Archive: past courses
Sustainability Thinking
In this course, students learned to approach a complex sustainability issue from different perspectives. We encouraged them to explore the complexity, ambiguity and controversial nature of these issues, without resorting to relativism.
This allowed them to experience that experts from the exact sciences generally have a different perspective than social scientists, that the knowledge of academics, policymakers, business leaders, representatives of NGOs, etc. often differs (but can also be complementary), that some are more concerned about the planetary boundaries, others about poverty and social exclusion, that sometimes a global perspective prevails, sometimes a local view, etc.
The course started with a few broad introductory lessons focusing on
- the basic concepts of sustainability
- a brief historical overview and the most important sustainability perspectives (e.g. Brundtland, UN/Rio conferences, Ecological modernisation, Limits to growth, Ecological Economics, Environmental justice, Degrowth, etc.)
- the distinction between a multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary approach (including Mode 1 versus Mode 2 science)
- transition thinking: how can we look at socio-technical changes? Can sustainability transitions be influenced? What perspectives and methods exist in this regard?
To demonstrate that complex sustainability issues can be approached from multiple perspectives and that a transdisciplinary approach is relevant, the students worked in small groups of at least four and at most six members on multiple assignments. During interactive seminars, the lecturers guided all the different groups through the planned techniques, such as ‘Strategic Niche Management’, ‘Experimental learning via and reflection on breaking routines’, ‘Student-led education’, etc. The groups had to complete the group assessment independently and write a final paper. The groups all worked on the same theme, which was provided by the lecturers and changed annually. The following themes were covered: sustainable consumption, sustainable urban mobility, circular economy, the commons, etc.
Prof Thomas Block was the lecturer-in-charge and Prof Erik Paredis was the co-lecturer.
Studium Generale Sustainability Thinking
From 2012 to 2017, the CDO organised an annual Studium Generale Sustainability Thinking in collaboration with Kunstencentrum Vooruit, UGent1010 and the Green Office. This gave all UGent students and other interested parties the opportunity to gain insight into thinking about socio-ecological issues. By focusing on one sustainability issue at a time, we demonstrated that such issues can be approached from different scientific disciplines, that multiple types of knowledge can enrich the discussion, that attempts at answers often differ, and that sustainability is a normative and ambiguous concept.
2017 - SUSTAINABLE UNIVERSITY: “UNWORLDLY OR WORLDLY-WISE?”
In 2017, Ghent University celebrated its 200th anniversary. This symbolic milestone was an excellent opportunity to reflect on the role of our university in the pursuit of a sustainable society.
- Session 1 - Keep it complex! Towards a sustainable 21st century university
When: Wednesday, 22 March 2017 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ball room | Art Centre Vooruit | Ghent
What: “Introduction” by Dr. Erik Paredis, senior researcher at the Centre for Sustainable Development (Ghent University); ‘The Sustainable 21st Century University: More than just wishful thinking?’ by Prof. Emeritus René Schwarzenbach, President of the Board of the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN); ‘Worldviews in education’ by Prof. Dr. Leif Östman, Professor at the Department of Education (Uppsala University); Q&A.
- Session 2 - Sustainability challenges and academic responsibility
When: Wednesday 29 March 2017 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ballroom | Vooruit Arts Centre | Ghent
What: “Introduction” by Prof. Dr Thomas Block, director of the Centre for Sustainable Development (Ghent University); ‘Knowledge challenges for an ambitious climate and environmental policy: the role of higher education and research in a social transition perspective’ by Hans Bruyninckx, Director of the European Environment Agency and former professor of international relations and environmental policy; ‘Are our universities up to the task?’ Three questions for Ms Annemie Bollen (SERV) and Ms Kaat Peeters (Social Innovation Factory); "A matter of public deliberation. The joyful rediscovery of the university as an artificial environment that hinders learning and research" by Prof. Jan Masschelein, Professor of Philosophical Pedagogy at KULeuven; Questions from the audience to the four speakers
- Session 3 - Ghent University: island culture or open collaboration?
When: Wednesday 19 April 2017 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ballroom | Vooruit Arts Centre | Ghent
What: ‘Introduction’ by Dr Vera Dua, academic consultant at the Centre for Sustainable Development (Ghent University) and chair of the Bond Beter Leefmilieu (BBL) ; “What kind of university do we want? Searching for a healthy academic culture for the 21st century” by Prof. Dr Patrick Loobuyck, professor of Philosophy of Life at the University of Antwerp and visiting professor of Political Philosophy at Ghent University; Reflection by Prof. Dr Koen Goethals, academic administrator at Ghent University; ‘When the university thinks urban: birthday wishes for 200 years of university in Ghent’ by Prof. Michiel Dehaene, senior lecturer in urban planning at the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning (Ghent University); Reflection ‘Should the mayor return to the helm of Ghent University?’ by Mayor Daniel Termont (City of Ghent); Questions from the audience to the four speakers
- Session 4 - Transition Ghent University Deluxe: future scenarios for a sustainable university
When: Wednesday 26 April 2017 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ballroom | Vooruit Arts Centre | Ghent
What: Introduction by Prof. Dr. Thomas Block and Dr. Erik Paredis, Centre for Sustainable Development (Ghent University); Explanation of Transition UGent by Riet Van de Velde, environmental coordinator at Ghent University; Transition UGent DeLuxe: discussion tables (round table discussions with all participants in small groups); Closing discussion with Vice-Rector Freddy Mortier (Ghent University).
