731029 Reading group economics and sustainability

Type
Seminar
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Organisation
Offered in
Sommersemester 2023
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

In the Economics and Sustainability Reading Group, we read and discuss a different book each year (examples from past years: Karl Polanyi – The Great Transformation; Ingolfur Blühdorn et al – Nachhaltige Nicht-Nachhaltigkeit). Together, we a) aim to get a sound understanding of the book contents though presentations and discussions of the main arguments; and b) critically examine the book content by considering it in the current societal and economic context. Participation in the reading group is intended to help gaining a sound understanding of fundamental works from economics and social sciences.
At the beginning of the semester, we assign each selected chapter to one or more participants, who are then in charge of summarising “their” chapter in one of the meetings and thus initiate the discussion.
Previous knowledge expected

Willingness and time to read the selected book (all chapters). We also expect that students familiarise themselves independently with subject-specific terms and complex relationships appearing in the book prior to the meetings. This is necessary to ensure active participation and allows us to discuss differing interpretations of these terms and their possible context in a qualified manner from different perspectives. Otherwise, no prior knowledge of the content is required.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After completing the course, participants can: Summarise the content of the selected readings/book and reproduce it in their own words. Explain key terms and their use in the selected readings/book. Apply the arguments of the selected readings to current problems and critically assess their relevance. Relate the content of the selected reading to other relevant issues (e.g. your own research or learning background).
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.