SV-156 Foundations of Sustainable Transformation (Spring 2026)
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Course Leader:
- Devendra Bahadur Thapa
- Lecture Semester:
- Spring
- Teaching language:
- English.
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Bachelor's Programme in IT and Information Systems
- Bachelor's Programme in Planning and Communication
- Bachelor's Programme in Sociology
- Bachelor's Programme in Global Development Studies
Teaching language
English.
Recommended previous knowledge
One year of studies within the social sciences, the humanities or business studies.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- Describe some of the political, social, ecological, economic, and ethical foundations and connections of sustainable transformation.
- Critically reflect on some of the dominant approaches to, and models of, sustainability.
- Grasp the nature of digital technologies and socio-economic consequences of digitalization and critically discuss its impact on sustainable transformation.
Contents
Sustainable transformation is a goal for Norway and others countries around the world, but how is it achieved? Different models of transformation promote a combination of different actors, institutions, goals, pathways and technologies and highlight distinct controversies, opportunities and limitations. This course provides a broad understanding of sustainable transformation. It offers a critical assessment of fundamental and emerging concepts, discourses and models of sustainable transformation such as ecological footprint, sustainable development, ecological modernization, circular economy, postgrowth, just transition and twin transition.
Teaching and learning methods
The course combines lectures, classroom discussions, seminars, and group work assignments. Estimated workload is 270 hours.
The teaching will take place in January and February.
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 home exam. Graded A-F. Further information about the exams will be given in Canvas.
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.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem)
Oct. 15, 2026 3:03:56 PM