Kursplan

SYLLABUS

Introduction to Sustainable Development, 7,5 ECTS Credits

COURSE CATEGORY   Master´s programme in Science for Sustainable Development
MAIN FIELD OF STUDY   Environmental Science - MXA
SUBJECT AREA   Environmental Science – MV1

COURSE CODE

746A76

AIM OF THE COURSE

After completion of the course, the student should on an advanced level be able to:
- Describe different conceptualizations and histories of the sustainable development concept.
- Illustrate the complexity of sustainable development and the challenges in creating scientific knowledge as well as technology for sustainable development,
- Analyze a case study from a sustainability perspective, identify problems, apply relevant theories, and reflect on the outcomes
-- Critically analyze and integrate knowledge gained through reading, discussions, and cases, and express it orally and in writing.
- Write academic texts in which the rules for citations and references are applied, and have knowledge of what characterizes plagiarism

CONTENTS

The course focuses on an analytical and critical foundation from which the students can approach sustainable development. The students are.
introduced to a number of theories that can be used to describe and analyze the construction of knowledge, and technology for sustainable development, and will apply these theories to an analysis of a case on sustainable development. Important dimensions that are discussed include the construction of facts, the links between social interests and knowledge and technology, as well as gender and science and technology. Thus, the influence of social class, gender, culture and other social relations on science and technology is examined but also how science and technology can structure such relations. In addition, the course points to the importance of understanding the dynamics and power relations that constitutes the making of sustainable development and the role of expertise in sustainable development. This includes power relations between the developed and the developing worlds.
The course include oral presentation, summarizing literature and analytical writing.

TEACHING

The teaching at the course consists of laborations, lectures, seminars, workshops and case study. Homework and independent study are a necessary complement to the course. Language of instruction: English

EXAMINATION

The course is examined through participation in peer-feedback, an individual written essay and an oral presentation of a case study. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course two times are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree/kandidatexamen (equivalent for example a professional degree) of at least 180 ECTS credits, including a 15 ECTS credit degree paper or equivalent. Relevant background is studies within natural science, social science, health science, humanities or engineering that relate to the environmental, social or economic aspects of sustainable development.

Documented knowledge of English equivalent to Engelska B/Engelska 6; i.e. English as native language or an internationally recognized test, e.g. TOEFL (minimum scores: Paper based 575 + TWE-score 4.5, and internet based 90), IELTS, academic (minimum score: Overall band 6.5 and no band under 5.5), or equivalent.

GRADING

The course is graded according to the ECTS grading scale A-F

CERTIFICATE

Course certificate is issued by the Faculty Board on request. The Department provides a special form which should be submitted to the Student Affairs Division.

COURSE LITERATURE

The course literature is decided upon by the department in question.

OTHER INFORMATION

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus.

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Introduction to Sustainable Development
Introduction to Sustainable Development

Department responsible
for the course or equivalent: TEMA - Department of Thematic Studies

Registrar No: LiU-2012-01411

Course Code: 746A76

Exam codes: see Local Computer System

Subject/Subject Area : Environmental Science - MXA

Level		Education level			Subject Area Code		Field of Education
A1X		Advanced level					SA

The syllabus was approved by the Board of Faculty of Arts and Science 2013-06-10