Course syllabus

Welcome to Energy Transition in Society at Dalarna University

The course deals with the ongoing energy transition in society from the current dominance of fossil fuel to a sustainable energy future based on non-fossil-based energy sources. The perspective is international, with a focus on the energy transition within the EU; however, examples are also given and discussed based on national as well as local challenges and opportunities. Energy production in the form of electricity, fuel and heat as well as energy use in society are covered in the course.

The course adopts an interdisciplinary approach to highlight how the energy transition influences different sectors within society from an environmental, economic and social perspective. A large component of the course is based on scientific articles and other publications that are discussed at seminars.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

• account for historical and current energy needs,
• critically discuss future energy scenarios, how they are developed, their limitations and their implications,
• explain challenges with the energy transition in society and discuss how stakeholders can prepare for and implement these challenges,
• discuss the work within society to achieve an energy transition with national plans, policies, laws and strategies, such as carbon-trading mechanisms.

The course is divided into four different forms of educational interaction.

First, there is a series of lectures (8). These provide introduction to various fields and complement a vast array of literature that provides perspectives and insights into the interdisciplinary field of transition studies and energy transition. 

Second, there are four seminars and one workshop. The seminars are structured around specific literature and the ability to discuss, reflect and comment on the content of the literature.   

The third dimension of the course is the outlook. Issues of energy transition already dominate everyday life and the public society. It also influences art, culture and news media. The outlook is a student-led collaboration among participating students to look around during the course and to dwell on the commentaries of energy systems and transition in society during the course.

Finally, the assignment is structured so that you as a student will have an opportunity to discuss with the supervisor regarding the content and development of the written assignment. 

	Course Syllabus			Contact information
	Reading List			Daniel Normark Course Coordinator dno@du.se