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Katja Biedenkopf,
André Decoster,
Hilde Heynen,
Bart Kerremans,
Miet Maertens,
Axel Marx,
Bart Muys,
Constanza Parra,
Kolja Raube,
Luc Sels,
Ilse Smets,
Karel Van Acker,
Chris Van Geet,
Kurt Willems,
and
Jan Wouters
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, which were adopted in 2015, will determine the course of the global social, ecological and economic agenda until 2030.
Information about the different SDGs is abundantly available but a comprehensive framework that brings them all together coherently is often lacking. This course provides a general and accessible academic introduction to SDGs in all its facets.
A highly interdisciplinary team of experts will offer their insight into the intricacies of the matter, while practitioners in the domain of the SDGs are closely engaged in the discussion.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/1hdmpn/the
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Understand the emergence and development of the sdgs
- Understand how the different sdgs are interrelated
- Understand the structure of the sdgs in the united nations context
- Acquire an understanding of how the sdgs relate to addressing global challenges such as inequality, climate change, poverty, unsustainable consumption and production, and peace and security
- Acquire scientifically informed and evidence-based information about the background and reality of each sdg
- Understand the complexities of the 169 individual targets that are part of the 17 sdgs
- Reflect on the challenges with which the sdgs are confronted
- Recognize the mutual interdependence between social, ecological and economic objectives of the sdg agenda
- Acquire an understanding of the institutional infrastructure in place that aims to realize sdg goals
- Understand how the sdgs are implemented
- Learn from practitioners what the difficulties are in achieving the sdgs
- Understand the emergence and development of the sdgs
- Understand how the different sdgs are interrelated
- Understand the structure of the sdgs in the united nations context
- Acquire an understanding of how the sdgs relate to addressing global challenges such as inequality, climate change, poverty, unsustainable consumption and production, and peace and security
- Acquire scientifically informed and evidence-based information about the background and reality of each sdg
- Understand the complexities of the 169 individual targets that are part of the 17 sdgs
- Reflect on the challenges with which the sdgs are confronted
- Recognize the mutual interdependence between social, ecological and economic objectives of the sdg agenda
- Acquire an understanding of the institutional infrastructure in place that aims to realize sdg goals
- Understand how the sdgs are implemented
- Learn from practitioners what the difficulties are in achieving the sdgs
Syllabus
Module 1: The origin, development and idea of the SDGsHistory and origins of the Sustainable Development Goals. What are the SDGs? What are their aims, methodology and perspectives? How are they related to the Millennium Development Goals?
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1: The origin, development and idea of the SDGsHistory and origins of the Sustainable Development Goals. What are the SDGs? What are their aims, methodology and perspectives? How are they related to the Millennium Development Goals?
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the development and historical background of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing a comprehensive understanding of their origins and evolution
Examines the interrelatedness of the 17 SDGs and their targets, highlighting the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues
Provides a high-level overview of the SDGs within the context of the United Nations, explaining their role and significance in global governance
Analyzes the relevance of the SDGs in addressing pressing global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and inequality, demonstrating their real-world applications
Offers scientifically informed and evidence-based information on each SDG, ensuring that learners have access to credible and up-to-date knowledge
Facilitates critical thinking by exploring the complexities and challenges associated with achieving the SDGs, encouraging learners to engage with the nuances of global development
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Reviews summary
Comprehensive sdg academic introduction
According to learners, this course offers an incredibly comprehensive and well-structured academic introduction to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students particularly value its interdisciplinary approach, featuring insights from different expert lecturers that bring the complex topic to life. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the interconnectedness of the SDGs and their relation to global challenges. While some find the content dense due to the sheer amount of information, it is widely considered highly informative and relevant. A few recent comments suggest minor updates to specific statistics could enhance its timeliness, but its core principles remain timeless and insightful.
Extensive information, potentially overwhelming for some learners.
"The sheer amount of information can be overwhelming at times, but it's all well-researched."
"The content is dense, but the structure helps."
"Good overview of the SDGs... Some parts felt a little repetitive, but overall a valuable introduction."
Lecturers are highly experienced, engaging, and passionate.
"The lecturers are knowledgeable and passionate."
"The professors are engaging, and the course materials are top-notch."
"The different expert perspectives were insightful, though sometimes the shifts in presentation style were a bit jarring."
Delivers robust conceptual understanding of the SDGs.
"The content was highly relevant and provided a solid foundation. Highly recommended for anyone interested in global development."
"Excellent foundational course! It helped me understand the interconnectedness of the SDGs, which was my primary goal."
"I'd recommend it for anyone needing a strong conceptual grasp of the SDGs and their interrelations."
Offers a broad and cohesive overview from diverse experts.
"An incredibly comprehensive and well-structured course! The interdisciplinary approach with different lecturers really brought the SDGs to life."
"A truly insightful course! The interdisciplinary nature means you get perspectives from various fields, which is crucial for understanding the SDGs."
