Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the module DEV20130, "Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," students will be able to:
1) Understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the 17 SDGs, including their development history, global significance, interconnectedness, and the specific targets and objectives of each goal.
2) Critically Analyse the Feasibility and Challenges of SDGs: Critically assess the feasibility of achieving the SDGs, identifying and evaluating the key challenges, obstacles, and progress made globally and specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa.
3) Apply Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives: Utilize insights from various disciplines such as politics, economics, sociology, law, public health, and others to analyse and understand the complexities and multidimensional aspects of sustainable development.
4) Assess the Role and Performance of Sub-Saharan Africa in SDGs: Analyse the performance of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in achieving specific SDGs, understanding the regional challenges, policy responses, and progress made.
5) Engage in Active Learning and Critical Thinking: Actively participate in class discussions, engage with diverse materials, and apply critical thinking to question and understand the content and context of sustainable development issues.
6) Develop Research and Analytical Skills: Enhance research skills by engaging with various academic and policy-oriented materials, and improve analytical abilities by interpreting data, case studies, and real-world examples related to the SDGs.
7) Connect SDGs to Various Career Paths: Understand the relevance and application of knowledge about the SDGs in a wide range of career paths, recognizing the growing importance of sustainable development knowledge in an interconnected global landscape.
8) Articulate Informed Opinions and Solutions: Formulate well-informed opinions and propose viable solutions to challenges related to the SDGs, particularly in the context of developing regions like Sub-Saharan Africa.
9) Understand Global and Regional Interdependencies: Acknowledge and explain the interdependencies between different regions of the world, especially between developed and developing countries, in the context of achieving sustainable development.
10) Prepare for Professional Engagement in Sustainable Development: Be equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for professional roles that involve contributing to sustainable development, policy-making, international relations, and other related fields.
Indicative Module Content:
The module content for DEV20130 encompasses a comprehensive range of topics that collectively provide an in-depth understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their application, particularly in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. The key topics addressed in this module are:
`1) Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Overview of the SDGs and their historical development
- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- Interconnectedness and global significance of the 17 SDGs
2) Feasibility and Challenges of Achieving SDGs:
- Analysis of the feasibility of the SDGs
- Global and regional challenges in implementing SDGs
- Success stories and setbacks in achieving these goals
3) In-depth Examination of Each SDG:
- Specific focus on each of the 17 SDGs across different sessions
- Targets, objectives, and key indicators for each goal
- Case studies and global progress reports
4) SDGs and Sub-Saharan Africa:
- Performance analysis of SSA countries in achieving SDGs
- Regional challenges and policy responses
- Role of governance, civil society, and international cooperation
5) Multidisciplinary Perspectives on SDGs:
- Integration of politics, economics, history, sociology, law, public health, and more in understanding SDGs
- The impact of sustainable development across various sectors
6) Key Thematic Areas:
- Poverty Dynamics and Famine
- Income Inequality and Economic Growth
- Partnership and Industrial Development
- Environmental Sustainability: Forests, Oceans, and Climate Change
7) Research Methods and Data Analysis:
- Methodologies for researching sustainable development
- Data collection, analysis, and interpretation related to SDGs
8) Global and Regional Interdependencies:
- Exploration of the global interconnectedness in achieving SDGs
- The impact of developed countries' policies on developing regions
9) Active Learning and Class Participation:
- Engaging students through tasks, discussions, and critical inquiries
- Encouraging active participation and application of knowledge
10) Preparing for Professional Roles:
- Understanding the relevance of SDGs in various career paths
- Skills development for roles in development, policy-making, and international relations
This indicative content is designed to provide students with a holistic and multi-faceted understanding of sustainable development goals, emphasising both global contexts and specific regional dynamics, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The module will foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical understanding, preparing students for future professional engagements in diverse fields related to sustainable development.