Sustainable Development: The Post-Capitalist Order from edX

Our present system of global capitalism is flawed. While it has produced immense wealth and economic growth in nearly all regions of the world, it has also prioritized profits over people and harmful consumption practices over the needs of our planet. Sustainable development must bring about a new world order to replace the vices of global capitalism, ensuring development, human wellbeing, and environmental security. This course presents Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals as the necessary successor to laissez faire-style capitalism, and emphasizes the urgency of embracing sustainable development objectives to transform our economy into a more reactive, efficient, inclusive, and environmentally-conscious system.

This 8-week massive open online course (MOOC) provides an in-depth look at the shortcomings of our current and past global economies, and shows why and how sustainable development has become the universally-prioritized agenda for the future of our world. The topics covered range from market economics to education, gender equality, international trade, financing, and more.

This course is for:

Policy professionals who want to understand frameworks for SDG planning
Development practitioners seeking information on goals-based development
Advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in economics, development, and other key concepts related to the SDGs

What's inside

Learning objectives

The benefits and pitfalls of global capitalism
The history of economic growth, expansion of industries, and globalization
The challenges of growth on a finite planet

The main objectives of sustainable development and how they account for the shortcomings of the present capitalist system
The world’s progress towards sustainable development and the road map forward

The benefits and pitfalls of global capitalism
The history of economic growth, expansion of industries, and globalization
The challenges of growth on a finite planet
The main objectives of sustainable development and how they account for the shortcomings of the present capitalist system
The world’s progress towards sustainable development and the road map forward

Syllabus

Module 1: What is Sustainable Development

Chapter 1: What is Sustainable Development?

Chapter 2: Why Sustainable Development is Important: Happiness & Wellbeing

Chapter 3: Global Capitalism is a Faustian Bargain: Greed in return for prosperity

Chapter 4: We are Not Achieving Sustainable Development

Chapter 5: Using Sustainable Development as Our Global Framework

Module 2: What Do Global Markets Do?

Chapter 1: The Traditional Economy

Chapter 2: The Market Economy: Specialization, Division of Labor, Entrepreneurship

Chapter 3: Production Possibility Frontier

Chapter 4: Fair or Unfair: Intragenerational and Intergenerational

Chapter 5: The Malthusian Specter

Module 3: A Brief History of our Faustian Bargain

Chapter 1: Traditional empires

Chapter 2: The Age of Discovery

Chapter 3: The Industrial Revolution: Population and Production

Chapter 4: The American Century

Chapter 5: The Age of Convergence

Module 4: Capitalism and Injustice

Chapter 1: Power (Colonialism and Slavery, Discrimination, Indigenous Rights)

Chapter 2: Gender

Chapter 3: Class and Inter-Generational Privileges

Chapter 4: Skills and Jobs

Chapter 5: The Social Democratic Idea

Module 5: The SDGs: Leaving No One Behind

Chapter 1: Ending Poverty: Skills, Infrastructure, Inclusion, Redistribution

Chapter 2: Universal Access to Education

Chapter 3: Universal Access to Health Care

Chapter 4: Universal Access to Infrastructure

Chapter 5: Innovation Economy

Module 6: The Tragedy of The Commons

Chapter 1: Growth on a Finite Planet: Is it Inherently Impossible?

Chapter 2: The Three Big Challenges: Climate Change, Biodiversity, Pollution

Chapter 3: The Three Big Transformations: Clean Energy and Industry, Land Use, Smart Cities

Chapter 4: Overcoming Obstacles: Technology, Vested Interests, Corruption, Foresight

Chapter 5: Malthus Revisited

Module 7: From Capitalism to Sustainable Development

Chapter 1: Six Sources of Wellbeing

Chapter 2: Public Provision of Human Needs

Chapter 3: Taming Corporate Greed

Chapter 4: Limiting Monopoly Power

Chapter 5: Subsidiarity

Chapter 6: Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship

Module 8: Achieving Sustainable Development

Chapter 1: The Two SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals and Social Democratic Governance

Chapter 2: Using Goals to Motivate Social Change

Chapter 3: Regional and Global Cooperation for Sustainable Development

Chapter 4: Engaging All Stakeholders

Chapter 5: Financing Sustainable Development

Chapter 6: The Ethics of Sustainable Development

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines growing dangers to our planet and explores how to respond to those dangers

Shows students how to shift away from global capitalism and to think in terms of sustainable development

Draws on resources from UN's Agenda 2030

Explores a wide range of topics, from market economics to gender equality and international trade

