Entry requirements

For exchange students only.

Learning outcomes

The goal of this course is to introduce the student to the multi-dimensional aspects of sustainable development, by looking at the historical roots and dual goals of sustainable development, and then focusing on current topics to understand how they link to development theory and sustainable development challenges.

The learning objectives of this course are that students will:

1. Be exposed to the relevant history of sustainable development and international attempts to address its goals.

2. Understand important topics and concepts that are intricately linked to environment, human well-being, and sustainable development.

3. Be able to discuss, debate and articulate important linkages between environment, sustainable development, and chosen theories of development.

4. Grasp the ways in which international sustainable development as a concept has failed or succeeded in fostering development.

5. Learn how to think critically about international environment and development issues and to ask questions regarding the future of the discourse on these topics.

Content

This course focuses on international environmental issues and sustainable development. The concept of sustainable development was established in 1987 when the World Commission on Environment and Development determined that the world was facing an enormous challenge: To make development sustainable and to ensure that the world provided for the needs of both present and future generations. Today sustainable development encompasses meeting human needs, such as reducing hunger and poverty, while also maintaining the life support systems of the planet. The course covers current sustainable development discourse and its theoretical and practical linkages to developmental economics, climate change, and the management of common resources and ecosystem services.

Instruction

The teaching consists of lectures and seminars, and group work. The course is taught in English.

Assessment

Participation in all three seminars is mandatory. The course grade will be based on both the seminars and the exam. Students must pass both the seminars and the exam to pass the course.

Grading for this course is U, G, or VG, or A-F in the ECTS international grading system.

Course level in relation to degree requirements

The course aims to give students knowledge and understanding about the field and a practice in independent evaluation, critical treatment and discussions of this knowledge.

Other regulations

This course is for exchange students only.