Course syllabus - Sustainable societies: Current frontiers in politics

Objectives

This course promotes a deepened understanding of questions related to social and political perspectives on societal sustainability .

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

1. In-depth knowledge of societal sustainability and its relation to central political science concepts.
2. Advanced understanding of key theoretical approaches in political science concerning societal sustainability.
   
   Skills and Abilities
3. The ability to understand and critically evaluate scientific texts.
4. The ability to, in collaboration with others, design and carry out a review of existing scientific knowledge within a specific theme.
5. The ability to present and critically discuss their own and others’ work, both orally and in writing.
   
   Judgement and Approach
6. The ability to critically reflect on societal sustainability and the societal challenges related to this concept.
7. Openness to the perspectives, experiences, and arguments of others, as well as a willingness to reconsider and justify one’s own positions.

Course content

This course explores the political dimensions of sustainability in an era defined by intersecting crises: climate change, social inequality, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions. It examines how the social, economic, and environmental domains of sustainability interact and shape societal conditions. Further the course surveys the breadth of political science research directions focused on societal sustainability.

Students engage with sustainability challenges from both global and local perspectives, addressing issues such as planetary boundaries, equity, and international justice. Particular attention is given to the political and institutional transformations required to achieve sustainable development.

Students will analyze how political systems, actors, and ideas shape the pursuit of sustainable futures.

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 credits and with a major in the field of political science or an equivalent academic field. In addition Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3 and English course 6 or English level 2 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3.

Examination

INL1, Written assignment, 5 credit, grade: Pass (G) or Fail (U). Learning outcome: 1-5.

SEM1, Seminar, 2,5 credit, grade: Pass (G) or Fail (U). Learning outcome: 5-7.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Two-grade scale