Challenges of sustainable development and transition

Teacher(s)

Delzenne Nathalie; Swaen Valérie;

Language

French

Content

What do the concepts of “sustainable development” and “transition” encompass? What are their origins? What are the social and environmental challenges of the 21st century? What options are available for transforming our lifestyles toward a form of development that better respects planetary boundaries?
In this course, we address these questions from a scientific and academic perspective. By bringing in experts from various fields (law, philosophy, engineering, management, agronomy, economics, medicine, and more), this course invites you to develop in-depth knowledge of the challenges of sustainable development and transition, to understand the conflicting perspectives that fuel the debate, and to cultivate the critical perspective needed to put these points of tension into context.
We believe the interdisciplinary approach adopted in this course is essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the challenges of sustainable development. Each discipline offers a distinct perspective on social and environmental issues and their causes, and then opens the door to specific courses of action and solutions. It is by fostering dialogue among these different disciplines that we can advance knowledge and society toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future. Thus, the added value of this course lies in the connections you will be able to make between the various topics covered.
There is a wealth of knowledge on sustainable development issues, and it is constantly evolving. This course does not claim to provide a comprehensive overview, but it invites you to delve into the vast body of scientific research aimed at advancing society in these areas.

Teaching methods

This course is taught entirely online via the course’s Moodle platform. It is organized into six modules, consisting of videos, texts, and exercises, which students work through at their own pace.
No in-person classes are scheduled. Academic support is provided through two synchronous sessions on Teams:

• an introductory session at the beginning of the term to present the course structure and answer initial questions;
• a question-and-answer session at the end of the term, before the assessment.

This structure allows for flexible and self-directed progress throughout the term.

Evaluation methods

Written exam (multiple-choice questions) administered in a classroom setting during the exam session. The same assessment format is used in the second session.
PLEASE NOTE: This course is scheduled for Q1 (exam in January) in some programs and for Q2 (exam in June) in others. Carefully check which session you are scheduled to take the exam in.

Other information

This course is taught in French.  Please consult the French version of the course description.

Online resources

LBIR2050A course Moodle: https://moodle.uclouvain.be/course/view.php?id=10881

Faculty or entity

> AGRO