After completion of the course, the student is aware of and is able to apply a varied set of theoretical approaches to the study of governance for sustainable development. He/she is able to:
- analyze the issues of sustainable development from a social science perspective – i.e. recognize and differentiate between both the basic and the more specific social science theories that are relevant to the study of governance for sustainable development;
- engage in scientific debate on these issues;
- compare scientific theories based on their assumptions, their applicability in research, and their explanatory power regarding the likelihood of success of public intervention strategies;
- formulate fundamental critique on the scientific work of others, specifically with regard to the selection and use of theory;
- communicate their research findings verbally and in writing.
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During the first half of the course, students will be introduced to basic theories in social science, specific theoretical approaches to the study of governance for sustainable development, and a number of recurrent themes in the ongoing debates about governance for sustainable development. This part of the course will be assessed by means of an exam. During the second half of the course, students will work on a paper in which they will apply several theoretical approaches of their choosing to a theme. The purpose of this paper is to compare the selected approaches, and thus acquire a more in-depth knowledge of these.
Students must have actively participated in this course in order to take Analysing Governance Practices (GEO4-2328) and Research Methods ESG (GEO4-2304).
Academic skills: Theories; Academic debate; Academic writing
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