Theories of Change in Action

Course goals

Content

The course Theories of Change in Action seeks to provide students with a deep understanding of the ways various societal actors theorize change and how these theories of change play out in their strategies and their involvement in sustainability governance.

Different societal actors work from fundamental theories of change that are often partially or mostly implicit, with only the more superficial assumptions or motivations a part of official strategies and policies. Therefore, investigating and unveiling theories of change often allows for an identification of fundamental problems in sustainability governance. Different theories of change can often be the sources of conflicts, contradictions, or inconsistencies in governance. Understanding the fundamental motivations of different societal actors is an important skill for students seeking to be agents of change.

Theory of Change in Action aims to combine theoretical depth with a novel approach to transdisciplinary education. Students work directly with societal actors to investigate and reflect on their theories of change as an active case study.

Students will develop their own practical change projects, in groups, based on an understanding of different theories of change, and then reflect on how these change projects played out in terms of expected and unexpected changes.

Lectures will be a mix of theory and practice perspectives.