2016 - SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: “THE CHOICE IS YOURS! IS IT?”
Together with a select but very diverse group of fascinating speakers, we spent four Wednesday evenings between the beginning of March and the end of April 2016 reflecting on sustainable consumption as a political issue, on responsibility, on behavioural change, on routines and practices, on fair trade, on (in)voluntary austerity, on choice architecture and nudging, etc.
- Session 1 - The good life and (in)voluntary austerity
When: Wednesday 9 March 2016 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Rector Vermeylen Room | Het Pand Conference Centre | Onderbergen 1 | Ghent
What: Welcome and brief introduction by Dr Vera Dua, academic consultant at the Centre for Sustainable Development (Ghent University); ‘Outline of the Studium Generale Sustainable Consumption: challenges and positions’ by Prof. Dr. Thomas Block; ‘Consuming less: the big taboo in the sustainability debate’ by Dr. Marius De Geus, political philosopher at Leiden University; ‘Ecological living: austerity or enrichment?’ by Green Evelien, Inspirator for ecological simplicity; ‘What if austerity is involuntary? Or do poverty and conscious sustainable consumption go hand in hand? Reflections from the social grocery store’ by Ann-Sophie Hofman, policy officer for labour and social services (Samenlevingsopbouw Gent), and Nele De Wulf, community worker for the Social Grocery Store project (Samenlevingsopbouw Gent); Questions from the audience and debate with the speakers.
- Session 2 - Choice architecture and sustainable behaviour
When: Wednesday 16 March 2016 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Rector Vermeylen Room | Het Pand Conference Centre | Onderbergen 1 | Ghent
What: Welcome and brief introduction by Prof. Dr Brent Bleys, lecturer at the Department of General Economics of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (Ghent University); “No supermarket for angels” by Fran Bambust, designer of the 7E model; Intermezzo by David van der Ha, Sustainability Office of Ghent University; “Encouraging more responsible consumption: how can retailers provide the right information?” by Veerle Poppe, Senior Brand Manager Corporate Marketing, Colruyt Group; “Beyond market logic: the pros and cons of sustainable consumption” by Dr Anneleen Kenis, postdoctoral researcher in political ecology at KU Leuven; Questions from the audience to speakers
- Session 3 - Can you buy a better world?
When: Wednesday 20 April 2016 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Foyer Room | Vooruit Arts Centre | Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat | Ghent
What: Introduction by Prof. Dr. Thomas Block, director of the CDO; ‘Making Fairtrade public’ by Dr. Wouter Mensink, philosopher and public administration expert, researcher at the Netherlands Social and Cultural Planning Office; “Consumer or government? Making trade structurally fair” by Arne Schollaert, head of ‘Politics and South’ at Oxfam-Wereldwinkels; Questions from the audience to speakers
- Session 4 - A practice and a systemic perspective on sustainable consumption
When: Wednesday, 27th April 2016 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Academieraadzaal | Aula Ghent University | Voldersstraat 9 | Ghent (Belgium)
What: Introduction and reflections on previous sessions by Dr. Erik Paredis, CDO research coordinator; "Towards sustainable consumption: start by reframing the questions. On the relevance of a practice approach” by Dr Daniel Welch, a sociologist at the Sustainable Consumption Institute (SCI - University of Manchester); “From green consumerism to strong sustainable consumption” by Dr Sylvia Lorek, researcher and policy consultant at the Sustainable Europe Research Institute (SERI); Q&A.
2015 - SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY: 'IS THE ECONOMY STUPID?’
Together with a select but very diverse group of fascinating speakers, we reflected on numerous current “economic” sustainability issues on four Wednesday evenings between the end of February and the beginning of April 2015 at the Vooruit Arts Centre in Ghent (Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat).
- Session 1 - (Too) busy to change?
