Sustainability science I
Explore the challenges of sustainability, together with leading scholars and practitioners. This course lays the foundations of sustainability, presents key debates, and explores ways forward, with a particular emphasis on business and sustainable development.

In this course you will learn from sustainability scientists who are elaborating different aspects and frontiers in sustainability science, including if and how businesses engage in sustainable development . You will also meet guest speakers who are working at the interface of sustainability science and business practice. You will learn about what sustainability means, the history of this concept and how it has influenced international policy and business practice. You will explore cases that illuminate key aspects of sustainability and illustrate different theories of how to shift corporate actions towards more sustainable practices. You will learn about the key debates in sustainability and business and develop a capacity to engage with them and make well-informed arguments.
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Course structure
Modules
The course consists of two parts:
- The biosphere and humankind, 10 credits
- Corporations and sustainable development in the Anthropocene, 5 credits
Teaching format
We mix different teaching formats to make the most of your learning experience - including lectures and seminars, group work and projects, and field trips.
Learning outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
1) Demonstrate basic understanding of
- how humans and corporations depend on and influence the biosphere
- major sustainability challenges and their social and ecological dimensions
- what sustainability science is and its historical development
2) Describe and discuss how different sustainability challenges have implications at different levels and scales
3) Communicate in inter- and transdisciplinary contexts
4) Analyze a set of responses to a particular sustainability challenge and critically reflect on their strengths and limitations.
Assessment
We assess knowledge based on written home exams and seminar activity.
Examiner
Lisen Schultz
E-mail: lisen.schultz@su.se
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Contact
Student office- Visiting address
E315, Arrheniuslaboratory
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Contact us for help with:
-registration
-exams
-certificates
-much more
- Irregular office hours
Closed April 6-9. During these days please call or e-mail.
Study counsellor at bachelor's level- Lisa Weingartner
- elisabet.weingartner@su.se
- 08-16 40 70
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, E311
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Office hours
By request
- Phone hours
Mon-Fri 10-12