Economy, Global Inequality and Pathways to Sustainability
Summary
The concept of “sustainable development” is everywhere. But there are many paradoxes inherent in it. Whose interests does the idea of sustainable development serve? What roles do economic growth and inequality play? And does education for sustainable development really contribute to a better society?
The course is fully online, from anywhere in the world, and the language of instruction is English.
About
The world population is facing enormous challenges: the effects of climate and environmental change not only reflect global economic inequalities but also reinforce them. In work for a more sustainable society, the idea of “sustainable development” has gained central importance, not least in the UN’s work with the Sustainable Development Goals. This is, at the same time, an idea that expresses a Western worldview and holds large political tensions within it.
This online-based course provides a critical overview of some of the interests, conflicts, and paradoxes contained in the concept of sustainable development. In particular, you reflect on these in relation to the phenomenon of education for sustainable development (ESD), which focuses on the role of education in a transition to a more sustainable society. If “sustainable development” serves certain interests, is education in its name necessarily positive?
In the course, you analyse the interests and the worldview expressed in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals; you explore the role of economic growth and degrowth in relation to questions of sustainability; and you develop a critical stance to issues of environmental justice.
The course is part of the Master’s Programme in Education for Sustainable Development.
Teaching
The course is fully online and is taught through the University of Gothenburg’s digital teaching platform, Canvas. You will read key texts – both books and articles – and work actively with these in a series of written and oral assignments. You will give and receive feedback from peers. The course concludes with a longer written essay.
The course requires full-time (100%) study, and the language of instruction is English.
Prerequisites and selection
Requirements
A Bachelors Degree of 180 credits is required, or a professional qualification specialising in the school system of at least 180 credits and an individual degree project/thesis of 15 credits within or outside the degree, or equivalent knowledge and skills. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
After graduation
The course is relevant for graduates who want to develop a critical stance towards sustainable development. It is particularly relevant for those working or hoping to work with education for sustainable development.
