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| Semester | spring semester 2023 |
| Course frequency | Once only |
| Lecturers | Machteld Simoens (machteld.simoens@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | Since the aftermath of the second world war, economic growth has been the dominant paradigm to enhance nations’ welfare. Over time, economic measures such as the gross domestic product have become internalized into our society, while increasing wealth determine the actions of politics and industry. However, this focus on economic growth has led to a wide variety of undesirable effects, ranging from environmental degradation to inequality and injustice. To address these negative side-effects, the sustainable development goals (SDGs) focus on promoting “inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and work for all”. Despite the general acceptance of the SDGs, this economic goal is often critiqued to be inconsistent with the aim for environmental and social sustainability, as the underlying growth paradigm is not questioned. Aligned with this critique, various scholars and practitioners have explored and developed various alternative economic approaches, presenting an alternative perspective on growth. In this seminar, we will reflect and critically discuss the concept of growth, it’s history and current developments towards sustainable or green growth. Additionally, we will explore a variety of alternative economies (such as circular economy, sharing economy, doughnut economy, post-growth, economy for the common good, etc.). To do so, groups of participants will each focus on one alternative economy and its societal implications together with a practitioner. Goal of this group project is to learn and experience how theoretical approaches are transformed into practical approaches and to reflect on its potential and challenges for societal transformations. The insights and learnings of these group projects will be incorporated in a public event - organized in cooperation with Degrowth Switzerland - where discussions with the public around growth and alternative economies are continued. At the end of the seminar, participants are expected to write an individual reflection essay, describing their perspective on the idea of growth, SDG 8, and alternative economies for sustainability transitions. Language: English «Diese Lehrveranstaltung wird von «Impuls» unterstützt. Impuls fördert Dozierende und Studierende, im Rahmen von Lehrveranstaltungen Projekte mit Bezug zu nachhaltiger Entwicklung umzusetzen. Mit der Förderung durch Impuls sollen Studierende zu Change Agents für Nachhaltigkeit ausgebildet und dazu inspiriert und befähigt werden, diese Kompetenzen auch im späteren Berufsleben und im Privaten für eine nachhaltige(re) Entwicklung einzusetzen. Die Förderung beinhaltet neben finanzieller Unterstützung unter anderem auch Coaching für die Umsetzung der Studierendenprojekte und einen Nachhaltigkeitsworkshop. Mehr Infos gibt es auf der Webseite: www.unibas.ch/impuls» |
| Learning objectives | o Describe and reflect on the concept of “growth”, its role in our society, and its potential for sustainable development. o Explain and examine an alternative economy, while including and engaging with a practitioner in this process. o Engage in the dissemination of ideas and reflections to a wider public audience. |
| Bibliography | tba |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Wednesday | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 22.02.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 01.03.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Fasnachstferien |
| Wednesday 08.03.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 15.03.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 22.03.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 29.03.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 05.04.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 12.04.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 19.04.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 26.04.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 03.05.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 10.05.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 17.05.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Wednesday 24.05.2023 | 16.15-18.00 | Soziologie, Hörsaal 215 |
| Modules |
Modul: Wirtschaft, Wissen und Kultur (Bachelor's degree subject: Sociology) |
| 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 |