When: Wednesday 25 February 2015 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ballroom | Vooruit Arts Centre | Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23 | Ghent
What: “Intro: outline of the Studium Generale Sustainability Thinking” by Prof. Dr Thomas Block, Director of CDO; “Is there no alternative? In search of an economy for the 21st century” by Dr Erik Paredis, research coordinator at CDO; 'Life as the last resort. On the question of why time always escapes us" by Prof. Dr. Ignaas Devisch, senior lecturer in medical philosophy and ethics, Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care at Ghent University; ‘Alma mater, what are we learning?’ by UGent1010, a student group committed to a sustainable future; Reflection by Prof. Dr. Koen Schoors, Faculty of Economics and Business; Questions from the audience to speakers
- Session 2 - Green economy: solution or lie?
When: Wednesday 4 March 2015 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ballroom | Vooruit Arts Centre | Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23 | Ghent
What: Welcome and brief introduction by Dr. Erik Paredis, CDO research coordinator; ‘Circular economy: from global challenge to Flemish practice’, keynote by Jiska Verhulst, network director of Plan C - Flemish Transition Network for Sustainable Materials Management; ‘A financial product with a green sauce or a green product with a financial sauce?’ by Xavier Verbeken, business development manager Econation; ‘Limits of the green economy. A critical view’ by Dr Matthias Lievens, political philosopher and co-author of “The myth of the green economy”; Questions from the audience and debate with the speakers
- Session 3 - Beyond the obsession of economic growth
When: Wednesday, 18 March 2015 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Theatre | Art Centre / Kunstencentrum Vooruit
What: Introduction by Prof. Dr Brent Bleys, Lecturer in Sustainable Economic Welfare, Department of General Economics at Ghent University; ‘Beyond the obsession with GDP: Measuring progress differently’ by Saamah Abdallah, senior researcher at the Centre for Well-being of the New Economics Foundation; ‘In defence of degrowth’ by Prof. Dr Giorgos Kallis, ICREA Research Professor and environmentalist at UAB (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona); “Growth*!?#groei+!?~$$GROWTH!@?” by Ewout D'Hoore and Hendrik Willekens, (resident) artists supported by Vooruit Arts Centre; Discussion and audience questions
- Session 4: Economy and fair distribution
When: Wednesday 1 April 2015 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ballroom | Vooruit Arts Centre | Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23 | Ghent
What: Welcome and brief introduction by Prof. Dr. Thomas Block, Director of CDO; “Growing inequalities? And if so, why exactly?” by Prof. Dr. Bea Cantillon, professor and director of the Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy at the University of Antwerp; “Rawls and the welfare state” by Thomas Decreus, political philosopher at the Centre for Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy (KULeuven); Debate with Prof. Dr. Bea Cantillon, Thomas Decreus, Stijn Decock (chief economist of the Flemish network of enterprises - VOKA) and Pieter Verbeek (representative of the socialist trade union ABVV); Questions from the audience to speakers
2013 - SUSTAINABLE CITIES: “NO CITIES, NO FUTURE?!”
Together with a select but very diverse group of fascinating speakers, we reflected on numerous current urban sustainability issues on five Wednesday evenings in February and March 2013 at the Vooruit in Ghent (Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat).
- Session 1 - The state of the city
When: Wednesday 20 February 2013 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ballroom | Vooruit Arts Centre | Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23 | Ghent
What: “Sustainability transitions and our cities” by Prof. Dr Thomas Block; “Flanders is one urban reconversion project” by Joachim De Clerck, programme director of Architecture Workroom Brussels and curator of the Flemish entry for the Venice Architecture Biennale “The ambition of the territory”; ‘Network city Flanders in transition’ by Prof. Dr. Emeritus Eric Corijn, cultural philosopher, sociologist and expert in social and cultural geography; ‘Ecological urban planning, a contradiction in terms?’ by biologist Erik Rombaut, lecturer in ecology, environmental science, ecologically sustainable spatial planning and urban planning at LUCA School of Arts (Department of Architecture Sint-Lucas) in Ghent and Brussels; Questions from the audience.
- Session 2 - The self-sufficient city?
When: Wednesday 27 February 2013 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ballroom | Vooruit Arts Centre | Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23 | Ghent
What? ‘A socio-ecological economy: will the city become the eco-factory of the future?’ by Dirk Holemans, coordinator of the Oikos think tank and leader of the Groen faction in the Ghent city council; ‘Don't play with your food! Professional urban farming as a building block of a food strategy in touch with the consumer’ by Pieter Marx, initiator and director of Greenmarx; ‘Flestuinieren op kot’ (Gardening in student accommodation) by Joris Depouillon of UGent10:10, a student group committed to a sustainable future; ‘Public Faculty’ by gURBS, urban collective that is the Serious Office of Crazy Opinions; Response and reflection by Piet Vanthemsche, chairman of the Belgian Farmers' Union; Response and reflection by Indra Van Sande, engineer-architect at the Ghent Environmental Department and one of the driving forces behind “Ghent Climate Neutral in 2050”
- Session 3 - The petrified city?
