Structures of a sustainable society (5 ECTS)

Objective

After completing the course, the students are able to
- understand the interdependencies and conflicts of the global environment, societies, individuals and economies
- know the most important national and international development programmes and their objectives
- recognize the consequences of their own choices in relation to sustainable development
- recognize how natural resources are used to produce commodities – food, clothes, technical devices, energy – understand the significance of natural resources and ecosystems in their own professional field
- recognise the connection of the society and its entities to sustainable development and its components
- analyse the environmental, social and economic impacts of the basic activities of the society
- understand the possibilities of individuals and organizations to influence societal development

Content

Basics and aspects of sustainable development and its challenges, preconditions for a good life: the fundamental rights and responsibilities, planetary boundaries and function of the ecosystem, national and international development programmes (Agenda2030, Society Commitment), basic structures and decision-making of the society, basic societal activities and their sustainability aspects, sustainable business, legislation and other steering mechanisms, smart cities, resilience.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Students are able to
- recognize aspects of sustainable development in their own lives and in their professional field
- recognize interdependencies between social, environmental and financial factors
- recognise the most important global development challenges
- recognize the environmental and social impacts of their own professional field nationally and internationally
- fulfil some sustainable development aspects in their daily activities
- recognise the societal aspects of sustainable development
- recognise the conflicting environmental, social and economic factors in relation with society functions
- recognise the links of their professional field with the sustainable operation of the society

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Students are able to
- analyse aspects of sustainable development in their own lives and in their professional field
- analyse interdependencies between social, environmental and financial factors
- analyse the global challenges of sustainable development
- recognize and analyse the environmental and social impacts of their own professional field nationally and internationally
- fulfil many sustainable development aspects in their daily activities
- analyse the societal aspects of sustainable development
- recognise and evaluate the conflicting environmental, social and economic factors in relation with society functions
- recognise and analyse the links of their professional field with the sustainable operation of the society

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Students are able to
- develop sustainable development activities in their own lives and in their professional field
- analyse interdependencies between social, environmental and financial factors
- analyse the global challenges of sustainable development and plan interventions
- analyse and forecast environmental and social impacts of their own professional field nationally and internationally
- fulfil sustainable development aspects in their daily activities
- analyse the societal aspects of sustainable development and evaluate the impacts of interventions
- assess the conflicting environmental, social and economic factors in relation with society functions, and develop action to solve the conflicts
- develop activities in their professional field to improve the sustainable operation of the society

Execution methods

The course consists of lectures and online studies on a digital learning platform. The study material of the course as well as in the context of the assignments contains material that must be familiarized with and utilized in the tasks. Assignments consist of individual work., group assignments and discussions.