Syllabus for Global Challenges and Sustainable Futures

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide interdisciplinary knowledge of environment and development issues, as well as possible sustainable responses to global challenges. The course encourages ethical responsibility and stimulates understanding of the connections between local and global problems and solutions.

Content

What are the challenges facing humanity today and in the future? How can we create and rediscover sustainable ways of living on this planet? With climate change, water scarcity, energy depletion, social injustice, war and other problems facing the world, there is a growing need for sustainable alternatives. This course connects lectures that describe the severity of the problems and seminars that discuss the possible sustainable responses and solutions to those problems. Students will get the opportunity to link global challenges to their own local and cultural backgrounds.

Instruction

The course is interdisciplinary and consists of a lecture series where guest lecturers from different academic backgrounds and sectors of the society give their perspectives on global challenges and sustainable alternatives. The lectures are complemented by seminars where the students reflect in smaller groups. All sessions are scheduled in the evening time.

Assessment

Throughout the course students prepare for and actively participate in interactive workshops. The course is concluded by final projects where students, in groups, develop solutions for sustainable futures.