"It provides a comprehensive overview without getting lost in too much detail for each of the 169 targets, which is a good balance."
Some specific statistics could benefit from recent updates.
"I noticed a few instances where the information felt slightly outdated on specific statistics, though the overall framework is still solid."
"The course could benefit from minor updates."
"The update for recent events would be a plus, but the core principles are timeless."
Primarily theoretical with less focus on practical implementation.
"An academic introduction is right – it's very theoretical. I was hoping for more practical examples or case studies."
"While informative, it didn't quite meet my expectations for practical application."
"The course covers a lot, but I felt some areas lacked depth on practical application; it's a broad brush stroke."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The UN Sustainable Development Goals: an Interdisciplinary Academic Introduction with these
activities:
Organize and review course materials, such as lecture notes, slide presentations, and assignments, on a regular basis.
Show steps
Regularly reviewing your learning materials will help you stay on top of the course content and improve your retention.
Show steps
-
After each lecture or lesson, summarize the key points in your own words.
-
Review your notes and slides before each class to refresh your memory.
-
Create flashcards or other study aids to test your understanding.
Review the Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development
Show steps
This book can provide background information on the origins and development of the SDGs, solidifying your foundation for the course.
Show steps
-
Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 of the book.
-
Summarize the key arguments and recommendations of the report.
-
Identify the connections between the SDGs and the report.
Complete practice quizzes to test your understanding of key SDG concepts and terminology.
Show steps
Practicing with quizzes will reinforce your understanding of the fundamental concepts and terms used in the study of SDGs.
Browse courses on
Sustainability Indicators
Show steps
-
Gather practice quizzes from various sources, such as online platforms or textbooks.
-
Take the quizzes regularly to assess your knowledge.
-
Review the correct answers and explanations to reinforce your understanding.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow online tutorials or webinars on specific SDG-related topics, such as气候变化adaptation or energy efficiency.
Show steps
Guided tutorials and webinars will provide you with interactive learning experiences, allowing you to delve deeper into specific SDG-related areas.
Browse courses on
Climate Action
Show steps
-
Identify specific SDG-related topics that you want to explore further.
-
Search for online tutorials or webinars on these topics.
-
Follow the tutorials or webinars, taking notes and engaging with the material.
Develop a plan for a community-based project that addresses one of the SDGs.
Show steps
By actively engaging with the SDGs and developing a plan for a real-life project, you'll gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of their implementation.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific SDG and a local community you want to focus on.
-
Research the community's needs and challenges related to the chosen SDG.
-
Brainstorm ideas for a project that could address the identified needs.
-
Develop a project plan that includes goals, objectives, activities, and a timeline.
-
Identify potential partners and resources to support your project.
Design an infographic or presentation on the interconnections between the SDGs.
Show steps
Creating visual content will help you grasp the complex interrelationships between the SDGs and their impact on various aspects of sustainable development.
Show steps
-
Gather information on the different SDGs and their targets.
-
Identify the key connections and interdependencies between the goals.
-
Choose an appropriate format for your infographic or presentation.
-
Design and develop your visual content.
-
Share your infographic or presentation with others to raise awareness.
Write a position paper outlining your perspective on a controversial SDG-related issue.
Show steps
Researching and writing a position paper will enable you to critically analyze the complexities of SDG-related issues and develop informed opinions.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific SDG-related issue that you would like to address.
-
Research the issue thoroughly, considering different viewpoints and perspectives.
-
Develop a clear and concise argument outlining your position on the issue.
-
Write a well-structured position paper that supports your argument with evidence and reasoning.
-
Present your position paper to others for feedback and discussion.
Organize and review course materials, such as lecture notes, slide presentations, and assignments, on a regular basis.
Show steps
Regularly reviewing your learning materials will help you stay on top of the course content and improve your retention.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- After each lecture or lesson, summarize the key points in your own words.
- Review your notes and slides before each class to refresh your memory.
- Create flashcards or other study aids to test your understanding.
Review the Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development
Show steps
This book can provide background information on the origins and development of the SDGs, solidifying your foundation for the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 of the book.
- Summarize the key arguments and recommendations of the report.
- Identify the connections between the SDGs and the report.
Complete practice quizzes to test your understanding of key SDG concepts and terminology.
Show steps
Practicing with quizzes will reinforce your understanding of the fundamental concepts and terms used in the study of SDGs.
Browse courses on
Sustainability Indicators
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather practice quizzes from various sources, such as online platforms or textbooks.
- Take the quizzes regularly to assess your knowledge.
- Review the correct answers and explanations to reinforce your understanding.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow online tutorials or webinars on specific SDG-related topics, such as气候变化adaptation or energy efficiency.
Show steps
Guided tutorials and webinars will provide you with interactive learning experiences, allowing you to delve deeper into specific SDG-related areas.
Browse courses on
Climate Action
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify specific SDG-related topics that you want to explore further.
- Search for online tutorials or webinars on these topics.
- Follow the tutorials or webinars, taking notes and engaging with the material.
