TIK2101 ¨C From science to action: Knowledge and politics for sustainability

Course content

Why is it that we know so much about climate change and other pressing sustainability challenges, but it is still so hard to do something about them? How does scientific knowledge matter when decisions are made in politics or industry, and how can different forms of knowledge be translated into political action for a more sustainable world? How has knowledge from the natural sciences, economics and other disciplines shaped our understanding of issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss, and how can we broaden the knowledge base and foster interdisciplinary collaboration?

This course examines the role of science and knowledge more broadly in efforts to achieve a more sustainable future. It introduces different perspectives on how scientific knowledge impacts society and the role that various types of knowledge plays in shaping the politics of sustainability. The course also provides students the opportunity to critically reflect on how their own disciplinary training may contribute to sustainability, and to gain practical experience with collaboration across disciplinary boundaries.

Learning outcome

Learning outcomes

• An overview of key theoretical approaches to understanding the role of scientific knowledge in society
• A general understanding of how different forms of knowledge have shaped societal responses to key sustainability challenges

Skills

• Practical experience with interdisciplinary collaboration and with presenting your disciplinary competence to others

Competences

• Understanding of how various forms of expertise are used in decision-making in public and private institutions
• Ability to reflect on the role of your own disciplinary training in achieving sustainability

Recommended previous knowledge

It is recommended that you have completed at least 60 ECTS of previous studies prior to enrolling in this course.

Teaching

Teaching will consist of lectures, field visits and seminars.

There will be at least one mandatory work requirement in the form of a presentation or written note in connection to the seminars.

Examination

The examination will consist of a 72 hour home exam.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale.

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.