Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English.

Recommended previous knowledge

One year of studies within the social sciences, the humanities or business studies.
NOTE: The courses SV-156 and SV-157are taught sequentially during the semester. In order to take SV-157, students will need to take SV-156 the same semester. In order to take SV-220, students will need to take both SV-156 and SV-157.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to/have a:

  • describe the political, social, ecological, economic, and ethical foundations and connections of sustainable development
  • discuss the normative principles behind the idea of sustainable development
  • understand the nature of digital technologies and societal consequences of digitalization and critically discuss its impact on sustainable development
  • critically reflect on and understand the current sustainable development concepts and challenges

Contents

A diversity of sustainability challenges influences current societal development, planning and policy making. The formation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals links social, ecological, and economic aspects of future collaboration and development. New societal and political approaches and technological development generate new opportunities, but also gives rise to conflicts and oppositions. New understandings between critical analyses and constructive explorations of alternatives are necessary to work with the sustainable development of our future society.

This course provides a broad and critical understanding of the environmental, economic, social, political and technological pillars of sustainable development (SD). How has the concept developed, how can it be contested and how is it influencing current policies and practices? How does technological development relate to sustainability? What is the normative relation between the digital and the sustainability transformation (twin transition)? How should we incorporate subaltern views into the debate? How is the SD concept criticized and in which terms? Being divided in three main sub-modules – i.e. the conceptual and philosophical foundations of sustainability, the twin transition, and the critical perspectives – the course will give students a foundation for understanding and critically approaching the SD and its impact on society.

Teaching and learning methods

The course combines lectures, classroom discussions, seminars, and group work assignments. The last session before the examination is devoted to student presentations in poster form. Estimated workload is 270 hours.

Examination requirements

Participation in group work and approved group work hand-in. Further information can be found in Canvas at the start of the semester.

Examinations

3-day individual home exam. Graded A-F.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes. Subject to availability or capacity.

Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course

60 ECTC credits in Social Science or Humanities.

Admission for external candidates

No

Other information

The courses SV-156 and SV-157are taught sequentially during the semester. In order to take SV-157, students will need to take SV-156 the same semester. In order to take SV-220, students will need to take both SV-156 and SV-157.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 11:05:15 AM