Applied Daoism: Leadership, Simplicity, and Design is suitable for undergraduate or graduate students in philosophy, leadership studies, design thinking, or Eastern studies.

Course Title: Applied Daoism: Leadership, Simplicity, and Design

Course Description:

This course explores the practical application of Daoist philosophy in contemporary leadership, organizational design, and creative practice. Emphasizing principles such as wu wei (effortless action), ziran (naturalness), and simplicity, students will analyze and apply Daoist thinking to real-world challenges in leadership and design. The course includes case studies, experiential projects, and personal reflection to cultivate adaptive, intuitive, and sustainable decision-making.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Interpret core Daoist concepts and texts (esp. Dao De Jing and Zhuangzi) in a modern context.
• Apply Daoist principles to leadership styles, organizational development, and creative processes.
• Evaluate the role of simplicity and natural design in systems thinking and human experience.
• Practice reflective methods that align with Daoist insight into flow, detachment, and presence.

Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Daoist Philosophy

• Topics: Introduction to Daoism, Dao De Jing, Zhuangzi, non-duality, nature, paradox
• Activities: Reading discussions, reflective journaling, comparative philosophy
• Assessment: Text analysis paper

Module 2: Leadership and Wu Wei

• Topics: Effortless leadership, non-coercive influence, leading by example, humility
• Activities: Leadership self-assessment, role simulations, guest lecture from a Daoism-informed leader
• Assessment: Case study presentation

Module 3: Simplicity as Strategy

• Topics: Minimalism, essentialism, anti-fragility, avoiding over-design
• Activities: Object deconstruction analysis, redesign exercise using Daoist principles
• Assessment: Design critique and process reflection

Module 4: Ziran and Organizational Design

• Topics: Naturalness, emergence, adaptability, unforced systems
• Activities: Group project on “natural” organizational models, systems mapping
• Assessment: Group project presentation and peer review

Module 5: Flow and Creative Practice

• Topics: Flow states, unlearning, spontaneity in the creative process
• Activities: Improvisation labs, silent observation exercises, nature-based assignments
• Assessment: Creative portfolio with commentary

Module 6: Ethics, Ecology, and the Dao

• Topics: Non-interference, ecological awareness, interdependence, quiet activism
• Activities: Field study, meditation journals, ethical scenario analysis
• Assessment: Final integrative essay

Assessment Breakdown:

• Participation & Discussion: 15%
• Textual Analysis Paper: 15%
• Case Study Presentation: 15%
• Design Critique: 10%
• Group Project: 20%
• Creative Portfolio: 10%
• Final Essay: 15%

Reading List (Core Texts):

• Dao De Jing – Laozi (trans. D.C. Lau or Ursula K. Le Guin)
• Zhuangzi – Zhuang Zhou (trans. Burton Watson)
• The Way and Its Power – Arthur Waley
• The Art of Leadership – Max De Pree (for contrast)
• The Laws of Simplicity – John Maeda
• Designing Regenerative Cultures – Daniel Christian Wahl