This research seminar aims to raise awareness, that all sustainability research is necessarily (and must be) based on a range of theoretical assumptions – which in many cases, however, remain unreflected and implicit. The explicit and strategic application of theoretical concepts and approaches will be practised.

50% of the time will be devoted to the detailled study of two Major Substantive Topics (a) competing framings of "the ecological issue", and (b) 'ecological modernization theory'.

The remaining 50% of the time will be devoted to the presentation and discussion of the participants' Research Projects.

Participants acquire detailed knowledge about

•    the differences between a range of ways in which “the ecological issue” is / has been framed by particular political actors;

•    “ecological modernisation theory” which underpins most eco-political policy approaches adopted today by subnational, national and   international actors;

•    how to develop a research proposal in the field of socio-scientific sustainability research;

•    how to present a research project in the field of socio-scientific sustainability research;

•    how to critically engage with academic material presented in written or oral ways.

The Seminar consists in equal parts of inputs by the Professor and by the Seminar participants. The detailed discussion of methodical articles, drafts manuscripts, published articles, and the presentation and defence of the participants’ own work will familiarize the seminar participants with modes of academic work at an advanced level.

Successful completion of this research seminar requires:

•    Regular seminar attendance (monitored) (20%)

•    Presentation and defence of the own research project (50%)

•    Formal review and assessment of a research project or academic article that has been submitted for publication to a journal (30%)