The course teaches concepts and methodologies of sustainability assessment. A special focus is given to the social dimension and to social justice as a guiding principle of sustainability. The format of the course is seminar-like, interactive.
Learning objective
At the end of the course, students: - know core concepts of sustainable development, main features of social justice in the context of sustainability, a selection of methodologies for the assessment of sustainable development - have a deepened understanding of the challenges of trade-offs between the different dimensions of sustainable development and their respective impacts on individual and societal decision-making
Content
The course is structured as follows: - overview of rationale, objectives, concepts and origins of sustainable development (approx. 15%) - overview of the concept of social justice as guiding principle of the social dimension of sustainability (approx. 20%) - analysis of a selection of concepts and methodologies to assess sustainable development in a variety of contexts (approx. 65%)
Lecture notes
Handouts are provided
Literature
Selected scientific articles and book-chapters
Prerequisites / Notice
Students of this course may also be interested in the course transdisciplinary case study (tdCS) in the Spring semester (701-1502-00L)
Competencies
Subject-specific Competencies
Concepts and Theories
assessed
Techniques and Technologies
assessed
Social Competencies
Communication
fostered
Cooperation and Teamwork
fostered
Personal Competencies
Creative Thinking
fostered
Critical Thinking
assessed
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Mode of examination
oral 30 minutes
Additional information on mode of examination
During the semester students are required to do mandatory assignments. Assignments include: preparation and execution of a presentation of one of the sustainability assessment tools; preparation and execution of an exercise to allow class mates to deepen the subject; a short profile paper of 3-4 pages of the selected tool. The assignment accounts for one third of the final grade.
This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.
Performance assessment as a semester course