Impactful action on SDG’s

Course goals

Content

In this course, you will actively work with partners or organisations who are making a meaningful and impactful change in the society of Utrecht. This is not easy as the issues they try to tackle are complex, dynamic and related to Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN (https://sdgs.un.org/goals). Fields of focus include, good health and well-being (3), quality of education (4), decent work and economic growth (8), sustainable cities (11) and innovation and infrastructure (9). The complexity and dynamics of these societal challenges that our partners face are representative of global problems and require a multi-faceted approach. The way of working in such projects is different from academic (theoretical) learning.

It is a ’learning by doing’ approach that challenges everybody to bring in their knowledge and skills as well as an inquiring, entrepreneurial and reflective attitude to contribute actively towards a change. This implies that the trajectory of the process and the exact outcome is not known at the start of the course. Students will work in diverse teams in co-creation with a community partner on location in Utrecht. The method used is based on two, so called, Action research cycles. This is a participatory form of research of which the main phases revolve around taking action and reflecting on the outcome of it, before starting a new cycle. This will create new possibilities for action towards the desired direction/change. Projects change every year though examples have been: - that the research to make LOOS sustainable contributed to a physical store (PUUR & LOOS) while they first only had a mobile package-free grocery, - to work with AllOne on raising awareness about similarities & differences between cultures to reduce polarisation in society.

Previous students have indicated that during this (enjoyable) experience as an action researcher, not only data was gained to better understand factors involved in the problem, but that they learned a lot about their own personal opinions, assumptions, from their experiences as well as those of the entire team and organisation that is embedded within a community. 

The beginning of the course is devoted to various aspects of team building. The partners bring in the project they want to inquire/resolve after which small, diverse teams are formed. In the following weeks the teams and partner work in co-creation through the components of the action research cycles, that consists of identifying a problem and its context, planning and carry out an action and evaluate the effect of the action. While reflecting throughout the steps you will learn more about this research method and yourself during this process. The teams will be offered intensive guidance through the different phases of action research by providing background info/literature, discuss progress, plans, give new perspectives/info, etc. However, students are expected to be active as well to e.g. search for literature, do fieldwork, contact organisations or new stakeholders. Action learning sets are held, which is a learning method to obtain new perspectives/information on the project, keep an open view on and sharpen the direction of the project. The actions that the teams carry out should create something new which is valuable to the relevant partners. A final stakeholder meeting will take place between the team, teacher, community partner and relevant stakeholders to bring the project further, followed by a reflective conversation about the entire process.


Enrolment non-UCU students
For any UU students not enrolled at UCU, your admission is by permission of the course coordinator.
        • A motivation letter (can be an email) - indicating your genuine interest in the course, your willingness to comply with UCU's study regulations regarding attendance (see article 4.5) and how this course could fit in your study plan. Please be aware that UCU offers two semesters instead of four blocks. See link to the academic calendar below.
        • Proof of English proficiency level.

For visiting students from other institutions, please refer to https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/university-college-utrecht/how-to-apply/visiting-students for the general application procedure.
Please note UCU's different semester dates: https://students.uu.nl/en/university-college-utrecht/academics/academic-calendar