Course Syllabus

Course Description

This course explores some of the key issues and themes of sustainable development. It focuses on analyzing the different ideologies in the sustainability spectrum to try to understand how and why some policies have different results, expected or unexpected and its consequences.

One of the main objectives will be to reflect analytically on some of the consequences of human activity through philosophy, ecology, sociology, economics and postcolonial theory.  We will aim at understanding the root causes of environmental degradation and will explore the potential solutions from a cultural, social, and historical perspective. We will approach this with a critical lens on the Western conceptions of progress, development and economic growth and will focus on how the current civilization paradigms, ideologies, and perceptions led to the current environmental crisis.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course you will:

• Understand how different policy options can benefit or affect communities and the environment.
• Understand environmental ideologies.
  
• Understand the consequences of choosing specific policy options for sustainability.
• Learn how to connect concepts such as risk perception, development, environmental stewardship, resilience, reflexivity, etc., and have a critical awareness of their significance and applicability.
• Understand the different ideological elements contested in international agencies, businesses, civil society and various other actors, how these elements collide or converge in applicable policies and decision making processes.
• Critical analysis of the SDGs.

Faculty

Cand.techn.soc. (Environmental, Technological & Socio-Economic Planning, Roskilde University, 2009). B.A. (International Relations; International Environmental Regimes and National Security, National Autonomous University of Mexico, 2004).  Worked extensively on environmental and sustainability related projects, campaigns and conferences for more than 12 years with a variety of grassroots organizations. External advisor for Mexican political parties, government agencies and for members of congress. Involved at the UN WSSD and CSD process as a civil society representative for more than 5 years. Worked during the COP15 process with Friends of the Earth Denmark as project coordinator for the Flood for Climate Justice. With DIS since 2011.

Readings

• Dryzek, John. The Politics of the Anthropocene. Oxford 2019.
• Mann. Charles. The Wizard and the Prophet- Science and the Future of Our Planet.
• Sunderlin, William D. Ideology, Social Theory, and the Environment. Oxford: Rowman & Littlefield, 2003

Field Studies

TBA

Approach to Teaching

This course has critical thinking and a hands on approach, sessions will be based on the readings, students will develop mind maps as graded assignments.

Expectations of the Students

• Active and voluntary participation in class discussions
• Preparing thoroughly for every class, i.e. doing all of the required reading and research
• Being able to address the readings critically during class, thus displaying a good understanding of the subject matter
• Being analytical and concise in oral interventions, i.e. backing up arguments by facts and references
• Being able to collaborate well with your assigned group

Evaluation

In-class participation will be graded according to individuals being present and on-time (excepting cases of reasonable absence such as illness, with notice). All course meetings (classes + field study trips) are included in this assessment. Final mark for in-class participation will be averaged and will consist of 25% of total final grade. A lack of notification of absence results in a half-grade deduction from your total final grade. After two 'excused' absences, academic affairs and/or a doctors must be involved.

A group case presentation will count for 25% of the grade. Mind maps and will cumulatively account for 25% of final grade. Grades are allocated by group.  An essay exam will be individual and will account for 25% of the grade. 

Grading

Policy on late assignments and laptops

• Late papers will be accepted, but your grade for the paper will be reduced by half a point for each day that it is late.
• Use of laptops or phones in class –use of laptops is allowed as long as you are using them for class. 

Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

• Course Enrollment and Grading  
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code 

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