Stanford Root

Schedule

Stanford Root

Schedule

DESIGN 315

WHY NOW? Exploring your Work, Choices and Creativity (Designer in Society)

UNITS:3
GRADING:Satisfactory/No Credit
LEVEL:Graduate
GER:—

How do you see yourself and your work? How do your perceptions shape your choices, creativity, and sense of agency? A course of study for students preparing to launch out of Stanford. This course is an exploration of how to lead a more intentional, creative, and committed life - one that aligns with your values, aspirations, and actions. Each week, we read and discuss a book that challenges our understanding of work, meaning, perception, and personal agency. Through structured conversations, students connect ideas across disciplines (ranging from anthropology, to fine art, to technology), exploring the nature of creativity, purpose, and self-perception. The course is experiential: Classes have activities designed to drive discussion and put concepts into action to be evaluated, students also take on two projects - one focused on removing a challenge or constraint in their life, and another open-ended project tackling something entirely new (past projects have included writing a book, starting a business, learning a skill, or making a bold change). Take this course if you are interested in inspecting and rethinking how you approach your life and work - so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. This class was conceived and taught by Bernie Roth for DESIGN 40 years as Designer in Society, the current teaching team instructed with him for the past 8 years. If interested in the history please listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yellow-eyed-cats-with-bernie-roth/id1812088224. First class attendance is mandatory. Enrollment application required on the first day.

Syllabus for selected term:
View Winter 2027 Syllabus

Sections

1 Term
Seminar 1Open
ID: 2126
0 / 18 enrolled
DAYS:Tuesday
TIME:1:30 PM – 4:20 PM
LOCATION:Departmental Room
INSTRUCTOR:
Klebahn, Perry
3units

DESIGN 315: WHY NOW? Exploring your Work, Choices and Creativity (Designer in Society)

3 units · Satisfactory/No Credit

How do you see yourself and your work? How do your perceptions shape your choices, creativity, and sense of agency? A course of study for students preparing to launch out of Stanford. This course is an exploration of how to lead a more intentional, creative, and committed life - one that aligns with your values, aspirations, and actions. Each week, we read and discuss a book that challenges our understanding of work, meaning, perception, and personal agency. Through structured conversations, students connect ideas across disciplines (ranging from anthropology, to fine art, to technology), exploring the nature of creativity, purpose, and self-perception. The course is experiential: Classes have activities designed to drive discussion and put concepts into action to be evaluated, students also take on two projects - one focused on removing a challenge or constraint in their life, and another open-ended project tackling something entirely new (past projects have included writing a book, starting a business, learning a skill, or making a bold change). Take this course if you are interested in inspecting and rethinking how you approach your life and work - so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. This class was conceived and taught by Bernie Roth for 40 years as Designer in Society, the current teaching team instructed with him for the past 8 years. If interested in the history please listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yellow-eyed-cats-with-bernie-roth/id1812088224. First class attendance is mandatory. Enrollment application required on the first day.

Offered in Winter 2027 at Stanford University.

Winter 2027 sections

  • Seminar — Tuesday 1:30 PM – 4:20 PM — Departmental Room — Klebahn, Perry (Graduate)

More DESIGN courses

  • DESIGN 284: Designing for Physical AI
  • DESIGN 289: Redress: Biomaterials and the Future of Fashion
  • DESIGN 292: Design for Learning: College in the Age of AI (CS 498D, EDUC 449)
  • DESIGN 294: Design to Equip Learners in Under-Resourced Communities (EDUC 482)
  • DESIGN 298: Silversmithing and Design
  • DESIGN 301: You Are Here: Foundations in Design
  • DESIGN 341: Advanced Design Practicum
  • DESIGN 360R: Advanced Reflective Practice
  • DESIGN 361A: MS Design Thesis 1
  • DESIGN 361B: MS Design Thesis 2
  • DESIGN 361C: MS Design Thesis 3
  • DESIGN 365: Advanced Creative Studies

All DESIGN courses · All departments