This research seminar aims to raise awareness, that all sustainability research is necessarily (and must be) based on a range of theoretical assumptions. One of its key objectives is to familiarise young scholars with particular theoretical approaches which are commonly used in eco-political research from a social-science perspective. The explicit and strategic application of theoretical concepts and approaches will be practised. This Semester the core question will be:

What exactly is eco-politics actuallyabout? Nature andthe natural havealways been socially constructed entities, at least as much as they arebio-physical realities. Eco-politics has always been driven by social perceptions andconcerns, atleast as much as by scientific knowledge. Environmental problems have alwaysbeen, more than anything, the violationof social norms and expectations. Set in the context of the new era ofalternative facts andpost-factuality thisSemester's Research Seminar provides essential theoretical tools forunderstanding contemporary  eco-politics. It focuses on social systemstheory, social constructivism and varieties of realism.  

Participants acquire detailed knowledge about

•    ‘social systems theory’ and its applicability to contemporary eco-political discourses

•    different notions of ‘realism’ and ‘constructivism’ which inform or underpin particular strands of eco-political research;

•    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%)