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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Strategic Sustainable Development
Revision: 2
Reg.no: BTH-4.1.14-0744-2021
Course syllabus
Theory of Change for Sustainability Transformations
Theory of Change for Sustainability Transformations
7.5 credits (7,5 högskolepoäng)
Course code: SL2558
Main field of study: Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability
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: 2021-09-01
Approved: 2021-09-01
1. Descision
This course is established by Dean 2021-04-30. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Strategic Sustainable Development 2021-09-01 and applies from 2021-09-01.
2. Entry requirements
Admission to course requires at least 120 completed credits including at least 3 credits covering basics in sustainability. English 6.
3. Objective and content
3.1 Objective
This course aims to provide participants with a foundation in systems thinking, which will be used as a basis to explore different theories about how sustainability transformations can happen. The course will focus on bringing theory to the practical realities of how individuals can make change in business, organisations, and other social(-ecological) systems. The course also aims to equip course participants with the skills to apply ‘theory of change’-methodology to a real-life sustainability challenge; an understanding of a range of tools, methods, and concepts used to support change-making for sustainability transformations; and a methodology to assess which of these are best suited to different contexts.
3.2 Content
The content of the course includes:
- An introduction to systems thinking, complexity, and the role of crises and disturbance in societal change
- Theory of change as a methodology
- Several change theories applied to complex social-ecological systems, and the role of disturbance in creating change
- An introduction to a range of tools, methods, and concepts that can support change-making processes
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:
- Identify the defining features of complex social-ecological systems and explain how these features affect how change happens in society
- Describe different ways change is theorised in the field of sustainability
4.2. Competence and skills
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Theorise how sustainability change happens, using a theory of change approach and scholarship on sustainability transformations
- Engage in constructive and reflective dialogue about sustainability transformations with peers in an online format
- Effectively use digital media to collaborate with peers online and communicate complex ideas about sustainability transformations
4.3. Judgement and approach
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Identify appropriate tools, methods, and concepts for navigating times of disruption and disorganisation in a given context and rationalise why they are appropriate
5. Learning activities
The teaching includes recorded lectures, webinars, and discussion forums both asynchronously and in real time. The lectures introduce theories, concepts, methods and tools, while webinars are used to address students’ questions and engage in more dynamic discussions. Teachers with different scientific backgrounds, professional experience, and perspectives participates in the course. The students’ different educational backgrounds, professional experiences and cultural backgrounds are also used to enhance the learning process. Group work makes up a significant part of the learning and assessment activities.
6. Assessment and grading
Modes of examinations of the course
| Code | Module | Credit | Grade |
| 2205 | Written assignment 1 | 0.5 credits | GU |
| 2215 | Written assignment 2 | 2 credits | GU |
| 2225 | Project assignment 1 | 2 credits | GU |
| 2235 | Project assignment 2 | 3 credits | GU |
The course will be graded G Pass, UX Failed result, a little more work required, U Fail.
A pass on all items is required to obtain a final grade. To be graded, the project assignment and the individual assignments must be submitted on time. Late submissions, as well as poor participation in project group activities, is considered as a fail for that submission opportunity, unless otherwise agreed with the course examiner. Two opportunities to perform failed assignments are offered within the next learning period. All submission deadlines are outlined in the Course PM, which is handed out at the beginning of the course. Further opportunities to perform failed assignments are provided at the next offerings of the course.
The information before a course occasion 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
Compendium with articles and other material.
10. Additional information
This course replaces SL2555
This is not a legal document. If you would like a copy of the legal decision regarding this course plan, contact the registrar at Blekinge Institute of Technology.