seminar
What lies behind the Paris Agreement? Is its nature legal or political? What impact does it have on sustainable development and migration? How should it be categorised in terms of economic and social relations? Are climate protection agreements abstract paper tigers, or do they have an impact on our daily lives? What happens at the annual UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs)? The seminar begins by explaining the scientific foundations and interrelationships underlying these questions. In the second part of the seminar, participants will work in groups to examine specific topics in depth.
Learning objectives and skills
The seminar takes an interdisciplinary approach to analysing the various perspectives and the complex interplay of measures, with the aim of enabling participants to understand the annual UN Climate Change Conferences (COP). Furthermore, students will acquire the skills to communicate the findings and outcomes of these climate conferences to the wider public and to put them into practice. An in-depth examination of the issues of climate change, climate protection and climate change adaptation within the context of our society is also intended to enable students to play an active role in the public debate – whether whilst attending a COP, within their own academic or professional circles, or in the wider public sphere.
Method
The lecturers structure the first few weeks of the seminar as an interdisciplinary, seminar-style lecture featuring illustrative examples, exercises, discussion and group work. As the semester progresses, students work in groups on specific topics relating to the Climate Change Agreement, adopting an academic approach. The assessment takes the form of a module assignment (70% written paper/30% presentation).
Prerequisite
No specific prior knowledge is required; however, a keen interest in climate protection and a willingness, in principle, to support Hochschule München’s participation as an HM observer at the upcoming COP are desirable.
Get involved
Taking part in the seminar offers the opportunity to attend the annual UN Climate Change Conference in the following winter semester as a representative of Hochschule München, which is one of the few European universities to hold special observer status.