Quest 2 courses should fall naturally within one of the six themes and examine essential questions relevant to that theme.
AI Agents/AI and Society
AI is no longer a tool we simply use—it’s an active agent influencing decision-making, governance, creativity, and human relationships. This category calls for courses that focus on AI applications, as well as courses that examine AI’s societal impacts, from automation and bias to privacy, democracy, and the future of work.
Resilience and Adaptation
Human beings and societies face constant challenges requiring resilience and creative adaptation. Courses in this category explore how individuals, communities, and ecosystems respond to disruption, stress, and uncertainty.
The Connected and Patterned World
Whether through networks of trade, ecosystems, or the spread of ideas, our world is shaped by connections and patterns. Courses in this category encourage students to explore complex systems, interdependence, and the ways patterns and big data in the social sciences and/or the biophysical sciences help us understand.
Water, Water Everywhere…
Water sustains life, shapes landscapes, drives economies, and sparks conflict. This category invites courses that examine water’s scientific, cultural, political, and symbolic significance.
You Are What You Eat
Food is far more than sustenance—it reflects important aspects of our social and biophysical environments. This category welcomes courses that examine food systems, cultural cuisines, agricultural practices, nutrition, and the myriad questions surrounding what and how we eat.
Outside the Box
Some of the most transformative learning comes from unexpected connections and unconventional approaches. This open-ended category invites creative, interdisciplinary courses that challenge traditional boundaries, foster curiosity, and encourage students to think in new ways.