How does change come about on planet earth?

Evolution is a powerful concept, that helps us to better understand structural change processes. Most of us are familiar with it from biology - but it extends to other disciplines, as it governs many different spheres of human life. To give a sketchy example: While biological evolution selects genes, economic evolution selects innovation. In the end of the 19th century, Thorstein Veblen wondered "Why is economics not an evolutionary science?" The economy is subject to constant processes of change and a multitude of - partly highly unpredictable - mechanisms shape economic development. We will discuss how an evolutionary perspective can help us to better understand and analyze why and how economic organization changes.

In this context, we will also discuss (technological) innovation and the role it plays in society. We will use the second part of the course to reflect on our understanding of innovation: Is all innovation good? Who profits from which innovation? We will reflect on the narrative that innovation is both the driver of and solution to economic growth.

Using the evolutionary lens, which insights can we gain about the drivers of economic and societal developments? What does it mean for our understanding of innovation? And what does all this teach us for environmental policy?

In this class, students will...

... acquire a holistic view of economy and society as embedded in biophysical systems.

... reflect critically about ways to conceptualize microeconomics.

... have learnt about economic evolution and both its similarities and differences to biological evolution.

... gain a better understanding of technological innovation, its consequences and goals for society.

... understand the effects of technology and economic activities on society and environment.

... reflect on economics in a historical context.

... consider ethical, social and environmental issues implied in their decisions; and take into account their social responsibility and contribution to a long-term sustainable development.

... have read, discussed and presented academic literature.

Please make sure to arrive/log-in on time. In general - as there will not be any exam - you are expected to attend the classes. In case you cannot make it to a class, please make sure to inform the lecturer.

The course will start in Distance Mode, i.e. classes will take place via Zoom.
Once Covid-19 regulations will allow for it, we switch to Rotation Mode: All students will be split into two groups, such that each week, half of the class will be present for the first hour (10:00 - 11:00), and the other half for the second hour (11:15 - 12:15).

Grading will be based on:

- Active in-class participation and reading assignments:
Be prepared for and contribute to discussions, be able to answer questions on reading assignments,...
(around 35%)

- Group presentation
(around 25%)

- Writing assignments
(around 40%)