Building upon the concepts and theories explored in the first module, this course will deepen some of the main research directions of Social Ecological Economics, spanning a broad research field. This includes an analysis of the biophysical dimension of the economy, focusing on social metabolism and input-output analysis; financialized capitalism and the political economy of money in social-ecological transformation; climate-related macro-financial risks through the lens of stock-flow consistent modelling; and the analysis of policy proposals for a social-ecological transformation.

From Social Ecological Economics I to II 

• Build upon the concepts and theories explored in the first module on (non-orthodox) economic as well as political approaches to environmental and social problems. 
• Deepen some of the main research directions of Social Ecological Economics and learn basics of how to contribute to and enhance the field. 
• More applied focus in the broad field of society-nature relationships. 

Guiding questions and content structure

• How can we measure, trace and attribute environmental and social impacts across global supply chains?
• How do production and consumption choices in one region drive ecological pressures elsewhere? 
• Why and how are environmental and social problems being produced?
• What are their concrete manifestations? 
• What are the actors, structures and socio-political processes through which they are being “handled” and reproduced? 
• What is the role of power relations, social inequalities, global dependencies (e.g. North / South), and the economy in relation to the environment? 
• What is the role of the financial system in ecological macroeconomics? How does it mediate a socio-ecological transition?
• How are high-level scenario narratives encoded in models? How does that shape the evidence used in policymaking?

Content of the course 

• Block 1 (Martin Bruckner): Tracing environmental impacts: methods and applications
• Block 2 (Colleen Schneider): The political ecology of money and finance
• Block 3 (Karl Naumann-Woleske): Ecological macroeconomics and the role of finance in climate change

• To cover core research foci, topic areas and debates in the Social Ecological Economics field.
• To critically reflect on theories and issues, engage in debates and discussions in class, and make connections between different subject areas
• Apply theories, methods, and concepts of Social Ecological Economics in research and case studies.
• To understand and interact eith ecological macroeconomic models

Attendance is required for a minimum of 80% of the classes, i.e. students are allowed to miss max. 4 classes.

• During class there will be applied exercises and data analysis, reading-discussions, interactive exercises, focused discussions of case-studies and student-presentations.
• The sessions will build on the readings – so reading them before each session is obligatory.

Readings

• We will provide you with a general list of relevant articles for the whole course with the start of the class.
• The compulsory readings for the respective blocks will be announced before the respective class.

Teacher’s expectations

• Readings to do beforehand (be able to discuss them in class!)
• Syllabus with all practical info
• Course etiquette
• Communication: we will endeavour to answer all of your questions so please ensure your emails are concise!
• Participate actively in the discussions

Block specific evaluations - 75% (3 x 25) - due during, or at end, of each block

• Block 1: Group-based sustainability assessment exercise
• Block 2: Two short "question” or “position” papers
• Block 3: Hands-on application of research method

Final assessment (Individual reflection essay) - 25% - due January 14th, 2027. 

For the final assignment you can pick between two options:

Option 1: Reflect on connections between the three blocks, centering on a specific policy or event. Wordcount: 1,500 +/- 10% (excluding references).​

Grading criteria: (1) Deep understanding of course material​, (2) Synthesis across topics​, connecting at least 2 blocks, (3) Connection of policy or event to the course material, (4) Clarity, correctness, and consistency of academic writing style

Grading criteria: (1) Motivation and connection of scenario to the course material and synthesis across blocks, (2) Translation of scenario narrative to changes in model parameters and behavior, (3) Analysis of scenario outcomes and their implications (relation to course material and policy), (4) Clarity, correctness, and consistency of academic writing. 

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