Description
In this course you will explore an environmental case study. In groups you will analyze the problem, its solutions and the factors that obstruct these solutions. This course gives ownership to the students in structuring the course and stimulates creative thinking and dealing with complex issues.
You will be trained in scenario techniques at the start of the course, after which you will further investigate a sustainability challenge. In addition, you will go on field trips and you and your fellow students will take part in a debate with experts in the field. The area study will enable you to test the theories you have learned in class in practical situations.
The theme for 2016 is ’2030: sustainable Leiden?’
Leiden municipality has set itself several goals and initiatives to become a much more sustainable city.
It has published a so-called ‘duurzaamheidsagenda’ (http://gemeente.leiden.nl/themas/duurzaam2030/duurzaamheidsagenda/) in which they set a number of sustainability targets for 2030. To achieve these targets, the municipality has launched 24 initiatives and 41 ideas. As a group we will investigate whether the initiatives and ideas are enough to actually achieve the sustainability goals.
Timetable and examination dates
The course is from 4 – 29 January 2016. Students have to write a paper and have to present their case study explorations on 29 January in a final presentation. The final mark will be an average of the paper and the final presentation.
Blackboard
Students have to enroll in Blackboard. All the lecture notes, announcements, the schedule, assignments, etc. can be found there.
Admission requirements
To take part in the course Area Study Sustainability, students must have followed the previous courses Big Issues New Answers and Project groups: Design of European Research.