Developing and evaluating a teaching concept for the course "Sociology of Sustainability"

Innovative Project Idea

The “Sociology of Sustainability” course embodies a forward-looking and innovative approach to sustainability education, addressing the pressing need to understand and foster transformations within diverse societal contexts. States of unsustainability arise from historically entrenched socio- economic structures and practices, and meaningful change requires improved insights into how these structures and practices evolve and can be deliberately shaped across various levels, areas, and cultural settings.
This course capitalizes on the unique potential of the international BASUS program by facilitating learning across societal contexts. The course allows students to examine diverse perceptions, strategies, challenges, and solutions related to sustainability, fostering a deeper understanding of how these dynamics vary across different cultural and societal backgrounds. Students engage collaboratively to formulate context-sensitive solutions, leveraging their varied cultural perspectives to understand and address complex sustainability issues. This international and intercultural approach transcends the scope of traditional national programs, offering an expansive and inclusive lens on global sustainability challenges.
Tailored to the interdisciplinary, international, and intercultural framework of BASUS, the course integrates sociological theory, methods, and empirical insights in a problem-based learning (PBL) format. This innovative combination equips students with the analytical tools, practical skills, and interdisciplinary competences needed to engage meaningfully in discussions about sustainability. By focusing on real-world problems, the course not only enhances theoretical understanding but also emphasizes the practical application of sociological knowledge in addressing sustainability challenges, setting a benchmark for future interdisciplinary educational initiatives.

Added value for students and teaching

Building on the introductory social sciences and humanities track provided during the first BASUS year at JU Krakow, which already touches on sociological accounts, this course extends and deepens students’ understanding of sociological approaches to sustainability. It introduces them to essential sociological theories spanning macro, meso, and micro levels of analysis while developing proficiency in basic sociological methodologies. By engaging with empirical findings, students will explore the societal foundations of sustainability and associated transformation processes, preparing them to apply this knowledge effectively in interdisciplinary contexts.
The course is designed with an inter- and transdisciplinary ethos, emphasizing the practical application and usability of sociological theories, methods, and empirics. Its problem-based learning (PBL) approach motivates students by allowing them to tackle real-world sustainability challenges from a sociological lens. This hands-on, practical approach to “doing” theory and methods highlights the relevance of academic knowledge in addressing concrete problems, fostering a sense of competence and purpose.
The international and multicultural composition of the BASUS program further enhances the course’s value. Students will engage with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, encountering varied perspectives on sustainability. This diversity is a unique asset, as it enables students to apply sociological theories across different cultural contexts, deepening their understanding of how societal structures, norms, and values shape sustainability challenges and solutions. Through such exposure, students will refine their ability to operationalize sociological concepts and critically interpret their findings in light of cultural variations.