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| Semester | fall semester 2022 |
| Course frequency | Once only |
| Lecturers | Machteld Simoens (machteld.simoens@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | When we take a look around us, we see an abundance of innovations aiming to support transformations towards more sustainability by providing an alternative (and more sustainable) approach to producing and consuming all kinds of resources. In this seminar, we explore the basic premises of innovations and their potential for sustainability transitions. The seminar is composed of two blocks of input-seminars in which theoretical approaches and practical examples are interactively discussed. The first block focuses on understanding the role of innovations as well as grasping the variety of innovation types and the supporting structures in which they are embedded. Despite all positive sides of innovations, also the current sustainability problems are often the result of successful innovations in the past. Therefore, the second block of input-seminars will delve into the dark side of innovations as well as structural elements that limit the success of new approaches and the struggles that new ideas face to attract societal attention. The theoretical inputs and critical discussions are translated by the participants into an assessment of a sustainability innovation of their choice. In this group work, participants will look into both the positive as well as the negative aspects of the innovation, while reflecting on its transformational potential and considering concrete recommendations to ensure or enhance the innovation’s sustainability. In between the input-seminars, the participants will have time to focus on their project. Finally, the participants will condense their findings onto a poster and present it to their peers in a conference setting. |
| Learning objectives | Upon completion of this course, you will be able to o understand the role of innovations in sustainability transitions, o reflect on the transformational potential of sustainable innovations, o describe and assess a sustainability innovation as well as compose recommendations for its successful development, o condense larger amounts of information unto a scientific poster. |
| Bibliography | Will be announced in the syllabus. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Tuesday | 14.15-16.00 | Rosshofgasse (Schnitz), Seminarraum S 01 |
| Modules |
Modul: Politik, Entwicklung und soziale Ungleichheit (Bachelor's degree subject: Sociology) Module: Resources and Sustainability (Master's degree program: Changing Societies: Migration – Conflicts – Resources) Vertiefungsmodul Global Europe: Umwelt und Nachhaltigkeit (Master's Studies: European Global Studies) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Soziologie |