Introduction Sustainability and Health

Entry requirements

Second year students of the Honours College FSW programme, Science & Society track.

Introduction

As the world population increases and consumption expands, pressure on ecosystems intensifies. Although industrialisation and globalisation have generated unprecedented levels of material affluence for some parts of the world population, exploitation of ecosystems and human resources has led to health issues on physical and mental levels for humans and non-human agents alike.

In this introductory course, we will discuss a variety of insights on the influence of contemporary economic systems on ecosystems and human physical and mental health. We will explore the possibilities of developing sustainable alternatives that allow for a healthier society.

Learning objectives

At successful completion of this introductory course, you will:

• be familiar with a broad range of insights on the interplay between economy and physical and mental health

• be familiar with current debates on sustainable alternatives for our economy

• be able to take and defend your position in current scientific debates on sustainability and health

• be able to develop interventions that maintain or increase physical and/or mental health for human beings in contemporary society

Mode of instruction

In this course, your active participation is required from the start. Before the first meeting, you will read and listen to informative and inpiring perspectives on sustainability and health. In the first meeting, you will be challenged to critically examine these perspectives. You will also select a specific case to study in-depth together with a fellow student. In the second meeting, the instructor will present a case study as a source of inspiration for you to tackle your own case study. In the third meeting, you will debate with your fellow students on core issues of sustainability and health. The course is concluded with the presentation of your case study in a poster presentation.

Language

English

Location

The Hague

Number of Participants

Maximum number of participants: 50

Assessment

You will receive qualitative feedback on your poster. Assessment of your participation in the categories insufficient, competent or excellent will be based on commitment during class, courage and/or skill in debate and innovativeness and thoroughness of your poster.

Schedule

Registration

Registration via personal study plan.

Contact information

If you have any questions, please contact your coach, Nienke van der Heide or Dorothée Out.