Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science: Sustainability and Inner Transformation

As a result, the notion of inner transformation (or inner transition) has emerged as a new area of exploration. The course explores this new area and creates space and opportunities for learning and knowledge development. Inner transformation, as used here, describes changes in the sphere of human interiority related to people’s (expanded) consciousness, mindsets, values, and beliefs.

The overall aim of the course is to critically assess the potential role of inner transformation for sustainability, and how this is reflected in sustainability science. This also involves a critical reflection on inner transformation as a social phenomenon.

Three course objectives

1. You develop a critical understanding of the potential interlinkages between inner transformation and sustainability (in theory and practice). We consider subjective well-being, sustainable behaviour and consumption, the human-nature connection, equity issues, and social activism.
2. You assess theories and practices of inner transformation in relation to a sustainability field, such as climate change adaptation or risk reduction.
3. You engage and critically reflect on the nature of inner transformation and its salience to sustainability science and learning.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

Prerequisites

At least 40 ECTS credits from the programme SAESS Masterprogram i Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science (also called LUMES).