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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Spatial Planning

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Course syllabus

Multidisciplinary approaches in sustainability studies

Multidisciplinary approaches in sustainability studies

7.5 credits (7,5 högskolepoäng)

Course code: FM2618
Main field of study: Spatial Planning
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: Second-cycle
Specialization: A1N - Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2025-03-13
Approved: 2025-03-13

1. Descision

This course is established by Dean 2022-02-16. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Spatial Planning 2025-03-13 and applies from 2025-03-13.

2. Entry requirements

Admission to the course requires a planning-relevant Bachelor degree. English 6.

3. Objective and content

3.1 Objective

The aim of the course is to provide the student with theoretical and methodological knowledge on sustainability from a systems analytic perspective and from multidisciplinary perspectives.

3.2 Content

Foundations of multidisciplinary approaches to sustainability
• Explores key sustainability concepts (planetary boundaries, SDGs, social innovation) as a basis for action.
• Introduces Living Lab philosophy and methodology, emphasizing participatory approaches, inclusive governance, and collaborative processes.

Co-design, Co-production, and Co-development
• Focuses on collaborative innovation through shared creation of solutions.
• Covers tools and techniques for stakeholder engagement (e.g., workshops, charrettes, focus groups).
• Addresses the balance between expert knowledge and local insights, managing power dynamics, and ensuring equitable participation.

Participatory Governance and Epistemic Communities
• Examines how epistemic communities bridge science, policy, and practice.
• Highlights the design of transparent and accountable decision-making processes.
• Explores corporatist institutions as a means to build consensus for sustainable urban development.

Implementing, Monitoring, and Scaling Sustainable Solutions
• Emphasizes continuous learning and evaluation within Living Lab projects.
• Provides strategies for scaling up successful initiatives across diverse local contexts.
• Showcases case studies from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond to illustrate adaptability and impact.

Interdisciplinary Work
• Students develop an interdisciplinary approach to tackle a concrete sustainability challenge.
• Encourages co-creation, prototyping, and iterative refinement of proposed solutions, applying all course concepts in a practical setting.

4. Learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:

4.1. Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an interdisciplinary understanding of sustainability challenges and how Living Labs can address them.
  • Explain the concepts of co-design, co-production, and co-development, and how they contribute to innovative and context-specific solutions.

4.2. Competence and skills

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Identify the role of epistemic communities and corporatist institutions in shaping policies and strategies for sustainable development.
  • Analyze how participatory methods and inclusive governance can enhance social, environmental, and economic outcomes.

4.3. Judgement and approach

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate sustainability projects, assessing stakeholder engagement, power relations, and governance structures.
  • Reflect on ethical considerations, equity, and social inclusion when designing and implementing sustainable solutions.
  • Develop collaborative strategies that integrate diverse knowledge systems, ensuring co-ownership and consensus among participants.
  • Formulate evidence-based recommendations for upscaling Living Lab initiatives, considering local contexts and global sustainability imperatives.

5. Learning activities

This course is conducted primarily online, supported by synchronous and asynchronous components. Students should be prepared to dedicate approximately 20 hours per week, including the following activities:

• Interactive Seminars and Lectures: Live online sessions with faculty and guest speakers to introduce key concepts and facilitate discussions.

• Group Workshops and Tutorials: Virtual breakout sessions where students practice co-creation methods, receive feedback, and learn facilitation techniques.

• Case Study Analysis and Peer Discussions: Examination of real-world examples where Living Labs have been implemented successfully (e.g., in African, Asian, and Latin American cities).

• Project Work: Students will apply interdisciplinary approaches to collaborative co-design, implemention, and evaluation targeting local and global sustainability challenges.

Reflective Journals/Forums: Ongoing reflections on learning experiences, ethical considerations, and personal growth in sustainability practice.

6. Assessment and grading

Modes of examinations of the course

Code Module Credit Grade
2510 Essay 6 credits AF
2520 Seminar 1.5 credits GU

The course will be graded A Excellent, B Very good, C Good, D Satisfactory, E Sufficient, FX Failed result, a little more work required, F Fail.

The examiner may carry out oral follow-up of written examinations.

The information before the start of the course states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.

An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.

7. Course evaluation

The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.

8. Restrictions regarding degree

The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.

9. Course literature and other materials of instruction

Bovaird, T., & Loeffler, E. (2012). From Engagement to Co-production: The Contribution of Users and Communities to Outcomes and Public Value. Voluntas, 23(4), 1119-1138.

Cornwall, A. (2008). Unpacking ‘Participation’: models, meanings and practices. Community Development Journal, 43(3), 269-283.

Ehn, P., Nilsson, E.M., & Topgaard, R. (2014). Making Futures: Marginal Notes on Innovation, Design, and Democracy. MIT Press.

Lang, D. J., Wiek, A., Bergmann, M., Stauffacher, M., Martens, P., Moll, P., & Thomas, C. J. (2012). Transdisciplinary research in sustainability science: practice, principles, and challenges. Sustainability Science, 7(S1)

Voorberg, W.H., Bekkers, V.J.J.M., & Tummers, L.G. (2015). A Systematic Review of Co-Creation and Co-Production: Embarking on the social innovation journey. Public Management Review, 17(9), 1333-1357.