Learning objectives
At the end of the course the student will be able to:
D1. Knowledge and understanding
To know the concept of sustainable development, its historical path and the scientific assumptions that shape it, in its environmental, economic and social dimensions.
Knowing and understanding the individual professional and ethical responsibilities, especially from the perspective of sustainability.
D2. Application capabilities
Use the specific language of the sustainable development framework.
Apply the knowledge gained to process questions, to actively participate in organized debates and to organize simple documents.
Recognize and understand relationships.
Analyze (even if at a basic level) complex systems;
Apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability issues by integrating
the skills mentioned above
Reflect on one's role (as individuals and professionals) within the local community and society (global);
D3. Autonomy of judgment
Evaluate and interpret experimental data from a sustainability perspective.
Use critically data from scientific literature.
Evaluate your professional (and ethical) responsibilities in relation to sustainability.
Reflect on your values and actions, taking a position on sustainability.
D4. Communication Skills
Present and discuss data and/or topics and issues related to sustainability, in a clear, concise and possibly effective way, including using computer tools.
Facilitating a collaborative and participatory approach to sustainability issues among different stakeholders.
D5. Ability to learn
Study independently, by deepening what was discussed in class, also thanks to the documentation provided.
Update themselves by consulting bibliographic materials and databases related to the sustainability debate and attending seminars or training days.
Linking in a transversal way the different topics approached during this and other courses , both scientifically and methodologically, in the perspective of sustainable development.
Prerequisites
The Course, in consideration of its transversal and interdisciplinary approaches, does not require specific prerequisites.
Course unit content
The Course aims to provide the essential elements for understanding the main scientific-methodological aspects that characterize the concept of sustainable development in its environmental, economic and social dimensions. At the same time, in order to give concreteness to such a broad and complex concept, the Course aims to offer students the opportunity to reflect on virtuous experiences and best practices both institutionally and in the company. Not least, the Course wants to provide students with the opportunity to reflect on how the challenges facing humanity today (e.g. climate change, food, health) if interpreted from the perspective of sustainability, can be seen as an opportunity for a rethinking of their role as citizen and therefore as a professional of the future.
Full programme
- Introduction to the Course (goals, contents and methodologies)
- The historical path of sustainable development. Sustainable development: an educational challenge
- Physical and chemical limits to the sustainability of ecosystem processes
- Ecosystem growth and development: a model to copy for the sustainability of human systems
- The economic foundations of sustainable development
- The social foundations of sustainability
- Sustainability and Constitution: the right to proof of the future
- The legal/institutional foundations of sustainability
- Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals
-Sustainability indicators
- Sustainable Development and Institutional Strategies (Municipality of Parma and University of Parma)
- Sustainable development, agri-food system and food
- Global Health: When Health and Sustainable Development move themselves together
- Environment and animal health: priority and weaknesses
- Sustainable development and climate change
Case studies: Representatives of some companies in the Parma area explain their company policies for sustainability (Barilla Group, Chiesi Pharmaceutical, Davines)
Guided tours of some companies committed to sustainability.
Bibliography
An essential bibliography (monographs and articles) will be provided to the students of the Course.
In addition to this, slides used to support lessons and guidance on related didactic materials, if made available by each teacher, will be uploaded (in the days following the lesson) into the Elly platform.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons: a participatory method will be used, supporting engagement and discussions with students.
Active teaching techniques (brainstorming, debriefing, etc.)
Participatory teaching design lab
Using videos and media.
Assessment methods and criteria
Each student at the end of the Course, will have to organize a document that encompasses a personal reflection on specific themes/areas addressed during the course (that will be freely choose by students).
This document, which is up to 5 pages long, must be sent by e-mail within 1 week of the date of the final examination test to: mariacristina.ossiprandi@unipr.it
In the light of the cross-sectional and interdisciplinary perspective of the Course, the final exam will be organized as follows:
- Presentation of the paper elaborated (using a power point - maximum duration 10 min)
- Oral discussion, which will be developed starting from the presentation (asking questions, requests for clarification, etc.).
During the oral examination , the acquisition of basic general knowledge related to sustainable development in its different dimensions will be verified, paying special attention to the acquisition of some of the specific sustainability competencies (e.g. systemic thinking, critical thinking, self-awareness, integrated problem solving). The ability to make cross-links on topics covered during the lessons will also be assessed.
Other information
Students enrolled in the Course will be required to draw up short documents (individual and/or group) that collect critical analyses and reflections on issues or case studies presented (strengths, weaknesses, etc.).
These documents must be submitted before taking the final exam, following the instructions that will be set out on time.
