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

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Reviews summary

Sustainable development & post-capitalist economics

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of sustainable development, positioning it as a necessary successor to global capitalism. Learners find the content to be highly relevant, providing a strong theoretical foundation on Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Many appreciate its interdisciplinary approach, covering economics, social justice, and environmental security. While providing a thought-provoking critique of current economic systems, some indicate it can be very theoretical, with a desire for more practical applications or case studies. It is particularly valued by those seeking a robust academic understanding of the subject.

Lectures are well-structured and delivered by an expert.

"The instructor's insights and clarity in explaining complex ideas were outstanding."

"I appreciated the way the course material was presented, making challenging concepts digestible."

"The content flow through the modules kept me engaged, making learning efficient and effective."

Thoroughly explores Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals.

"The focus on Agenda 2030 and the SDGs as the future framework was exceptionally clear and well-articulated."

"It clarified why the SDGs are crucial for transforming our economy into a more inclusive system."

"I gained a much clearer understanding of the world's roadmap towards sustainable development and its objectives."

Connects economic theory with social and environmental aspects.

"The interdisciplinary nature of the modules, from gender equality to environmental security, made it incredibly holistic."

"I found the topics highly relevant to current global challenges, especially the discussions on international trade and financing for SDGs."

"This course is vital for anyone seeking to understand the multifaceted dimensions of sustainable development, not just the economic side."

Provides a deep understanding of sustainable development theories.

"This course offered a profoundly detailed and broad understanding of the economic and social underpinnings of sustainable development."

"I valued the in-depth look at global capitalism's shortcomings and how SDGs serve as a robust framework."

"The course provided an excellent theoretical backbone, connecting historical economic trends with the urgency of a new order."

Strong academic depth, but less emphasis on practical applications.

"While academically rigorous, I wished there were more practical examples or case studies for real-world policy application."

"The course felt very theoretical; for policy professionals, more actionable strategies would be beneficial."

"I found the course more suited for philosophical debate on economics rather than concrete development practice."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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