Entry requirements

University studies, 30 credits

Learning outcomes

The course aims to present inter-disciplinary perspectives on sustainable development, with a special emphasis on the global context of local problems and to provide basic training in using different IT-tools to enable the students to work in international problem solving groups.

After accomplishing the course the student is expected to:

- Have a basic understanding of the concept of sustainable development

- Discuss the global context of local problems

- Use different IT-tools such as video conference, Internet based discussion board and chat programs in an international problem solving group

Content

Contemporary problems of sustainable development are analysed through a number of decision case studies. Case studies used in the course include topics like: global warming, bio-prospecting, water use and quality, genetically modified organisms, organic farming and family planning. Perspectives from political science, cultural anthropology and relevant natural sciences are used to examine the case studies from different perspectives.

Instruction

Traditional in-class lectures and seminars are combined with IT-tools such as video conferences and Internet based discussion boards as well as chat programs. Participation in seminars (in-class, videoconference and Internet) is mandatory.

Assessment

The student receive two grades of 7.5 credit points each: one grade is based on active participation during the seminars plus the content of reflexive essays. The other grade is based on the activity in and result of the work the international problem solving group. The grades given are pass with distinction (VG), pass (G), fail (U).