This course is designed for SEEP students interested in learning about heterodox economic approaches to the social-ecological crises. The focus is on the core theoretical concepts that have been developed over time within ecological economics including how this relates to other heterodox fields of economics and related fields of knowledge such as eco-feminism, political ecology, and environmental ethics. Connections will be drawn to the underlying philosophy behind ideas and their ontological and epistemological aspects. The central approach of the course is based around readings and students are strongly encouraged to read and prepare at least the two core readings for each class. For three sessions of their own choice, students will submit a short reflection essay on the respective core readings, in which they analytically engage with and critically reflect upon the readings.  A student-led debate will be held in the end of the course and there will also be two film nights (mandatory attendance). Films relating to the course will be watched and followed by a discussion session in free format. 

·      To introduce social ecological economics as a heterodox economic approach

·      To understand processes of social, ecological, and economic transformation in their interrelation

·      To gain insight into the structural aspects of the economy, thereby challenging proposed ‘solutions’ to the ecological crises and learning about alternatives

·      To be able to recognise key theoretical and political issues relating to social ecological economics

Any absence from class should be notified to the teaching assistant in advance. In line with SEEP regulations, you must not miss more than 4 hrs of class (equivalent of two class sessions) over the entire semester. This allowance is for serious unforeseen circumstances, such as illness. 

·      There will be 10 classes of 2 hours each and two film nights

·      There are 8 reading sessions, which will involve lectures, student participation, and group work.

·      Each session will have a short break halfway.

·      The last session is devoted to student-led debates.

The overall grade for this course consists of the following four parts:

·      Two reflection essays (max. 2 pages, 1.5-spaced) on respective core readings, due before class (20%)

·      Presentation on one of the four core thinkers (20-minute presentation + Q&A) in session 2 (20%)

·      Student-led debate (20%)

·      Final essay (40%)

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