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| Semester | fall semester 2024 |
| Course frequency | Once only |
| Lecturers | Janina Grabs (janina.grabs@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This course will introduce students to critical perspectives on the global economy and the role of governments and societies in shaping markets, focusing in particular on issues related to development, inequality, growth, and the environment. After reviewing the main schools of economic thought and their contributions to how the economy is structured today, we will turn to thinkers that critically examine the limits of the market in providing social goods; rethink the contributions of economic growth and globalization to development; focus on the consequences of economic inequality on societal welfare; and provide new perspectives on the interplay of consumption, growth and the environment on a planet with limited ecological resources. The focus of this reading-heavy seminar will lie on participatory discussions on the extent to which the authors’ insights apply to current challenges and future directions of economic policy-making. |
| Learning objectives | The goal of this course is that students develop a broad understanding of the history of political economic thought and emerging theories on the economic process, and can link those to societal challenges such as environmental degradation, income or gender inequality. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to articulate the main arguments of the examined authors, link them to their underlying ontological and normative frameworks, and critically assess their validity and contribution toward solving today’s socio-economic and ecological challenges by drawing on empirical evidence. |
| Bibliography | Tba in class. |
| Comments | Please note entry requirements and mandatory course application procedure (additional to registration on MOnA), details in section "Admission requirements" (Teilnahmevoraussetzungen). MSD 2017 For students with focus area in social sciences the seminar is optional for the "Core Competences in Social Scienes" module. The recognition of credit points to the "Focal Areas in Sustainability Research" module (learning agreement) is possible for all MSD students. This seminar is offered by the MSD. Prof. Dr. Janina Grabs is the new head of the Sustainability Research Group, Dep. of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (from 01. June 24 on). |
| Admission requirements | Special course application required for ALL (for details see section 'course application' or 'Anmeldung'). Limited number of participants (25). Students of the MSD (incl. preparation semester and IJDSD) have a first priority. Students of the listed programs (see list of modules) have a second priority. If you study something different you must do at least a master's degree within the Department of Social Sciences (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences) and may attend the seminar in case of vacancies (these applications have the priority level three). No other students admitted. Content related participation REQUIREMENTS for NON-MSD/IJDSD-students: They must have passed succesfully one of the following lectures (= credit points already acquired) during a former semester: - 11513: Sustainability: A new Societal Paradigm? - 41829: Perspectives of Social Sciences on Sustainability. MSD 2017 MSD students who have chosen the focus area in natural sciences or in economics must have completed (or earned at least 8 CP) the “Complementary Knowledge in Social Sciences” module. |
| Course application | Please note entry requirements. For details see section "admission requirements". Mandatory application for ALL! Link open from 14. August 24/noon: https://adam.unibas.ch/goto_adam_crs_544052.html Login and application only possible with open link. Link guides to the ADAM website, you still must do the login. First emails with confirmation of participation will be sent out in week 36. In case of vacancies the online application link remains open until 26. September 24/noon. Course enrollment on MOnA should be completed by the beginning of the teaching period (withdrawal possible until Monday of teaching week five). |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Tuesday | 16.15-18.00 | Bernoullistrasse 14/16, Kleiner Seminarraum 02.001 |
| Modules |
Module: Core Competences in Social Sciences (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) Module: Resources and Sustainability (Master's degree program: Changing Societies: Migration – Conflicts – Resources) Specialization Module Global Europe: Statehood, Development and Globalization (Master's Studies: European Global Studies) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Compulsary attendance in presence, required reading, oral presentation, written essay. Details according to information of lecturer. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,1 |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | University of Basel |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Nachhaltigkeitsforschung |