Course Syllabus
Sustainable Development in Northern Europe C
 |
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2018 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Core Course - 3 credits |
| Core Course Study Tours: |
West Denmark & Sweden |
| Major Disciplines: |
Environmental Studies. Public Policy. Sustainability |
| Faculty Members: |
Carlos García-Robles carlos.robles@dis.dk |
| Program Director: |
Neringa Vendelbo - nb@dis.dk |
| Time & Place: |
N7 B11 | Monday, Thursday 08:30-09:50 |
Description of Course
Sustainable development has emerged as one of the most important discourses of the 21st century. It is a multi-dimensional concept, which aims to integrate environmental, social, and economic objectives, and no single academic discipline definitively addresses its problems or solutions. This course explores some of the key issues and themes of sustainable development, as well as pragmatic and practical strategies for promoting a more sustainable future.
The aims of the course are:
- To present a coherent and analytical framework for understanding the key ideas and issues informing the sustainability debate in the global north (especially from a Northern European perspective);
- To examine the current and potential roles of government, civil society, and business in shaping a sustainable future;
- To provide a framework for understanding that links knowledge with practice and bridges the gap between the classroom and the outside world;
- To investigate Sustainable Urbanization and Living in Copenhagen, Hamburg and Stockholm.
Learning Objectives of the Course
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Comprehend the underlying concepts, debates, and issues informing various actors, agencies, and activities working to realize sustainability goals;
- Show a critical awareness of the diverse and contested meanings of sustainable development ideas and practices;
- Identify a broad range of Danish and European stakeholders and activities currently shaping the sustainability agenda;
- Compare and contrast sustainability discourses and practices in Denmark and Europe with those in your home states;
- Locate a broad range of sources of information on sustainability, and to be able to engage in critical and reflective thinking on a sustainability issue;
- Articulate your own values and possible strategies for a sustainable future.
Readings
Jackson, T. (2009) Prosperity Without Growth?: Economics for a Finite Planet, London, Earthscan.
Sachs, J. (2015) The Age of Sustainable Development, Columbia University Press.
Sachs, J. (2006). The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time. Penguin Books; Reprint edition.
Raworth, Kate. (2017) Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist.Chelsea Green Publishing.
Sunderlin, William. (2003) Ideology, Social Theory and the Environment. Rowmann & Littlefield.
Monbiot, George. How Did We Get Into This Mess? Politics, Equality, Nature (26 April 2017). Verso Trade; 1 edition.
DIS will supply all books.
Field Studies
Wednesday, Feb 21, 8:30 to 12:30 visit to Amager Nature Center http://naturstyrelsen.dk/naturoplevelser/naturskoler/hovedstaden/naturcenter-amager/
Wednesday, May 2, 13:00 to 17:00 visit to CPH Village https://www.cphvillage.com/
Study Tours
Core Course week and study tours are an integral part of the core course as we take the classroom on the road and see how theory presented in the classroom is translated to practice in the field. You will travel with your classmates and DIS faculty/staff on two study tours; a short study tour during Core Course Week and a long study tour to a relevant European destination.
The dates for core course week, including short study tour, and your long study tour are below for your reference.
Core Course Week: Feb 5 - 10
Short Study tour: Feb 8, 9 and 10
Long Study tour to Sweden: April 15 - 20
Short study tour to Esbjerg, Ribe and Fanø
A three day tour to Esbjerg, Ribe and Fanø. The aim of the SUS short study tour is to connect the classroom learning with real life experiences of sustainable development. Esbjerg is an interesting case study of how a city can develop from being reliant on fisheries to oil/gas/offshore to now focusing on windmill and other renewable energy sources. In April 2016, the largest windmill in the world was installed in Port of Esbjerg. On top of that, the municipality is deeply involved in become a sustainable city, from creating public/private partnerships to teaching sustainability in schools to promoting and installing solar panels, windmills and other renewable energy sources in Esbjerg and its vicinity. Esbjerg is also home to “Vadehavet”/Wadden Sea, a UNESCO protected strip of land and water stretching from Denmark through Germany to the Netherlands, and which features unique wildlife. We will also explore the oldest town in Denmark, Ribe, as well as the island of Fanø, a national park.
