Sustainable development - introduction

The course is an introductory course and provides first insights into the concept of 'sustainable development' in a global context. Over the last four to five decades, this concept has become increasingly visible in global and regional policy, business, and academic agendas. Students will learn to study ecological and socio-economic development from three angles: theoretical, global policy and regional/national context specific.

The theoretical perspective concentrates on foundational debates and tensions that the question of sustainable development (SD) brings about. The global policy perspectives provides insights into the global governance of SD, especially the role of the UN. Studying specific (policy) contexts provide insights into opportunities, challenges and questions that arise in with SD at regional and national levels.

With this, students will understand the varied discussions and debates around SD and be introduced to core notions such as ecological modernization or limits to growth. Based on this they learn to apply the knowledge gained in this course for evaluating and taking position in these debates.

After this course, students are able to:

• Explain the concept of sustainable development;
• Appraise sustainable development meanings and practices in different geographical and socio-economics contexts;

You must meet the following requirements

• Registered for a degree programme other than
• HBO-TOP Applied Physics, Pre-Master
• Completed none of the course modules listed below
• Sustainable dev in a global context (0SV00)

• Farley & Smith (2020), 2nd edition: Sustainability: If it’s Everything, Is It Nothing?, Routledge, available via TU/e library (online book)
• Baker, S. (2016 , 2nd edition, Sustainable Development. Routledge, available via TU/e library (online book)