Democracy, Policy and Social Change
The course addresses the need for a sustainable environment and examines the need for grassroots organizations' involvement in political decision-making in relation to economic interests.
The object of this course is to examine grass-root organizing, and the challenge of the need for environmental sustainability vis-à-vis the economy. The course examines theories and case studies related to power accumulation in the economic, political and media realms.
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Course structure
To obtain a passing grade, the student should be able to:
- Describe the historical emergence of processes that concentrate power and inequality regarding a sustainable environment.
- Reflect on theories of powerlessness and power accumulation within media, politics, and economics.
- Analyze and critically examine different theories and formulate a strategy for a democratic organization of economics, media, and politics in relation to a sustainable environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to make assessments considering relevant scientific, societal, and aspects related to a sustainable environment.
Teaching format
The course is an online-course with no physical meetings.
There will be a total of 15 classes: five (pre-recorded) lectures, and ten seminars (1–2 hrs each). See the schedule below for details.
Note also that:
- Attendance at seminars is required and that students who miss more than five hours (note, hrs not classes) of seminars will not be able to obtain a grade.
- The pre-recorded lectures will be available to view later than scheduled. It is strongly advised, however, to view them in the order scheduled.
Instruction is in English.
Assessment
The examination consists of a written sub-exam of approximately six pages (40%), three pages of analytical book reviews (15%), and a group project where students analyze a democracy issue and design an alternative policy (45%).
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course. -
Contact
For general questions regarding application, registration and more
The Department's Master's Student Office
masterstudenter@ekohist.su.seQuestion about the course
Course convener and Examiner: Jonathan Feldman