The polycrisis we are currently facing is one of the most pressing challenges in history. Increasing international recognition of these circumstances has given rise to the notion of sustainability and the concept of sustainable development, which aims to find a balance between ecological integrity, social justice and economic prosperity. However, the dominant sustainability discourse is often criticized for retention of an economic growth paradigm, reliance on technological innovations, and lack of perspectives from the Global South.

In this course, you will get an overview of the history and development of the modern scientific and sociocultural sustainability discourses. We will critically examine international political frameworks such as the UN 2030 Agenda with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mainstream sustainability-related narratives such as the Anthropocene and Planetary Boundaries will be introduced and critically discussed alongside alternative concepts for social-ecological transformations, such as Degrowth, Buen Vivir, or The Imperial Mode of Living.

The seven longer sessions will provide us the opportunity to dive deeper into a few topic areas. The sessions will include a mix of lecture-like input, plenary discussions, and small single and group exercises.

You will be asked to do readings and different assignments before and/or after the sessions. This class is "prüfungsimmanent", meaning that the assignments and your active participation in class will be the basis for your continuous examination. Participation in all sessions is recommended, with mandatory attendance in 5/7 sessions for passing the class.

Students of the BA Transformation Studies will be prioritized, as the course is mandatory for them.