SGO3200 ¨C Sustainability Transitions, Innovation and Social Change

Course content

Societies must transform to reduce their dependence on carbon-based energy sources and protect the environment. Such transitions must be just to reduce social and geographical inequality on both national and global levels. Sustainability transition studies have emerged as a both relevant and influential approach to study ongoing social, technological and institutional change towards a more sustainable future. Research based knowledge inform ongoing debates on how to scale up necessary sustainable transitions. This includes key sectors responsible for most of the global CO2 emissions; energy, transportation, food and construction. Innovation is a key element in transition studies. Profit oriented and social innovations in response to problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land use change will be critically assessed. How innovations and transitions are embedded in larger processes of social and geographical change are discussed.

The first module outlines the need for deep seated sustainability transitions in a context of accelerating global climate and environmental change. Theories on sustainability transitions and innovation are presented. A distinction between traditional, social and sustainable innovations is introduced. The Multi-Level-Perspective, which analysis how niche innovations sometimes scale up and transforms larger sectors in the economy, is presented together with perspectives on power and geography.

The second module discusses the role of wind energy in sustainability transitions. The potential for wind energy to reduce the use of fossil energy is huge. The history and current status of wind technology is emphasized. The preconditions and challenges connected with a further upscaling of wind energy are highlighted.

The third module discusses the role of solar energy. According to the UN-IPCC, the replacement of fossil fuels by solar energy is the single most important measure to reduce global CO2 emissions. There are however huge differences at the country level in how far this replacement have come. Current institutional and policy potentials and barriers in the Global South and North towards a further upscaling of solar energy are discussed

The fourth module presents and discusses the role of a more circular economy as part of sustainability transitions. A circular economy implies reduction, reuse and recycling of natural resources including metals, minerals, food and wood. Policy actors such as the EU have ambitious goals for a circular economy, but institutional inertia seems to hinder a fast uptake of circular practices on the ground. Such inertia is discussed together with potentials.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

• A critical understanding of concepts and theories related to sustainability transitions, innovation, social and geographical change
• An understanding of new drivers of sustainability transitions in the context of global environmental challenges
• Recognition of the features and characteristics of both technological, social and sustainable innovation
• A critical understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable development.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to discuss diverse approaches to sustainability transitions
• Critical understandings of examples of contemporary innovation
• Capacity to carry out an in-depth case study
• Skills in presenting, critiquing and discussing research on sustainability transitions

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.

Recommended previous knowledge

SGO1001 ¨C Innf?ring i samfunnsgeografi

SGO2200 ¨C Economic globalisation and regional development and/or

SGO2302 ¨C Environment and society (continued) / SGO2301 ¨C Environment and society (discontinued) / SOSGEO2301 ¨C Environment and society (discontinued)

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with SGO2250 ¨C Sustainability Transitions, Innovation and Social Change.

Teaching

The course consists of 3-hour teaching sessions that combine lectures and group work.

1. The first hour consists of a lecture presenting parts of the literature.
2. The second hour consists of group discussion on the topic of the lecture and module.
3. In the last part of the session, students will work in small groups on specific assignments to be submitted on Canvas.

The assignments are commented and approved by the lecturer. Students need to have three assignments approved to take the exam. It is recommended that you work in groups of 3-5 students and that you take active part in all teaching sessions and assignments.

Compulsory activities

• You must complete three course assignments approved by the lecturer in order to take the exam.

It is not possible to take the final exam without meeting the compulsory course requirements.

In the event of illness or other valid reasons, you can apply for a valid absence or postponement of compulsory activity.

Apply for valid absence from or need for postponement of compulsory activity

Completed and approved compulsory course work is valid for 3 years.

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.

Examination

A 6-hour written school exam.

Previous exams

Examination support material

Usage of a dictionary during the examination is allowed, subject to prior inspection by SV-info.?See guidelines for further details.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English.You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• 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.