Social Science, Human Ecology - Culture, Power and Sustainability – (M.A.)

Drawing on fields such as anthropology, geography, sociology and economic history, the programme provides interdisciplinary perspectives and analytical tools for communicating about problems of sustainability. It represents an important complement to technological and natural science approaches to sustainability by focusing on the cultural dimensions of consumption and resource use, cultural perceptions of environment and economy, and social science perspectives on the global distribution of environmental problems. A central aim is to help students develop skills in communicating across boundaries separating the discourses of different disciplines, cultural traditions, or the interests of business, politics and social movements. The programme encourages critical scrutiny of the debate about sustainability, but also a serious commitment to improving human-environmental relations worldwide. It covers the major social and environmental challenges of our time, including climate change and climate justice, unequal exchange and use of ecological resources, and the shifting of environmental risks and problems to the poorest parts of world society.

This programme is unique in combining perspectives on sustainability from the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. It brings together lecturers and students from various backgrounds in truly interdisciplinary discussions about how culture, power and ecology interact in human-environmental relations. In the third semester, many students are offered work placements with organisations in various parts of the world, giving them the opportunity to apply their insights to practical engagement with sustainability policies. In autumn 2010, several students are enjoying paid work placements with organisations dedicated to improving sustainability in various parts of Latin America. The programme does not shy away from pressing and controversial questions regarding global power structures and inequalities of distribution.

Career prospects

Students graduating from this programme will be able to work in fields such as research, education, journalism, environmental management and development aid. Regardless of the choice of profession, they will be equipped to help make the world more sustainable by communicating their insights to others and by being able to critically assess different options regarding policies, lifestyles and patterns of consumption.