IFs in the Classroom

The International Futures (IFs) model was originally developed as a teaching tool to enhance students’ understanding of the complex, interconnected nature of our world through the exploration of alternative futures. IFs continues to be a powerful classroom tool and is regularly used in several courses at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies (JKSIS), University of Denver, as well as by faculty at many other institutions.

IFs Courses and Research

The IFs model is regularly used by faculty in the Pardee Institute in a variety of different kinds of courses: courses focused on teaching the model, courses focused on research methods and forecasting, and domain specific courses in which the model is a key tool used (examples include climate change and human development).

• IFs Courses
  • INTS 4579 – International Futures
  • INTS 4601 – Development Forecasting with IFs
  • INTS 4795 – International Futures: Global Change and Development
• Research Methods
  • INTS 4575 – Systems Thinking for the Social Scientist
  • INTS 4345 – The Art of Forecasting
• Domain Specific Courses
  • INTS 4397: The Environment, The Economy, & Human Well-being
  • INTS 4593: Knowledge for Development

• Other Syllabi

   We encourage the free use of IFs in academic settings anywhere. Some of the other institutions where IFs has been used are the University of Arizona, University of California (UCLA), University of Connecticut, University of Hawaii, University of Kentucky, University of South Carolina, Indiana University, the Ohio State University, the Pennsylvania State University, Fairfield College, Gettysburg College, and Wheaton College. Syllabi for some of those courses can be found below. We are happy to post and share syllabi from courses using IFs. Please submit them to us.

  • International Futures: Harvey Starr, University of South Carolina 
  • Economic Statecraft: Evan Hillebrand, University of Kentucky
  • Geopolitical Modeling: Evan Hillebrand, University of Kentucky
  • International Political Economy: Mark Boyer, University of Connecticut
  • Exploring the Global Future: Mark Bremer, Penn State University 
  • Models and Policy Analysis: Daniel Borock, Gettysburg College 
  • Policy Issues in Sustainable Development: Liza Shaffer, UCLA Center for American Politics and Public Policy (DC)
  • Theories of International Relations: Mark Boyer, University of Connecticut 
  • The Politics of Global Problems: Brian Pollins, Ohio State University
  • Theories of International Relations: William Dixon, University of Arizona
  • Contemporary International Politics: Elizabeth Hansen, University of Connecticut
  • Latin American Economics: Gordon Weil, Wheaton College