The main objective of the short study tour is to investigate sustainable urbanization in Esbjerg and to examine what it takes to become a sustainable city while dealing with and respecting an industrial past deeply embedded in the culture of the city.
Long study tour to Stockholm
A six day tour to Sweden. Just like the short study tour, the aim of the SUS long study tour is to connect classroom learning with real life experiences involving sustainable development. Stockholm was the European Green city in 2010 and Sweden is a world leader in sustainable urban planning. We will be taking public transportation where possible (including a train to Stockholm), and we will stay in a hotel, which has received an Eco Award for their use of carbon offsets and charitable contributions to the community. Also, we will eat at sustainable restaurants, whether they serve organic or local food, or run on renewable energy. Specific visits have previously included national-level policy organizations, international NGOs, and examples of urban (re)development.
A goal of the tour is to compare and contrast sustainability discourses and practices in Europe with those in the USA. Students will be encouraged to examine the different approaches of mainstream and grassroots initiatives, as well as questions of scale, in implementing sustainable practices, and gain specific awareness of these issues in a Swedish context.
Expectations for Study Tours
- Participate in all activities
- Engage in discussions, ask questions, and contribute to achieving the learning objectives
- Respect the destination, the speakers, DIS staff, and your fellow classmates
- Represent yourself, your home university, and DIS in a positive light
While on a program study tour, DIS will provide hostel/hotel accommodation, transportation to/from the destination(s), approx. 2 meals per day and entrances, guides, and visits relevant to your area of study or the destination. You will receive a more detailed itinerary prior to departure.
Travel policies
You are required to travel with your group to the destination. If you have to deviate from the group travel plans, you need approval from the program director and the study tours office prior to departure. You are free to return to Copenhagen on your own if you choose to do so, but must stay with the group through the last visit and inform your study tour leaders of your plans in advance.
Approach to Teaching
Class sessions will combine lectures (including guest lecturers) and discussions, which examine theory, current debate and case studies. The classroom experience will be enhanced by experiential learning through cooperative learning methods, field studies, and study tours. With such a broad topic, it is impossible to cover all issues and themes, therefore topics are selective rather than comprehensive.
Evaluation
Study Tour Report #1 to be posted Feb 22 before midnight on the discussion board thread with the same title.
One paper, 2 to 4 pages max in teams of two.
For this paper please choose a case study or theme based on the observations from the short study tour and other visits during the core course week, which you would like to explore in more depth. You could choose either to work with a research format with a research question or you can choose to make an essay . Your analysis should consist of contextualization (identification of historical, societal, and community drivers) and the assessment of organizational and stakeholder analysis as well as assessment of success and mainstream potential.
Please choose a partner to work with. Each pair, will thus conduct research (or an essay) as a basis for their analysis and assessment in and outside of class as well as make use of their own observations.
Study Tour Report #2 to be posted April 26 before midnight on the discussion board thread with the same title.
Analysis and assessment: Research paper #2: 4 pages.
Choose a research question that relates your case to sustainable development. Choose a question based on your observations from the long study tour which you would like to explore in more depth. Your analysis should consist of contextualization (identification of historical, societal, and community drivers) and the assessment of organizational and stakeholder analysis as well as assessment of success and mainstream potential. You will thus conduct research as a basis for analysis and assessment in and outside of class as well as make use of your own observations.
Awareness Case
My garbage bag (more info TBA). Post your experience on the discussion board on the thread with the same title.
Exam
Open note exam
Grading
| Study Tour Reports 1 and 2 (4 pages each) | 30 % |
| Awareness Case (My garbage bag) | 20 % |
| Exam | 25 % |
| Participation (class presentations, study tours) | 25 % |
Participation will be based on the following criteria:
- Attendance
- Class topic presentation
- Active participation in class discussions
- Preparation for each class
- Reading all assigned texts
- Preparing all assignments for class
- Active participation in study tours and field studies
- Active participation in class seminar
- Garbage blog
To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work.
Academic Regulations
Laptop and phones policy
Most students find that taking class notes by hand is sufficient for review purposes. Computers are allowed in class solely for note-taking and research purposes and only when encouraged by the instructor.
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
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