Histories of Energy Transitions (ECS300)

Content

Societies across the globe are in dire need to decarbonize their energy systems and to switch to renewable energy production, a transformation generally known as the green transition. Whereas the motivation for this energy transition is particular – anthropogenic climate change – the transition from one energy source to another is not unique. Throughout history, societies have harvested different energies and transitioned from one energy carrier and system to another, such as from organic to fossil materials.

In five thematic modules, students will learn about energy transitions through the lens of energy history and their wider implications for nature, societies, and cultures. They will explore energy transitions as a concept and as a political, social, and environmental reality. And they will learn about the importance of studying energy and energy transitions in history.

This course will teach students that energy transitions not only are technological but also societal and cultural transformations. As such, Histories of Energy Transitions will be valuable for students from sciences, technology, engineering, humanities, education, and arts who are interested in energy issues.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• has knowledge about the theories, processes, and methods for investigating energy transitions

• has knowledge about how energy transitions have historically been conceptualized

• has knowledge about energy transitions as a process

Skills:

• can recognize how energy transitions are historical processes shaped by various actors

• can find, evaluate, and apply information about energy transitions in a scientifically acceptable way

• can reflect over energy transitions historically

General competence:

• can present central scientific concepts in written form

• can develop ideas independently and participate in online discussions with others about interdisciplinary issues

• can plan and complete compulsory activities on time

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Coursework requirements

All five mandatory assignments must be completed. The five thematic mandatory assignments will serve as the final examination.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Method of work

This course will be taught online as a collection of shorter lectures, individual literature study, and self-directed assignments. The asynchronous format allows for a high degree of self-directed progression through the course activities and objectives which is organised along five thematic modules.

The course is taught online as an asynchronous course. There are five thematic modules within the course, each with videos, readings, and activities to engage with the topic of energy transitions. All of these materials will be available online. There will be one mandatory assignment for each of the five thematic modules. The due dates for these will be spread over the semester. These will be submitted via the Canvas page for the course.

Open for

How to apply:

If you are a student at UiS or any of the other ECIU universities: Apply here

If you are not a student at UiS or any of the other ECIU universities: Apply here

Literature