The course offers students a broad introduction to the interdisciplinary theme of sustainable development. It includes a large number of modern and intertwined issues such as poverty, development opportunities, climate change, population growth, resource scarcity, loss of biodiversity, the role of companies and governments, and technology. Besides a thorough analysis of system errors an introduction is given on the transition to a sustainable society. We discuss the political framework of sustainable development and have a look at several bottom-up and top-down initiatives in sustainable development.

• Concepts, visions, principles and indicators of sustainable development
• Introduction to systems thinking and analysis of some system flaws in our global society
• Transition to a sustainable society
• Circular Economy

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Final attainment level of secondary education in Flanders

1. The student understands the conceptual framework of sustainable development (MM1) (MM7).
Indicators:

• Knows the different approaches to sustainable development and is able to illustrate them in practical situations
• Recognizes the ecological , social and economic aspects and their relationship in the major themes of resources , climate, biodiversity, poverty,…
• Is able to use the concepts and indicators of sustainable development correctly

2. The student has an insight in the systemic flaws in our global socio-economic system as well as in the transition towards an more sustainable society (MM1) (MM7).
Indicators

• Is able to specify the consequences of the lack of a closed cycle.
• Understands the causes and consequences of a high and disproportionate ecological footprint.
• Knows the strengths supporting sustainable development (at the international/local levels; top-down and bottm-up approaches) and the changes needed to support a transition.

3. The student is able to assess the sustainable character of policy initiatives
Indicators

• Is able to form and motivate a value judgment about the sustainability of actions , measures , business strategies …
• Is able to analyze policies and formulate suggestions with a view to sustainable development policies and sustainable social intervention.

4. The student is able to motivate why we must make the move towards a circular economy
Indicator:

• Has an insight in the concept of circular economy.
• Has an insight in the concept of shared value and can make the link with the move towards a circular economy

Interactive learning conversations
Group discussions
Supported by video and reading materials, student are able to form an opinion about differect topics in sustainable development
Lectures, guided tasks.

Interactive learning conversations
Group discussions
Supported by video and reading materials, students must form an opinion about different issues of sustainable development
Individual guidance and counseling where needed

Photocopies at the usual price set by the university college.