Analytical Frameworks in Sustainability Studies

Aim

On completion of the course, the student should be able to: -approach general epistemological and ontological aspects of social theory and natural sciences in the context of sustainable development. -identify and evaluate the multifaceted roles and contexts of science and technology in the production of knowledge and systems for sustainable development. -problematize and apply general conceptual discussions and theoretical models that are central in the field of sustainable development, and finding relevant links between technology, science, politics, and sustainable development. -apply and manage specific technological and scientific tools and strategies as well as economic/policy practices with the help of a number of system theories and process analysis. -evaluate specific agendas of sustainable development by combining social theory with technological and scientific practices.

Content

The course is divided into two parts. Each part includes both a theoretical section (Critical Theoretical Reflexivity) and an empirical/methodological section (Applications, Tools, and Strategies for Sustainable Development) that will run parallel to each other. The course is based on contemporary ideas of the roles of science, technology, politics and economics in the production of knowledge and practices for sustainable development. It begins with a general overview of basic aspects of natural and social theories. With this background, the students will analyze how different scientific methods are designed, developed, presented and implemented in different kinds of research and practices, that is, the natural sciences, the social sciences, the humanities and interdisciplinary science. Concretely, a number of theoretical approaches of relevance will be interpreted and discussed in line with different applications, tools and strategies for sustainable development such as commodity chain analysis, cost benefit analysis, measurement and monitoring methodologies, negotiation, indicators, time-geography, labeling, etc. To empirically visualize and evaluate the combination of theoretical models and practical applications, tools and strategies for sustainable development, the students will carry out several exercises and laboratories such as geographic information systems (GIS), road-traffic simulations, monitoring and trend analysis, visualizations, commodity chain analysis, negotiation game, time-geography, passive house visit, and so on.