Our global civilization, powered by fossil fuels, is heating the planet to unprecedented levels. Distracted by a global pandemic, we are losing valuable time to avoid catastrophic climate change. In this course, we'll look at the climate crisis from our marketing perspectives, and try to figure out what our role is in the fight for a better future. Through a series of in class discussions & at home conversations about the role of business, money and capitalism, and human psychology, the course aims to provide an overview of the phenomenon of the global crisis, improve your ability to think critically about this topic, and navigate the future as best as possible. 

This class aims to critical examine the stories we tell each other about the climate, including: How to pay for the Green New Deal. What are the big corporations doing. Why is it so difficult to do anything.

It is about you students figuring out your own opinion, listening to the others, and looking for any kind of lessons we can learn from all the different viewpoints.

The second goal is to help each student take some form of climate action. For some, it might be one of many, for other it might be the smallest first step. You will be able to decide what action you want to take in small groups.

UPDATE 16/09/21: This course will run in-class. Full attendance is required to pass this course - you're allowed to miss one class with a valid excuse (please send me an email in advance). If Corona comes back heavy, we'll switch to online mode.

Short lectures, facilitated discussion, group projects, individual work, possibly guest lectures, school-strikes...

Grading has the following components: 

50% conversation: several different conversations with family/friends on selected topics, each time a short report will be due in the next lecture.  

40% group project: In small groups you will develop a plan to take some form of climate action. Engaging fellow students or citizens with surveys, writing, education, organizing... new ideas welcome.

10% peer evaluation: Based on the quality of your work, communication with other group members, timeliness etc.

Grades:

1: =>90%

2: =>80%

3: =>70%

4: =>60%

Please send me a short email outlining your motivation to participate in this course, mentioning any relevant skills or experiences that you've had.

Strong interest in climate related topics is expected.

consultations via Slack or email: jan.valendin@wu.ac.at