Sustainable Cities and Communities
Hållbara städer och samhällen

VVR070F, 7.5 credits

Valid from: Spring 2020
Decided by: Gudbjörg Erlingsdóttir
Date of establishment: 2020-06-30

General Information

Division: Water Resources Engineering
Course type: Third-cycle course
Teaching language: English

Aim

The purpose of the course is to provide an insight into the sustainability problem and what challenges and opportunities that exist with the transformation of our cities to become sustainable. The course is multidisciplinary with teachers and participants from several faculties, which is a starting point for discussions and participants 'reflections on their own and others' approaches to the concept of sustainability. The course aims to highlight sustainability in both a Swedish and international perspective.

Goals

Knowledge and Understanding

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• explain and apply the basic concepts of sustainability
• be able to show understanding of different aspects and perspectives on sustainability
• be able to relate relevant sustainability goals to the development and transition of our cities

Competences and Skills

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• formulate and structure issues relevant to sustainable urban development
• actively prepare and participate in panel discussions
• be able to relate the course content to their own PhD project

Judgement and Approach

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• be able to problematize the concept of sustainability with regard to sustainable cities from a holistic perspective
• reflect on their own and others' views on sustainability and be able to explain this in a written report

Course Contents

The doctoral students are divided into groups which plan and conduct a panel debate with invited experts in the panel. As a starting point for the debates, one of the following subject areas is chosen • life • society • industrial • digitization • climate • transition The doctoral students interview the experts in advance and plan interesting issues and topics to address during the debate. The PhD students then lead the debates. They will then write a report on their own reflections.

Course Literature

The literature used in the course will be adapted to the themes chosen for the panel debate sessions.

Instruction Details

Types of instruction: Seminars, project

Examination Details

Examination formats: Written report, seminars given by participants
Grading scale: Failed, pass
Examiner:

Admission Details

Admission requirements: Admission requirements: the applicant must be a PhD student
Assumed prior knowledge: None
Selection criteria: Limited number of seats: maximum 20 seats, the course can be cancelled if there are less than 10 registered participants at the start of the course. Members of the Agenda 2030 Research School will be given priority if more than 20 participants apply.

Course Occasion Information

Contact and Other Information

Course coordinator: Magnus Persson <magnus.persson@tvrl.lth.se>
Web page: http://www.tvrl.lth.se/utbildning/doctor-phd/phd-courses/sustainable-cities-and-communities/