How do power relations shape the sustainability agenda? This course provides tools to explore sustainable development as both a scientific field and a policy agenda, with a focus on its links to environmental science, climate issues, and society.

Critical Perspectives on Sustainable Development, 7.5 credits

Autumn 2025, Full-time, Linköping

Application period 17 Mar - 15 Apr

The course investigates the knowledge-making traditions that underpin the UN Sustainable Development Agenda and how science for sustainable development is shaped  by social structures such as class, gender, and culture. 

Examining sustainability in relation to power structures

This course offers an introduction to sustainable development as a concept, policy agenda, and field of research. You will explore how scientific perspectives on sustainable development interplay social relations such as class, gender, and culture.  a. Particular attention is given to knowledge hierarchies between developed and developing countries, and how these global power relations shape how the sustainable development agenda is interpreted and acted upon. 

By comparing different critical perspectives on sustainable development, the course provides you with analytical tools to critically assess established ways of seeing and knowing sustainability. It also develops practical skills in critical analysis, referencing, and academic writing.

For those seeking a critical perspective on sustainability issues

This course is for those who wish to challenge their understanding of sustainable development and explore its connections to knowledge politics. It may be of interest to students of environmental science, climate issues, or social sciences, as well as professionals working in sustainability or environmental policy.

Varied study formats

The course includes lectures, seminars, and workshops. Seminars focus on key theories and concepts, while workshops are designed to enhance skills in critical analysis and academic writing.

Independent study forms a significant part of the course, and an individual project allows you to delve deeper into a question of personal interest. The language of instruction is English