Venturing for sustainable development 2600-VSD(KS)-OG

The aim of the course is to present issues related to economic and social initiatives that address current economic, social, and environmental problems, with a particular emphasis on Sustainable Development. During the classes, it will be demonstrated how organizations can actively respond to contemporary civilizational challenges, contributing, among other things, to the elimination of inequalities, climate protection, or the building of sustainable cities.
The following topics will be discussed and practiced in a hands-on format (exercises, analysis of real-world market case studies):
Alternative economic development models: Challenges to traditional growth: planetary boundaries vs. the economy, Concepts supporting renewal (e.g., doughnut economics, circular economy) and their role in the pursuit of responsible consumption and production; Social entrepreneurship and sustainable entrepreneurship: Market mechanisms that can serve to achieve social and environmental missions rather than maximize profit exclusively (supporting decent work and inclusive economic growth), Business models of hybrid organizations and mission-driven entities; Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): The practical dimension of CSR – from theory to implementation into company strategy for sustainable cities and communities, Communication of environmental actions vs. the risk of greenwashing; Social innovations for sustainable development: Grassroots civic initiatives, urban movements, and new cooperativism as tools for reducing inequalities, Methods for diagnosing local problems and designing effective solutions for them; Digital technologies and sustainable development: Solutions where digital technologies exist for sustainable development (Tech for Good) and support, among others, climate action, Counteracting digital exclusion in innovative social models.
All discussed topics will be illustrated with practical examples tailored to the needs and specifics of the audience. The course aims to show that competencies from almost every discipline – from psychology and philology to exact sciences – are essential for effective involvement in the implementation of sustainable development.
To launch the course, a minimum of 10 students must be enrolled.
Achieving the objectives requires approximately 30 hours of student workload.

Course coordinators

Marzena Starnawska

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Remote learning

Prerequisites (description)

A general university subject for students covered by the Integrated Teaching Development Program – ZIP 2.0

Learning outcomes

Knowledge (The student knows and understands):
Basic terminology and concepts related to sustainable development.
Various forms and models of economic and social enterprises undertaken to address social and environmental problems.
Skills (The student is able to):
Identify and recognize contemporary social and environmental changes accompanying economic growth.
Recognize and analyze how social and environmental problems are transformed into entrepreneurial opportunities.
Analyze and critically evaluate available sources of knowledge and data regarding social and environmental enterprises.
Social Competencies (The student is ready to):
Think critically about current social and environmental problems.
Take initiative and engage in actions aimed at solving social and environmental problems in their local environment.

Assessment criteria

Pre-test before classes, post-test after classes for the purposes of the ZIP 2.0 Program.
Individual project-based coursework (60%), active participation in class (30%), class attendance (10%).

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes: