Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program

by Michelle Sheu Posted on July 8, 2015

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Lawrence University

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program

Location: 711 E Boldt Way, Appleton, WI 54911

Mission: “The mission of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) interdisciplinary area is to enable students to further pursue their passion through innovative and entrepreneurial ventures in courses and co-curricular activities. It is important to note that we use the word “innovative” in a particular sense, referring to creative, original thinking that leads to new ideas, products, or services that create value for society. Similarly, we use “entrepreneurial” in a specific way, referring to taking initiative and creating positive change in the world. Finally, our use of the word “venture” includes both for-profit and non-profit ventures, and more broadly any initiative to deliver a product or service in a sustainable way.

Innovation and entrepreneurship, understood in this sense, fit naturally into a liberal education. The cultivation of innovative, entrepreneurial thought and action requires one to approach problems from multiple perspectives, to think creatively beyond the status quo, to create and deliver coherent, persuasive arguments. These are essential skills that a liberal education aims to impart to its recipients. The I&E program is one place among many where Lawrence’s curriculum attempts to develop the ability to create what did not exist before. I&E courses attempt to enhance the ability to generate new ideas or processes. Certainly other courses do this in other ways. Graduates who embrace innovative and entrepreneurial attitudes will be better equipped to create fulfilling lives for themselves — lives that extend their liberal arts experience.”

 

Major and Minors:

  • I&E Interdisciplinary Major
    • combines entrepreneurship, innovation & the liberal arts for a well-rounded education
      1. Three core courses:
        • In Pursuit of Innovation (I-E 100)
        • Financial Literacy (I-E 110)
        • Entrepreneurial Ventures (I-E 300)
      2. At least one elective from:
        • The Entrepreneurial Musician (MUEP 280);
        • Social Entrepreneurship (GOVT 248);
        • Economics of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ECON 405);
        • Industrial Organization (ECON 400);
        • Topics of Finance (I-E 410);
        • Other courses in which aspects of innovation or entrepreneurship are central, such as Topics in Education Studies (EDST 450 – Educating for Creativity); Systems Analysis and Design (CMSC 410)
      3. A second course from 2. above, or an additional course that is directly relevant to innovation and entrepreneurship. At this time these include: Studio Art Senior Seminar (ART 600); Apple, Google, Facebook(RLST 245); Contemporary American Poetry (ENG 503); Research Methods in Cultural Anthropology (ANTH 210); Interarts: New Media Projects (FIST 245); Intermediate or Advanced Printmaking (ART 320 or 520),Optics (PHYS 340).
      4. Practicum: A 3-unit course or internship such as Start-Up Theatre, Rabbit Gallery, KidsGive, or Lawrence Baroque Ensemble; Internship in Studio Art (ART 395, 595, or 695), or others, including the option of a 400-level IS to continue a project started in a course. Alternatively, participation in the ACM Chicago Program with a focus on Entrepreneurship.

Courses:

  • In Pursuit of Innovation
    • This course acquaints students with various aspects of innovation and entrepreneurship, broadly understood. Topics cover methodologies, theories, and history of innovation. The course focuses largely on projects pursued by teams which conceive and conduct ventures that illuminate innovation and entrepreneurship. Class activities include lectures, discussions, student presentations. Experienced guest experts will offer advice and guidance to student teams. May not be taken on an S/U basis. Units: 6. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
      Also listed as Economics 211
  • Financial Literacy
    • A study of accounting principles and procedures, leading to a review of financial statements and to an understanding of how accounting data are used to analyze business and economic activities. Units: 6. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
  • Directed Self-Study in Innovation & Entrepreneurship 
  • Practicum in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
    • An opportunity for students to gain practical experience with innovation and entrepreneurship in the context of a for-profit or not-for-profit organization, an ongoing student venture (e.g., Rabbit Gallery, Greyfell Theatre, Paper Fox Printmaking Workshop, or KidsGive), or a startup venture. The academic component of the internship includes readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty supervisor, and a written report appropriate to the discipline. Course grades are based on this academic work. Units: 1 TO 98. Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required
  • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Social entrepreneurs all over the world adopt and implement innovative ideas in order to address some of the world’s most pressing problems. In this course, students will study the many dimensions of social entrepreneurship, especially those ventures that address problems of human rights and sustainable development. Units: 6. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
  • Start-up Theatre
    • Open to students from theatre, economics, and other students interested in entrepreneurship in the performing arts. Topics change each year. May be repeated when topic is different up to 6 total units. Units: 1 TO 3. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
  • The Entrepreneurial Musician
    • A broad introduction to entrepreneurship for musicians, dancers, thespians, visual artists, and other interested students. This course aspires to give students the tools and the mindset to become agents of innovative, entrepreneurial change, social entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial artists. After presenting a social science view of entrepreneurship, the course will feature faculty from a variety of disciplines as well as visiting entrepreneurs. This is a project-oriented course with extensive speaking that will challenge convention, push you to new realms of creative thought, and stretch the boundaries of collaborative learning. Are you ready to unleash the power of the liberal arts? Units: 6.
  • The Eloquent Musician
    • Course explores and promotes the art of speaking elegantly and knowledgeably about music in the context of live musical performance, and writing engagingly about music for a general audience. Course designed for music majors and other students with strong musical background and interest in interactive concerts and other public programs. Units: 6. Prerequisite: Major in music or consent of instructor
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures
    • This course provides a thorough introduction to business models and business plans as relevant for both non-profit and for-profit ventures. Students will work in teams to develop plans for a new enterprise. The course relies heavily on the expertise of invited speakers (including alumni) and the analysis of case studies. Each invited expert will give a guest lecture, lead discussion of a case study, and mentor students in their projects. Units: 6. Prerequisite: I-E 110 and one of: I-E 100, I-E 280, or I-E 248

Student Ventures:

Students form teams to conceive of, design, and implement ambitious and innovative solutions for needs they identify. Some of these projects result in the formation of student ventures.

Here are some examples of such ventures:

  • Rabbit Gallery: A pop-up gallery in downtown Appleton, WI. More here.
  • Greyfell Theatre Company: A startup theatre launched in December 2013. More here.
  • Lawrence Baroque Ensemble: A student-driven ensemble with community outreach activities. More here.
  • Paper Fox: A print-making workshop with a community programming component.More here.

Additional media found here.

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