Sociotechnical (re)construction of consumer society

Students should have a good basic knowledge (corresponding to Bachelor’s degree) in an appropriate subject (social sciences, environmental sciences, economics, consumer studies). It is also helpful if students have completed the methodological courses in their Master’s subject.

Students are able to analyse consumption patterns in a broader socio-technical context. They can discuss the main research traditions in science and technology studies that are relevant to sustainable consumption. They are able to compare historical, statistical and media data to investigate the historical evolution of consumption and production patterns and conceptualize processes of socio-technical change. Students gain experience of collaboratively assessing major ongoing efforts to change the course of unsustainable consumption patterns. They have the ability to develop researchable problems, compile answers to these problems, critically evaluate their own and others’ research findings, and identify relevant implications for policy and practice.

Completion methods

Lectures and seminar sessions (18 h), readings (37 h), groupwork assignment: analysis of system evolution and reform efforts in a selected field (individual contributions and a group presentation) (80 h).

Alternative way to complete the course: https://moodle.helsinki.fi/course/view.php?id=26236(Opens in a new tab) . If you want to complete the course in this alternative way, please contact Kaisa Matschoss, kaisa.matschoss@helsinki.fi.

Grading scale

Scale 0-5

Assessment practices and criteria

Self-assessment of students’ work (20%) and the group report (20%), and group assignment (40%). Attendance in class is not obligatory but contributes to 20% of the final grade. Detailed evaluation matrix for the evaluation of the group assignment available on the course Moodle page.

Activities and methods in support of learning

Lectures, reading the course literature, group work

Target groups

Master’s students in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability

Master’s students in Social Sciences

Teaching period when the course will be offered

3rd period

Recommended time or stage of studies for completion

No recommendation

Study module

Consumer Citizens and Sustainability Transitions

Expiry of studies

Expiry of the course in 10 years.

Language of instruction

English

Language of learning

This course is part of a multilingual program: papers and assignments can be written and presented in English, Finnish or Swedish.

Literature and learning material

Lecture material and literature assigned to the course can be found in Moodle in the course page.

Course level

Master’s level, (second-cycle degree/EQF level 7).

Course level: advanced