Instructs students on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Provides a framework for students to understand SDG planning

Offers advanced undergraduates, graduate students, development practitioners, and policy professionals the opportunity to learn about the SDGs

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 Sustainable Development: The Post-Capitalist Order with these activities:

Review Economic History

Show steps

Refresher on key events and concepts in economic history

Browse courses on Industrial Revolution

Show steps

Review your notes or textbooks on economic history
Watch documentaries or videos on important economic events

Learn Global Capitalism

Show steps

Review key concepts and terms related to global capitalism

Show steps

Read articles and watch videos about global capitalism
Take a quiz or practice questions on global capitalism

Read 'The End of Poverty' by Jeffrey D. Sachs

Show steps

Gain insights into the causes and solutions to global poverty

View A New Foreign Policy: Beyond American... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book and take notes on key concepts
Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in the book

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Volunteer with an Organization Focused on Sustainable Development

Show steps

Gain practical experience and contribute to sustainable development initiatives

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

Show steps

Identify an organization that aligns with your interests
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Engage in volunteer activities and support the organization's mission

Attend a Workshop on Sustainable Development

Show steps

Gain hands-on experience and insights from experts

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

Show steps

Identify and register for a relevant workshop
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions
Apply the knowledge gained in the workshop to your studies

Create a Mind Map on Sustainable Development Goals

Show steps

Visualize and summarize the key concepts and goals of sustainable development

Browse courses on Sustainable Development Goals

Show steps

Brainstorm the main topics and subtopics related to sustainable development goals
Create a visual representation of the relationships between the topics

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Development: The Post-Capitalist Order will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for businesses and organizations. By taking this course, Sustainability Managers can gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to develop and implement effective sustainability strategies that align with the organization's overall goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Environmental Economist

Environmental economists are responsible for quantifying the economic impact of environmental policies and regulations. By taking this course, Environmental Economists can build a strong foundation in sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to better understand the economic implications of environmental issues and to develop policies that promote sustainable development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Economist

ESG Analyst

ESG Analysts are responsible for evaluating the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies and investments. By taking this course, ESG Analysts can gain a strong understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to better evaluate the ESG performance of companies and to make informed investment decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Analyst

Economist

Economists are responsible for studying the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. By taking this course, Economists can gain a strong understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to conduct economic analysis that is aligned with sustainable development goals and to help policymakers develop policies that promote sustainable development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Urban Planner

Urban Planners are responsible for planning and designing cities and communities. By taking this course, Urban Planners can gain a strong understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to plan and design cities and communities that are sustainable and resilient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Researcher

Researchers are responsible for conducting research on a variety of topics. By taking this course, Researchers can gain a strong understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to conduct research that contributes to the advancement of sustainable development and to the achievement of the SDGs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers are responsible for leading and managing nonprofit organizations. By taking this course, Nonprofit Managers can gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to lead and manage their organizations in a way that is aligned with sustainable development goals and to achieve their social and environmental missions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Lawyer

Lawyers are responsible for providing legal advice and representation to individuals, businesses, and organizations. By taking this course, Lawyers can gain a strong understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to provide legal advice and representation that is aligned with sustainable development goals and to help their clients achieve their sustainability goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Public Administrator

Public Administrators are responsible for managing and implementing public policies and programs. By taking this course, Public Administrators can gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to manage and implement public policies and programs that are aligned with sustainable development goals and to achieve the SDGs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Administrator

Consultant

Consultants are responsible for providing advice and support to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics. By taking this course, Consultants can gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to provide advice and support that is aligned with sustainable development goals and to help businesses and organizations achieve their sustainability goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts are responsible for developing and analyzing public policy. By taking this course, Policy Analysts can gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to develop and analyze policies that promote sustainable development and to achieve the SDGs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. By taking this course, Project Managers can gain a strong understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to manage projects that are aligned with sustainable development goals and to achieve project success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Teacher

Teachers are responsible for educating students on a variety of subjects. By taking this course, Teachers can gain a strong understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to teach students about sustainable development and to inspire them to become future leaders in sustainability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Social Worker

Social Workers are responsible for providing social services to individuals, families, and communities. By taking this course, Social Workers can gain a strong understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to provide social services that are aligned with sustainable development goals and to help individuals, families, and communities achieve their full potential.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Journalist

Journalists are responsible for reporting on news and current events. By taking this course, Journalists can gain a strong understanding of sustainable development and the SDGs. This will help them to report on sustainability issues accurately and to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist