Courses

Courses grounded in Principled Innovation are developed in collaboration with partners across ASU and beyond, bringing character-centered approaches to real social challenges. These offerings are designed for learners who want to examine how values, purpose, and character shape decisions within complex educational, civic, and professional contexts. PI courses invite sustained reflection on real-world dilemmas and encourage dialogue across perspectives, especially where ethical clarity is difficult but necessary. As a learner taking these courses, you’ll practice decision-making that attends to people, power, and consequences.

Learning that centers character in decisions that shape people and society.

The preamble of the United States Constitution printed on a wall

What the Founders Meant by “Happiness”: A Journey Through Virtue and Character

This course examines how early American thinkers understood happiness through virtue, character, and civic responsibility. Drawing on founding-era texts and constitutional principles, it explores happiness not as personal fulfillment alone, but as connected to self-governance and the common good. Learners are invited to reflect on how these ideas continue to inform democratic life today, especially amid social and political complexity. The course, which is co-developed with the National Constitution Center, is free and self-paced.

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Reflective Practice for Student Success in Higher Education

Hosted by ASU’s Professional Educator Learning Hub, this course provides reflective, values-driven practices that inform compassionate, courageous decision-making. Empower student-serving professionals to connect the Principled Innovation Framework to daily practice — strengthening ethical decision-making, effective advocacy and leadership in service of student success.