Elective course Globalisation & Sustainable Development

Civic universities fostering sustainable communities in a globalised world

The interdisciplinary course Globalisation and Sustainable Development consists of a series of lectures and debates by (international) experts on contemporary topics in a variety of domains. These topics are approached from a global relations perspective and focus on 3 concepts: globalisation, sustainability and development.

The lectures make attendants aware of the importance of context, culture, history and experience in knowledge creation and (inter)national development strategies and practices. The course aims to provide a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of contemporary global issues while at once stimulating students’ (self)reflective and respectful attitude towards other cultures. In an ever globalising world, these are important social but also employability skills.

This optional course is part of the Global Minds Programme of Hasselt University in which several sensitisation events provide an opportunity for critical thinking about development cooperation. Also, there is a strong focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The emphasis is on the global dimension, where globalization and the 'South' is central.

The lectures are open to all students and anyone who is interested. The programme for academic year 2024-2025 can be found below.

In the fall of 2024, this elective course will cover the topic "Civic universities fostering sustainable communities in a globalised world".

From various disciplines we will reflect on this topic.

Programme 

Date

Topic

Lecturers

Location: Campus Diepenbeek

Time: 5 PM - 7 PM

03/10/2024

Re-inventing ‘The Civic University’ in a globalised world (pdf, 227 KB)

Rector Prof. dr. Bernard Vanheusden (UHasselt) & Prof. John Goddard (Newcastle University, UK)

A102

17/10/2024

PART 1: Glocalizing University: The Role of University in Balancing Global Issues and Local Demands (pdf, 174 KB)

PART 2: Reimagining the civic university for sustainable and resilient futures (pdf, 77 KB)

Dr. Benny Setianto (Soegijapanata Catholic University, Indonesia)

Dr. Wim Lambrechts (UHasselt)

A102

24/10/2024

PART 1: What is really needed for sustainable transitions? Moving beyond the rhetoric of sustainability education (pdf, 77 KB)

PART 2: An institutional civics of care: engagement in sustainability transitions as expressions of universities' care for place (pdf, 228 KB)

Asst. Prof. Talia Stough (Open University, KU Leuven)

Dr. Julian Dobson (Sheffield Hallam University, UK)

A102

31/10/2024

Fall break - No class

07/11/2024

Doing civic research on intra-European migration in Germany and Belgium: reflections on collaborations between universities and key stakeholders (pdf, 76 KB)

Dr. Polina Manolova (Universität Duisburg-Essen, Germany)

Prof. dr. Patrizia Zanoni (UHasselt)

A102

14/11/2024

PART 1 : Digital civics research in and through universities (pdf, 403 KB)

PART 2: The role of civic universities in addressing today’s socio-environmental challenges (pdf, 403 KB)

Dr. Reem Refaat Talhouk (Northumbria University, UK)

Prof. Dr. Liesbeth Huybrechts (UHasselt)

Online (link will be provided a few days before class)

21/11/2024

Sustainable Energy Solutions in Sub-Sahara Africa: 

PART 1: Students for Energy in Africa - a multidisciplinary approach to tackle Energy-issues in Sub-Sahara Africa (pdf, 2.1 MB)

PART 2: Solar cookers for all - a collaboration between the university of Lubumbashi, Congo and UHasselt  (pdf, 2.0 MB)

Prof. dr. Wim Deferme (UHasselt)

Prof. dr. Luc Bijnens (UHasselt)

Online (link will be provided a few days before class)

28/11/2024

PART 1: Digital (r)evolution, the way to the suistainable implementation of rehabilitation in Africa? (pdf, 135 KB)

PART 2: Street Law as a Civic Course (pdf, 58 KB)

Dr. Oyene Kossi (guest UHasselt)

Prof. dr. Niels Appermont (UHasselt)

A102

05/12/2024

World Evening (not mandatory, but warmly welcome!)

International Office (UHasselt)

Agora (5 PM - 9 PM)

12/12/2024

Wicked Problem Plaza - This workshop can only be attended by UHasselt students who take the GSD course for credits. Presence is mandatory.

International Office (UHasselt)

A5, A6, A7

Structure & language

The course consists of interactive lectures and workshops by guest speakers specialized in different areas of study. Every lecture will foresee the possibility of interaction between the speaker and the audience. UHasselt  students are expected to submit a question on the topic prior to each lecture, based on articles on Blackboard. All lectures will be in English.

Target group

  • AUHL students:
    - Hasselt University: Students can register for the course (1955) with the approval of their faculty.
    - PXL: Students can register for the course with the approval of their department.
  • Others: The lectures are open to all interested people, free of charge.

Examination

  • Attendance at all lectures is required.
  • Participation in the discussions during the lectures is encouraged and is supported by the mandatory submission of a question on the topic, prior to the lecture.
  • see study guide

Registration

  • For UHasselt students: Registrations for 2024-2025 are open in your UHasselt student curriculum!
  • For other participants: Registration is mandatory. You can register via this form (https://forms.gle/54UUS49x85RrLU479).

Coordination