MJ1501 States and Trends 7.5 credits

The course is given as evening course

The course consists of a seminar series where lecturers from KTH and elsewhere share their experiences and perspectives. Each lecture contains a literature section as well as an organized discussion in small groups and a plenary discussion, where the course participants are given opportunities for reflection and discussion together with the lecturers. Important elements of the course are theory, case studies, debates and discussions. Each year, the course centers on a theme derived from current societal challenges. Examples of topics that the course has previously addressed are:

• Sustainable urban development
• Climate change
• Sustainable transport systems
• Sustainable consumption
• Today and tomorrow's energy solutions

The overall objective of the course is to describe, problematize and discuss state and trends in an increasingly globalized world, focusing on social, environmental and technological aspects from a broad perspective.

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Describe and discuss current societal challenges in terms of social, environmental and technological aspects.
• Describe, discuss and comment on the central parts of a lecture, as well as provide a brief reflection and analysis of the subject area.
• Actively participate in debates on current societal challenges with various actors.
• Explain and analyse a complex societal problem in the context of an in-depth study.
• Present an in-depth study orally and in writing according to accepted scientific approach.

Kurslitteraturen består av material som föreläsarna väljer ut. Detta består av forskningsartiklar och artiklar ur samhällsdebatten, och är nedladdningsbara på kursens hemsida.

• NÄR2 - Attendance, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
• PRO1 - Project, 4.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• INL1 - Assignment, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Compulsory attendance on 75% of course events (NÄR1; 1.0 cr), approved written reflections (INL1, 2.0 cr) and implementation of a project work, including oral presentation at a seminar (PROJ1; 4.5 cr).

Hanna Nathaniel

Jiechen Wu

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.