Policy and Institutional Change for a Sustainable Future

Course goals

• analyze the issues of sustainable development from a social science perspective – i.e. recognize and differentiate between both the basic and the more specific social science theories that are relevant to the study of governance for sustainable development;
• engage in scientific debate on these issues;
• compare scientific theories based on their assumptions, their applicability in research, and their explanatory power regarding the likelihood of success of public intervention strategies;
• formulate fundamental critique on the scientific work of others, specifically with regard to the selection and use of theory;
• communicate their research findings verbally and in writing.

Content

The course is structured into three distinct phases. In the first phase, you will explore key theories on what drives policy and institutional change, as well as the factors that contribute to stability. You will examine different perspectives on how political agendas are set. In the second phase, we will shift our focus to policy practices. You will gain a deeper understanding of public policy decision-making in doing so develop your professional skills. The third and final phase is dedicated to applying your knowledge. You will integrate theory and practice by drafting and proposing a policy change. Throughout this process, you will work on a real-world challenge, continuously applying and critically reflecting on what you learn. Assessment will consist of two written exams—one on theory and one on practice. Additionally, your policy change proposal will be developed as a group paper, which will also be evaluated.

Students must have actively participated in this course in order to take Research Strategies ESG (GEO4-2304) in Year 1, Period 3 and Theories of Change in Action (GEO4-2348) in Year 1, Period 4.