When: Wednesday 6 March 2013 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ballroom | Vooruit Arts Centre | Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23 | Ghent
What: Introduction by Prof. Dr. Thomas Block; “Ready for the climate and energy crisis? Working on resilient cities” by Prof. Dr. Andy Van den Dobbelsteen, Professor of Architecture, Climate Design & Sustainability at Delft University of Technology; ‘Slow urbanism’ by Prof. Kristiaan Borret, City Architect of Antwerp and visiting professor at the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at Ghent University; ‘Public Faculty’ by gURBS, an urban collective that runs the Serious Office of Crazy Opinions in connection with the Studium Generale; Response and reflection by Jean-Marie de Buck, CEO of Aclagro, project developer of several sites in Ghent.
- Session 4 - The just city!
When: Wednesday 13 March 2013 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ballroom | Vooruit Arts Centre | Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23 | Ghent
What: Introduction by Sophie Devolder, CDO researcher; ‘Social urban renewal or competitive urban development? Cities in the struggle for socio-ecological justice’ by Bart Van Bouchaute, Lecturer in Social Work at Artevelde University College Ghent; ‘City under steam’ by Tom Meeuws, Director of the Antwerp city department “Samen Leven” (Living Together); ‘Community Land Trust: more than one affordable home for one family’ by Kris Dom, Community Development Worker at Samenlevingsopbouw Gent and initiator of “Community Land Trust – Gent”; ‘Public Faculty’ by gURBS/Jeanne van Heeswijk, urban collective that runs the Serieus Kantoor van de Getikte Meningen (Serious Office of Crazy Opinions)
- Final session: “The future of our cities?”
When: Wednesday, 20 March 2013 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Theatre | Arts Centre Vooruit | Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23 | Ghent (Belgium)
What: Introduction by Greet Pluymers, journalist VRT; ‘A sustained city debate: summary and reflections on previous sessions’ by Sander Van Parijs, researcher at CDO & CLP; “The future in 2052” by Prof. Dr. Jurgen Randers, professor of climate strategy at the BI Norwegian Business School and author of the latest Report to the Club of Rome; ‘Invisible Ghent(s).’ by zURBS, impressions from their social-artistic workshop; “People are the key” by Kristian Villadsen, Architect Associate of Gehl Architects (Copenhagen – Denmark) focusing on Sustainable Cities.
2012 - SUSTAINABLE FOOD: ‘ERST DAS FRESSEN, DAN DIE MORAL?’
- Session 1 - Is sustainable food on our plate?
When: Tuesday 28 February 2012
What: Chair: Dr Gert Goeminne, CDO; Welcome by the rector; “Sustainable development, RIO+20 and sustainable food” by Erik Paredis, CDO; ‘City and countryside: seen through the lens of food’ by Prof. Dr Jan Willem van der Schans, Chair Group Rural Sociology – Wageningen University; ‘Food patterns and biodiversity’ by Dr Harry Aiking, Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Discussion with the audience
- Session 2 - Does the farmer farm sustainably?
When: Tuesday 6 March 2012
What: Introduction and context by Prof. Dr. Thomas Block; “How biodiverse is our food production?” by Prof. Dr. Patrick Van Damme, Chair of CDO – Laboratory for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture and Ethnobotany – Ghent University; “CSA and self-harvest farms” by Tom Troonbeeckx, Het Open Veld; response by Nils Van Dam, Marketer of the Year 2011, Country Manager Unilever Belgium; Discussion with the audience
- Session 3 - Food is (no) merchandise!
When? Tuesday 13 March 2012
What: Introduction by Prof. Dr. Dries Lesage; ‘How can trade work for the right to food?’ by Prof. Dr. Olivier De Schutter, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food; ‘Distribution of food, OECD and WTO’ by Carmel Cahill, Head of the Policy and Trade Adjustment Division, OECD; Reflections from Steven Vromman, the Low Impact Man; Discussion with the public
- Session 4 - Are we eating healthily?
When: Tuesday 20 March 2012
What: Introduction and context by Jo Van Assche, CDO – Ghent University; ‘Dietary patterns and health’ by Prof. Dr. Stefaan De Henauw, Department of Public Health – Ghent University; ‘Surprising veggie’ by Philippe Van den Bulck, veggie chef, food stylist and food writer; Response by Prof. Dr. Johan Hallaert, FEVIA and visiting professor at Ghent University; Discussion with the audience
- Session 5 – How to feed 9 billion people?
When: Tuesday 27 March 2012
Moderator: Joël De Ceulaer, journalist – De Standaard
What: “From bitterballen to spinach burgers: reflections and lessons from this studium generale” by Vera Dua, CDO – Ghent University; Debate with Piet Vanthemsche, chairman of the Belgian Farmers' Union, Prof. Dr. Jan Douwe van der Ploeg, professor of rural sociology, Wageningen University, and Tobias Leenaert, director of EVA (Ethical Vegetarian Alternative); Discussion with the audience