Course Overview – Ecological Transition and Sustainable Development
This interdisciplinary course examines the scientific, cultural, and social dimensions of the climate crisis. Students engage critically with scholarly articles, podcasts, music, and documentary material to explore how environmental knowledge is produced, communicated, and mobilized toward action.
Throughout the semester, the course bridges climate science, ecology, economics, cultural analysis, and Indigenous environmental perspectives, encouraging students to connect scientific literacy with ethical, political, and cultural awareness.
Music by artists such as Aurora, Bob Dylan, Billie Eilish, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, and Tracy Chapman is used as a cultural lens to reflect on ecological change, environmental justice, and emotional responses to crisis.
Class Structure & Moodle Organization
First Class – Foundations of Climate Knowledge
February 2nd – On-site class
Week 1 material
We begin by examining how scientific knowledge is produced and validated, focusing on:
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The role of peer review
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Scientific institutions such as the IPCC
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Core climate system concepts: greenhouse gases, climate models, and the distinction between climate and weather
This session establishes the scientific foundations necessary for the rest of the course.
Second Class – Understanding Climate
February 16th – On-site class
Class 2 material: Understanding Climate
Building on the foundations, this class deepens students’ understanding of:
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Climate dynamics and feedback loops
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The communication of climate science
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Critical engagement with podcasts and cultural material to reflect on how climate knowledge circulates in public discourse
Third Class – Biodiversity & Extinction
February 23rd – On-site class
Class 3 material: Biodiversity & Extinction
This session focuses on:
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Biodiversity loss and mass extinctions
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Human-driven transformations of ecosystems
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Indigenous and relational approaches to living systems, with particular attention to North American Indigenous environmental perspectives
Fourth Class – The Anthropocene & Energy
March 9th – On-site class
Class 4 material: The Anthropocene & Energy
We explore:
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The concept of the Anthropocene
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Energy systems, from fossil fuels to renewables
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Planetary boundaries and the limits of growth
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Cultural and political narratives surrounding energy transitions
Fifth Class – Action, Economics, & Society
March 23rd – On-site class
Class 6 material: Action, Economics, & Society
This class addresses pathways toward action, including:
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Adaptation and mitigation strategies
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Eco-anxiety and cognitive dissonance
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Economic paradigms: green growth, degrowth, circular economy
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Carbon pricing, corporate social responsibility, social justice, and public policy
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Indigenous perspectives from Aotearoa/New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and Africa
Student presentations will be central to this session.
Final Exam
April 13th
The final exam covers all course materials, including readings, podcasts, music, documentaries, and in-class discussions.
Additional Moodle Sections
Annonces Forum
Course-wide announcements and important updates.
Grading Scheme
Assessment breakdown and evaluation criteria.