[S] Multidisciplinary Perspectives of Sustainability
MA-WW-BWL-0229, D-WW-WIWI-0229 / WW-D-121-MPSU, WW-MA-121-MPSU
Please see the syllabus (download folder documents in your learning group) for further information on the course, its learning goals and structure.
Time and room: Monday, 14:50-16:20 CET, only online
Syllabus: can be found at the download folder in your semester learning group - documents
The links to participate in the learning sessions and lectures can be found in the announcements in your learning group
[S] Multidisciplinary Perspectives of Sustainability (MA/DA)
The course will take place entirely online. The link will be announced in the Summer Semester 2026 learning group.
Lecturer:
Prof. Samanthi Dijkstra-Silva
Organizational and technical matters:
Sonja Buchholtz-Postert
Language:
The seminar will be held in English - only online!
Description:
This module introduces students to the Nexus Approach and its relevance for sustainability and integrated resource management. It explores the interlinkages between environmental resources such as water, energy, land, and materials, and discusses how these interdependencies influence sustainable development across spatial and temporal scales.
The seminar addresses the multi-dimensionality of Nexus research, covering both conceptual foundations and practical applications. Topics include implementation strategies, methodological approaches for assessing resource interlinkages, and governance challenges related to integrated resource management. Students will engage with current debates on sustainability transitions and systemic approaches to environmental management.
PRISMA – Centre for Sustainability Assessment and Policy (https://tu-dresden.de/prisma) at Technische Universität Dresden serves as the organizing and coordinating institution for the seminar.
Understanding and assessing the interlinkages between resources is crucial for supporting transitions toward more sustainable systems. In this context, the seminar also considers contemporary global challenges such as climate change, finite natural resources, and population growth. Through lectures, discussions, and applied exercises, students will gain insights into the Nexus Approach and apply it to interdisciplinary sustainability topics. The module introduces analytical perspectives, tools, and strategies that can contribute to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the framework of the Agenda 2030
SCHEDULE SUMMER SEMESTER 2026:
- 13.04.2026 [14:50 - 16:20 CET]: Lecture 1 (intruduction to the course)
- 20.04.2026 [14:50 - 16:20 CET]: Lecture 2 (finding your groups)
- 27.04.2026 [14:50 - 16:20 CET]: Lecture 3 (methodology and application of a systematic literature review)
- 04.05.2026 [14:50 - 16:20 CET]: Lecture 4 (how to write an introductory chapter and narrowing down your research question)
- 11.05.2026 [14:50 - 16:20 CET]: Lecture 5 (presentation and feedback)
- 18.05.2026 [14:50 - 16:20 CET]: Lecture 6 (presentation and feedback)
- 01.06.2026 [14:50 - 16:20 CET]: Lecture 7 (presentation and feedback)
- 15.06.2026 [14:50 - 16:20 CET]: Lecture 8 (presentation and feedback)
- 29.06.2026 [14:50 - 16:20 CET]: Lecture 9 (presentation and feedback)
Important deadlines:
- 06.07.2026: Submission of learning diary (individual)
- 27.07.2026: Submission final report - syst. literature review (group work)