Professor Idil Boran
iboran@yorku.ca
Office Location:  S426 Ross Building
Phone Number:  (416) 736-2100 Ext. 30138

This unique seminar course provides a participatory, student-centric, and project-based learning environment to gain a multi-dimensional understanding global challenges and their implications for social justice. The course welcomes upper year undergraduate students at York University.

With a distinctively modern take on philosophical reflection, the course integrates critical perspectives and empirically informed evidence-based research to envision a new relationship between people and natural systems. We bridge theory and practice to explore key governance challenges and opportunities, and probe solutions for equitable, sustainable, and integrated transformation toward multiple global goals in a critical decade.

Technical requirements for taking the course: This is a seminar course. In person class attendance and participation is required. Regular attendance is expected. Assignments include seminar presentation.

Here are some useful links for student computing information, resources and help:

Student Guide to Moodle

Zoom@YorkU Best Practices 

Zoom@YorkU User Reference Guide

Computing for Students Website

Student Guide to eLearning at York University

To determine Internet connection and speed, there are online tests, such as Speedtest, that can be run.]

Times and locations: Weekly seminars are held on campus. Time: Thursday 2:30-5:30pm; Location: MC101

Virtual office hours: Tuesday 1-3pm or by appointment

• Mbeva, K. L., Makomere, R., Atela, J., Chengo, V., & Tonui, C. (2023). Africa’s right to development in a climate-constrained world (2023rd ed.). Springer International Publishing.
• The Land Gap Report 2022
• + supplementary readings and resources

Short assignment:  20%

Case study project assignment: 25%

Project presentation: 15%

Weekly attendance and seminar participation - ongoing 10%

Final take home exam (during exam period): 30%

Module one: background knowledge on the theoretical and conceptual tools

An overview of multiple levels of governance in historical context is provided in conjunction with the science and politics of planetary boundaries; the effects of human activity on the planet and their social and political implications; the history of sustainable development, Agenda 2030 and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and recent work on governance through global goals. We explore critical perspectives on equity and justice with special interest in understanding the imbalances and asymmetries regarding vulnerabilities, responsibilities, and participation.

Module two: critical problem-solving exercises through case studies and project development exercises within thematic clusters around the Sustainable Development Goals.

Systemic inequities - socio-economic, racial, and gender - provide the lens through which the thematic areas are explored. Through case-studies students track structural inequities, and write a report and a critical discussion for problem solving and accelerating transformation toward a selected set of SDGs on three criteria: effective; just; and integrated.

• gain an appreciation that the climate and nature crises are inextricably interlinked with social inequities
• build a conceptual toolbox to address key planetary and social problems
• develop research skills exploring latest work on governance and key international, governmental, and local actors and institutions
• challenge your thinking by developing a critical problem-solving approach
• design your own project for social engagement and outreach

learn communicative skills to showcase your work

Course policies

Attendance and participation are required.