International Futures Strategic Forecasting Foundations — Human Systems Track

This is the Human Systems track of the International Futures Strategic Forecasting Foundations badge, the second credential level offered by the Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures. 

You will begin with the shared Foundations core. Course 1 introduces the complete IFs analytical workflow: examining historical data, displaying a Current Path forecast, building an alternative scenario, and comparing results. Course 2 develops the conceptual foundation needed to interpret, explain, and apply IFs responsibly, including forecasting and foresight, systems thinking, model validation, and the appropriate uses and limits of models. 

In Course 3, you will apply these foundations to human systems, including demography, health, and education. You will examine how changes in population structure, disease burden, educational attainment, and human capital formation can shape a country’s long-term trajectory. You will also build and compare IFs scenarios that connect education and health interventions to downstream effects on fertility, productivity, and economic growth. 

Learners who complete this track will be able to analyze and interpret long-term human development trends using IFs and will be prepared to continue toward the Level 3 Professional Certificate. 

Estimated learning hours: 35-45 hours