomings,' not human beings because our species is young and we are still shaping it.
Reasons to take the Course
Explore examples of human intelligence and folly from a broad range of domains throughout history and across cultures, including engineering, military strategy, science, ethics, education, politics, and much, much more.
Course Structure
This five-month program, co-facilitated by Elizabeth Dozois and Mark Hopkins, starts with a two-day in-person Opening Retreat in Red Deer followed by monthly Learning Days on Saturdays held in Calgary and Edmonton. Remote in-class attendance will be possible from other locations. There will also be a handful of “touchpoint” virtual gatherings between certain learning days.
Participants will also participate in “learning circles”, smaller groups that connect regularly to explore and learn together. These groups will be facilitated by a guide, and provide support for the marathon that is life-long learning.
For those that cannot commit to the in-class time requirements, participants can subscribe to our members-only podcast. Course presentations, interviews and other exclusive content will be released weekly via your favourite podcast app.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Jan 19-20, 2024 | Opening Retreat (Red Deer) 9 am - 5 pm each day with overnight (TBC) |
| Jan 31, 2024 | Mini-Session (online) 7 pm - 9 pm |
| Feb 10, 2024 | Learning Day #1 (Calgary or Edmonton) 9 am - 5 pm |
| Mar 2, 2024 | Learning Day #2 (Calgary or Edmonton) 9 am - 5 pm |
| Mar 23, 2024 | Learning Day #3 (Calgary or Edmonton) 9 am - 5 pm |
| Apr 3, 2024 | Mini-Session (online) 7 pm - 9 pm |
| Apr 13, 2024 | Learning Day #4 (Calgary or Edmonton) 9 am - 5 pm |
| May 4, 20224 | Learning Day #5 (Calgary or Edmonton) 9 am - 5 pm |
| May 25, 2024 | Closing Day (Red Deer) 9 am - 5 pm |
Ways to Participate
In-Person Class (Calgary or Edmonton Only)
For the full participatory experience of learning together in-person with facilitators Elizabeth Dozois and Mark Hopkins.
Attend Remotely
Participate in-class remotely through Zoom from anywhere you have internet.
Subscribe to Podcast
The Investment
The human venture requires as many people as possible invested in our collective journey. We want to make this course accessible to everyone. When registering for this class, you will choose how much to pay for it, depending on what feels right to you and your situation. This will differ for each person, but if you are keen to connect with the human story, we would love to have you.
In-Person Class
Includes a two-day overnight opening retreat, six full day in-class sessions, two mini online sessions, and access to the podcast.
Market Rate: $1950
Your Rate: Flexible
Remote Class
Includes remote access two-day opening retreat, six full day sessions, two mini online sessions, and access to the podcast.
Market Rate: $1350
Your Rate: Flexible
Podcast
Includes weekly episodes of course presentation, interviews, and bonus content delivered to your favourite podcast app.
Market Rate: $600
Your Rate: Flexible
Elizabeth Dozois
Lead Facilitator
Mark Hopkins
Co-FacilitatorMark Hopkins (he/him) is a theatre artist with Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre, which generates productive discomfort through art-making. He volunteers with Kawalease Arab Canadian Theatre and the Centre for Newcomers, is a Fellow with the Energy Futures Lab, and founded We Should Know Each Other, a community-bridging initiative. He has spent the past decade involved in Human Venture programs including co-facilitating Integrity Leadership, an introductory program in partnership with the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women. Mark is currently a Human Venture Associate and a Human Venture Leadership board member.
