Resilience Thinking in Development Course

Course Description

Embark on an enlightening journey into the world of resilience thinking with this cutting-edge course led by the Stockholm Resilience Centre and the Centre for Complex Systems in Transitions. In an era of climate change, global environmental shifts, and increasing social, economic, and political instability, understanding and applying resilience concepts has become crucial across various sectors.

This intermediate-level course offers a fresh perspective on how change occurs in our interconnected world, providing innovative approaches to navigate complexity, uncertainty, and challenges in development. By blending the latest scientific research with practical case studies from around the globe, this course equips you with the tools and knowledge to transform development practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.

What students will learn from the course

• Identify and analyze key issues in global environmental change, sustainability, and resilience in relation to development.
• Apply core concepts of resilience thinking to real-world scenarios.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of complex systems and their role in diverse development contexts.
• Master cutting-edge resilience thinking tools for use in development practice.
• Explore the interconnectedness of social, ecological, and cultural dimensions in development.
• Understand the global implications of local actions and vice versa.
• Utilize futures thinking to imagine and work towards positive alternative futures for development.

Pre-requisites

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. However, a general interest in development, sustainability, and global challenges would be beneficial.

What the course will cover

• The Anthropocene and its impact on development practices
• Complexity theory and its application in development contexts
• Transformations and innovation in development practice
• Practical approaches and tools for resilience thinking
• The interconnectedness of social, ecological, and cultural systems
• Global-local interactions in development
• Futures thinking and alternative development scenarios

Who this course is for

• Development practitioners, policymakers, and managers within development agencies worldwide
• Students interested in the intersection of resilience, sustainability, and development
• Individuals working in the field with an interest in applying resilience thinking to development policy and practice
• Anyone passionate about development, resilience thinking, and sustainability

How learners can use these skills in the real world

• Designing more effective and adaptive development projects
• Formulating resilient policies for organizations and governments
• Conducting research on sustainable development practices
• Creating innovative solutions for complex global challenges
• Improving decision-making processes in uncertain environments
• Enhancing cross-sector collaboration for sustainable development
• Developing strategies for long-term sustainability in diverse contexts

Syllabus

Each module explores key concepts, theories, and practical applications of resilience thinking in development, providing a comprehensive and transformative learning experience.