SGO9211 ¨C Theory and practice for equitable and just transformations to sustainability

Course content

This PhD course aims to link theories, ideas and paradigms of just transformations with ongoing practices of achieving sustainable transformations. What are the key challenges and difficulties involved in linking theories and practice when working to achieve equitable and just transformations to sustainability? There are multiple discourses on sustainable transformations circulating in academic and policy spheres, each with their own assumptions, blind spots and priorities. We will examine some of the main approaches to sustainability transformations, and interrogate them for what kinds of practices they lend themselves to. Then we will examine practices of achieving sustainability transformations, using concrete examples from policymaking and business, to understand what theoretical insights can be gained from concrete practice. In this way, we hope to collectively learn more about how theoretical reflection and practical implementation can be linked closer in sustainability transformation. A core idea of the course is that linking theories and practice can inform efforts to advance equity and justice in sustainability transformations. Exploring the practical implications of theories can disrupt theoretical assumptions, and challenge our ideas of what constitutes "valid" justice claims. We will explore both progressive or proactive forms of transformation practice as well as populist, reactive forms of practice. We focus on three main areas of sustainability: urban development, mobility and consumption.

This course is set up jointly by the University of Bergen, University of Oslo and the research school, Empowered Futures (based at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences): Empowered Futures | NMBU

Admission to the course

PhD students at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography register for the course in StudentWeb.

Interested participants outside the Department of Sociology and Human Geography shall fill out this application form.

The deadline for registration is 15th April 2024. After the deadline shall all applicants receive a note about if the application is approved."

Teaching

The course takes place over five days in Bergen and Oslo. We will spend Monday and Tuesday in Bergen, and travel together by train to Oslo on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will be spent in Oslo. There will be excursions in both locations. Venue: University of Bergen, University of Oslo.

Dates: May 27-31. 2024

Examination

The entire five-day course makes up the PhD course, with the equivalent of 5 credits. For approval you need to be an active participant throughout the course, be present on all days,?read the curriculum, as well as submit a paper.

Examination support material

All exam support materials are allowed during this exam. Generating all or part of the exam answer using AI tools such as Chat GPT or similar is not allowed.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• How to use AI as a student
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.