SL1412 Behavior change for sustainability – with introduction to strategic sustainable development
Single subject course, 6 Higher education credits, First cycle, spring semester 2021
It is no longer possible to apply to this option
This course is one of a group of three courses on behaviour change for sustainability. This version is a shorter version, suitable for students who need or want to take 6-credit, instead of a 7.5-credit, course and who have not previously studied strategic sustainable development (SSD).
The purpose of educating students in behaviour change for sustainability is to provide organisations and communities with knowledge and skills that are useful for promoting sustainable development. Transitioning towards sustainability is a complex challenge and considerations on human behaviour are important for succeeding with the transition. The knowledge and skills are applicable in many contexts, for example, in commercial or public sector sustainability work, in grass-roots action or in other work seeking to contribute to sustainable development.
Facts
- Type of instruction: Distance, mixed-time, part-time 33%
- Period : 2021-March-29 until 2021-June-06
- Education level: G1N
- Application: It is no longer possible to apply to this option
- Language of instruction: The language of instruction is English.
- Location: Some or all of education and examination is held at distance.
- No. of occasions: Mandatory: none, Voluntary: none
- Main field of study: Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability
- Course syllabus: Download
- Welcome letter: Link to welcome letter from responsible teacher will be posted here no later than 3 weeks before the course begins.
- Entry requirements: General entry requirements
Content
• The socio-ecological system on which humanity depends and the challenges associated with degrading it
• Sustainability and sustainable development, including principles, goals and targets
• Why behaviour change is important for sustainable development
• The human behavioural system and theories of behaviour change
• The self-determination theory of motivation
• Psychological barriers and nudging
• Economic incentives and punishment
• Criticisms and ethics of using behaviour change approaches
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
• Explain the sustainability challenge and sustainability
• Use established models and theories to describe the behavioural system
• Explain various behaviour change approaches for sustainability
Competence and skills
•Apply selected sustainability communication strategies in an audio-visual presentation
Judgement and approach
• Critically discuss the philosophical, ethical and ideological underpinnings of the current discourse on behaviour change
Course literature and other teaching material
TITLE: Engaged: Designing for Behavior Change
AUTHORS: Amy Bucher and Jeff Kreisler
PUBLISHER: Rosenfeld Media, 2020
PRINT ISBN: 9781933820422
EBOOK ISBN: 9781933820415
*This book is available in print or as an e-book via the university?s library.
Other material will be made available on the learning management system.
Course literature and other teaching material
TITLE: Engaged: Designing for Behavior Change
AUTHORS: Amy Bucher and Jeff Kreisler
PUBLISHER: Rosenfeld Media, 2020
PRINT ISBN: 9781933820422
EBOOK ISBN: 9781933820415
*This book is available in print or as an e-book via the university?s library.
Other material will be made available on the learning management system.
Learning methods
The course is given online. Learning activities will be designed to encourage active engagement in order to foster deeper learning. Activities will include reading, watching lectures, participating in discussions and seminars. In order to facilitate higher levels of learning, students will work with staff to create a safe space with a trusting atmosphere where students can participate in deep, open dialogue, give feedback to each other and share their own reflections.
Work placement
No work placement is included in the planned learning activities. BTH is aiming for a close contact with the surrounding community when developing courses and programmes.
Teachers
Examiner
Course Manager
Time allocation
On average, a student should study 160 hours to reach the learning outcomes.
This time includes all the various available learning activities (lectures, self studies, examinations, etc.).
This estimation is based on the fact that one academic year counts as 60 ECTS credits,
corresponding to an average student workload of 1 600 hours. This may vary individually.
Assessments
Grading
The course will be graded G Pass, UX Insufficient, supplementation required, U Fail.
Exams
More information about exams are found in the Student's Portal, where you also enrolls for most exams.
There might be other scheduled examinations. Information regarding these examinations are available in the learning platform Canvas or at other places that the person who is responsible of the course will refer to.
Course Evaluation
The course manager is responsible for the views of students on the course being systematically and regularly gathered and that the results of the evaluations in various forms affect the form and development of the course.
Related courses
Advanced Leadership for Sustainability 15 credits
Behaviour change for sustainability 6 credits
Enabling green and sustainable transitions 7,5 credits
Environmental Management 7,5 credits
Foundations for Strategic Sustainable Development 7,5 credits
Introduction to Leading in Complexity 7,5 credits
Introduction to Sustainable Product Development 3 credits
Leadership in high-technology and knowledge-intensive organizations 7,5 credits
Process and project management 7,5 credits
Product management 7,5 credits
Social Sustainability in Product- and Service Development 7,5 credits
Strategy and business models in technology-intensive businesses 7,5 credits