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 the dicussion how sustainable development can be affected on international, national, and local levels.

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

3. Be able to discuss and articulate how sustainable development can be affected on international, national, and local levels.

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. The course covers the current sustainable development discourse and how sustainable development can be affected on international, national, and local levels. In this latter part we pay particular attention to the research discussion on natural resources as “common property resources”.

Instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, and video film. The course is taught in English.

Assessment

Students are examined through a written exam. Active participation in seminars, which include written assignments, gives credit when doing the written exam. Grades are awarded according the scale “failed”, "pass" or "pass with distinction".