Course code ECN180

ECN180 Global Challenges I. Economics and Sustainability

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Showing course contents for the educational year 2021 - 2022 .

Course responsible: Sigurd Henning Rysstad
Teachers: Audun Hoemsnes Moss, Annette Alstadsæter, Gro Ladegård
ECTS credits: 5
Faculty: School of Economics and Business
Teaching language: NO
(NO=norsk, EN=Engelsk)
Limits of class size:
150
Teaching exam periods:
This course starts in August block. This course has teaching/evaluation in August block.
Course frequency: Annually
First time: Study year 2017-2018
Preferential right:
B-ØA and B-ECON
Course contents:
The course presents the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and gives a brief overview of global and regional technological, economical, demographical, and environmental developments the last 200 years. Two different perspectives on the relations between economic development and environmental problems are introduced and discussed: A pessimistic and an optimistic approach, also illustrated with the IPAT-equation and the Environmental Kuznets Curve.  Alternative means aimed at achieving selected goals on energy, food security, poverty and climate change are discussed. Emphasis is placed on synergies and trade-offs between different SDGs. The course will also inform students about why an how our degree programs will provide the students with competencies that can be of use in work aimed at realizing sustainable development.
Learning outcome:

Knowledge: - Overview of UN's 17 Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs). - A brief overview of global and regional economic, demographic and environmental development the last 200 years - Knowledge of opposite positions on the relation between economic development and environmental problems. - A basic understanding of the IPAT-equation and the Environmental Kuznets Curve.  Firm understanding of  the concepts synergies and tradeoffs.  -Knowledge about selected cases illustrating sustainable development dilemmas 

Skills: - Ability to identify and evaluate compexities and synergies vs. trade-offs between different SDGs. - Abilty to contribute in a constructive way in team work. - Ability to search for and evaluate digital information from different sources.

Competencies: - Gain insight in the challenges related to sustainable Development. - Collect, analyse and evaluate information, and thereafter process and present findings. - Ability to reflect and base decisions on ethical principles.

Learning activities:
Lectures, group discussions, term papers, multiple choice exams, and group presentations in a plenary session.
Teaching support:
Group discussions with contributions from instructors and feedback on term papers.
Syllabus:
Information will provided in the beginning of the course.
Recommended prerequisites:
Mandatory activity:

Four individual tasks/tests and seven group assignments must be delivered and approved to be allowed to take the final exam.

Students that will come later than the first class on the second day of lectures will not be able to take part in this class. 

Assessment:
Portfolio: 3-4 multiple choice exams during the three weeks. One group-presentation in a plenary session (pechakucha format) the last day of the course. The topic of the presentation will be given on the second last lecture (topic 8). Grading: Pass/Fail. No re-examination. 
Nominal workload:
125 hours
Type of course:
9 days with structured teaching (lectures, seminars and group activities)
Examiner:
An external examiner will review the syllabus and assignments 
Examination details: Portfolio: Passed / Not Passed