TLÜ ÕIS

Insights into Sustainability

Course code

MLS6001.LT

old course code

MLS6001

Course title in Estonian

Jätkusuutliku maailmavaate alused

Course title in English

Insights into Sustainability

ECTS credits

4.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2023/2024 Spring semester

Mihkel Kangur (language of instruction:Estonian)

lecturer of 2024/2025 Autumn semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Course aims

To support the development of a holistic, research-based worldview.
To understand the development of the conception of sustainability from historical perspective; principles, aims etc.
To explain the principles of global challenges and demand for sustainable development.
To support the formation of understanding about the relationships between global challenges and regional/local and personal challenges.

Brief description of the course

Worldview-based modes of relating to nature, main philosophical frameworks in history. Understanding planet as a whole (holistic) system. Birth and development of sustainability as a concept. Whole systems thinking. Widening of sustainability concept from mainly environmental issue into all fields of human activity.
Significant movements offering holistic solutions – permaculture, Transition Towns, eco-communities etc.
Global challenges determining the demand for sustainable development, the reasons behind climate changes, biodegradation, soil degradation, exhaustion of natural resources, accumulation of waste and related social problems and conflicts. Global challenges in Estonian context. International collaboration and national legislation.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- understands, how peoples’ relationship to nature has differed because of various worldviews and philosophies;
- understands reasons for the birth of the concept of sustainability and its further development;
- understands sustainability as an inter- and transdisciplinary approach;
- acknowledges the global environmental and social challenges and recognizes their complexity;
- is able to explain the global challenges in Estonian context;
- has general overview about the international and national collaborative and legislative acts supporting the sustainable development.

Teacher

PhD Mihkel Kangur, MA Toomas Trapido

Study programmes containing that course