Develop a plan for a community-based project that addresses one of the SDGs.
Show steps
By actively engaging with the SDGs and developing a plan for a real-life project, you'll gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of their implementation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific SDG and a local community you want to focus on.
- Research the community's needs and challenges related to the chosen SDG.
- Brainstorm ideas for a project that could address the identified needs.
- Develop a project plan that includes goals, objectives, activities, and a timeline.
- Identify potential partners and resources to support your project.
Design an infographic or presentation on the interconnections between the SDGs.
Show steps
Creating visual content will help you grasp the complex interrelationships between the SDGs and their impact on various aspects of sustainable development.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information on the different SDGs and their targets.
- Identify the key connections and interdependencies between the goals.
- Choose an appropriate format for your infographic or presentation.
- Design and develop your visual content.
- Share your infographic or presentation with others to raise awareness.
Write a position paper outlining your perspective on a controversial SDG-related issue.
Show steps
Researching and writing a position paper will enable you to critically analyze the complexities of SDG-related issues and develop informed opinions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific SDG-related issue that you would like to address.
- Research the issue thoroughly, considering different viewpoints and perspectives.
- Develop a clear and concise argument outlining your position on the issue.
- Write a well-structured position paper that supports your argument with evidence and reasoning.
- Present your position paper to others for feedback and discussion.
Career center
Learners who complete The UN Sustainable Development Goals: an Interdisciplinary Academic Introduction will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components and processes. They develop an understanding of environmental problems, including pollution, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. This course can help prepare for this role by building a foundation in understanding the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as climate change, clean water, and life on land, which are all relevant to the work of an Environmental Scientist.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations develop and implement strategies to reduce their environmental impact and promote social responsibility. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as climate change, clean energy, and sustainable cities, which are all relevant to the work of a Sustainability Consultant.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues to help inform decision-making. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, which are all relevant to the work of a Policy Analyst.
International Development Specialist
International Development Specialist
International Development Specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as poverty, hunger, and education, which are all relevant to the work of an International Development Specialist.
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneurs use business principles to solve social problems. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, which are all relevant to the work of a Social Entrepreneur.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as climate change, clean water, and sustainable cities, which are all relevant to the work of an Environmental Engineer.
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analysts study the causes and effects of climate change. They develop and evaluate policies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as climate change, clean energy, and sustainable cities, which are all relevant to the work of a Climate Change Analyst.
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineers design and implement renewable energy systems. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as clean energy, sustainable cities, and climate change, which are all relevant to the work of a Renewable Energy Engineer.
Sustainable Supply Chain Manager
Sustainable Supply Chain Manager
Sustainable Supply Chain Managers ensure that supply chains are environmentally and socially responsible. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as sustainable consumption and production, responsible production, and climate change, which are all relevant to the work of a Sustainable Supply Chain Manager.
Conservation Biologist
Conservation Biologist
Conservation Biologists work to protect and restore biodiversity. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as life on land, life below water, and climate change, which are all relevant to the work of a Conservation Biologist.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as poverty, inequality, and peace and security, which are all relevant to the work of a Nonprofit Manager.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as climate change, clean water, and sustainable cities, which are all relevant to the work of an Environmental Lawyer.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
Urban Planners design and implement plans for the development of cities and towns. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as sustainable cities, responsible consumption and production, and climate change, which are all relevant to the work of an Urban Planner.
Public Health Specialist
Public Health Specialist
Public Health Specialists work to improve the health of communities. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as poverty, hunger, and health and well-being, which are all relevant to the work of a Public Health Specialist.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people overcome social and economic challenges. This course can help prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals, which are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to promote sustainable development. The course covers topics such as poverty, inequality, and peace and security, which are all relevant to the work of a Social Worker.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1hdmpn/the
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The UN Sustainable Development Goals: an Interdisciplinary Academic Introduction.
This report provides an annual update on the progress towards achieving the SDGs. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the latest data and trends on sustainable development.
This document is the official outcome document of the 2015 UN Summit on Sustainable Development. It provides a comprehensive overview of the SDGs and their targets.
Provides an economic perspective on sustainable development. It useful reference for anyone interested in the economic implications of the SDGs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the SDGs. It useful reference tool for anyone interested in the SDGs.
Provides a global perspective on the SDGs. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities of achieving the SDGs in different parts of the world.
Provides a guide to the SDGs for students. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the SDGs.
Provides a sense of urgency about the need to achieve the SDGs. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the importance of the SDGs and the need to take action.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1hdmpn/the
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Rating
4.6
Effort
3 to 5 hours per week for 7 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
KU Leuven
Instructors
Katja Biedenkopf
André Decoster
Hilde Heynen
Bart Kerremans
Miet Maertens
Axel Marx
Bart Muys
Constanza Parra
Kolja Raube
Luc Sels
Ilse Smets
Karel Van Acker
Chris Van Geet
Kurt Willems
Jan Wouters
Language
English
Transcript
English
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