Introduction to Transformation Studies
Einführung in Transformation Studies
6 CPWinterEN
Contents
The 21st century with its multiple crises and disruptions is considered the age of the Great Transformation. Transformation describes specific forms of comprehensive change of far-reaching social, cultural and (infra-) structural system changes. In this context, it is crucial that questions of design and possibilities of control, for example through ex-novation, innovation, revolution or evolution, of these radical, structural and non-linear processes of upheaval in societies are researched and understood. The module aims to sensitize students to the complexity of transformation as a normative-strategic and analytical concept and, in the sense of transformation science (as distinct from transformative science), to introduce them to the knowledge of how transformation can be defined, conceptualised and researched and to provide them with tools for understanding and observing transformation.
Learning outcomes
Those who complete the module are prepared for the challenges of science in a changing world characterised by numerous upheavals and crises. They have in-depth knowledge of various concepts of transformation, for example in the context of megatrends such as post-industrialisation (decarbonisation, dematerialisation), digitalisation, postmodernism, in the context of political agendas such as Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Goals, Just Transitions and in the context of increasing polarisation about futures and development goals. They are familiar with transformation science, transformative research, transformation induction and transformative knowledge and are able to analyse transformation discourses and develop their own science-based position. They are able to use the Pecha Kucha method and write a paper review.
Assessment
• 3 Reflections of session content, 1000 words each (10% each). • 2 paper reviews, 2000 words each (20% each) • 1 group presentation as Pecha Kucha, 6:40 minutes each (30%)
Literature (8)
- Brand, U. (2016). How to get out of the multiple crisis? Contours of a critical theory of social-ecological transformation. Environmental Values, 25(5), 503-525.
- Shrivastava, P. et al. (2020) Transforming Sustainability Science to Generate Positive Social and Environmental Change Globally
- Elmqivst, T. et al. (2029) Sustainability and resilience for transformation in the urban century
- Bennett, N. J. (2019) Just Transformations to Sustainability
- Scoones, I. et al. (2018) Transformations to Sustainability
- Olsson, P. et al. (2014) Sustainability transformations: a resilience perspective
- Patterson, J. et al. (2016) Exploring the governance and politics of transformations towards sustainability
- Leal Filho, W. et al. (2018) The role of transformation in learning and education for sustainability
Source: BTU's module description · retrieved 29 Sep 2026Original