Learning outcomes

At the completion of the course the student should

- have a deep and interdisciplinary understanding of environmental and developmental issues and the concept of sustainable development, as well as specialised knowledge of a specific case within the area of sustainable development;

- have a scientifically based understanding of different views and ideologies within the environment and development field;

- have a comprehensive knowledge of historical and philosophical perspectives on the environment and development;

- be able to introduce an existential dimension to the environment and development discourse;

- have an insight into the possibilities and limitations of science and technology, their role in society, and peoples responsibility of how they are used;

- have practical experience of planning, carrying through and presenting a scientific project within the field;

- have developed a personal attitude to his/her own role in the challenges and solutions of sustainable development, thereby strengthening his/her ability to adjust to an ever-changing surrounding world.

Content

Modules/Contents:

The course consists of two different modules, one of them being electives. The first module, Values, Worldviews and Visions is mandatory for all students. In the second module the student has two choices. Both alternatives are based on individual thematic specialisation. The module includes the writing of a longer paper or the creation of a project that fulfils basic requirements of scientific investigation and presentation. The projects should be problem-oriented and have a limited scope. In case of writing an essay the student additionally chooses an elective course on the B-level in the area of sustainable development(the choice depends on the B-level courses that are offered during the semester in question).

1) Values, Worldviews and Visions, 15 credits

An emphasis is put on analysing different views on the state of the world in regards to development and the environment. The development of environmental thinking and the emergence of the concept of development is mapped out. The module also attempts to discuss ethical, philosophical and scientific views of man's attitude towards nature. Different views on development and technology are highlighted with an emphasis on development-critical perspectives. The analysis of views, in debates regarding environment and development issues, is a working method used throughout the module. Lastly, divergent visions of the future are treated.

2) Alternative A: Sustainable Development - Project Course, 15 credits

Individually or in a group, the student creates and conducts a project that, in one way or another, aims to contribute to a sustainable development. The student comes up with a project proposal that is read and treated by an interdisciplinary reference group. When the project proposal has been approved, the student carries out the project with the support of a supervisor and the resource-base at Cemus. The project is worked on and improved at re-occurring seminars and presented in a project-report, as well as in a more external context.

Alternative B: Interdisciplinary Essay Writing in Sustainable Development, 7.5 credits

In a group or individually, the student writes a longer essay with an interdisciplinary approach, on an issue related to the environment and development. Knowledge of methodology is deepened and during the course the student's ability to - critically, individually and creatively identify and formulate a scientific inquiry, plan and conduct a scientific investigation as well as orally and in writing discuss inferences and arguments that constitute the essay - is improved. The work in this module should lead to some sort of presentation conducted outside of the academic community.

3) Elective B-level Course in Sustainable Development, 7.5 credits (for the academic year 08/09 this implies a choice between Man and the Machine - perspectives on technology, power and society or Life's Philosophy and Modernity). See individual syllabuses.

Instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, debates, seminars, field trips and group projects and meetings with the instructor. The lectures are mainly held by guest lecturers from different academic fields.

The style of teaching stimulates and encourages active participation of the students.