SST 530 Policy, Regulation and Law
This content module is one of four in the second semester, designed to build on the foundational work in the first semester. It focuses on skill building in order to interweave interdisciplinary insights with the transdisciplinary knowledge necessary to bring about transformational change in issues of sustainability. The joint capstone assignment across the four content modules based on the SDGs and the IDGs will be coordinated by the instructor of the methods course in inter-and transdisciplinary in collaboration with the instructors of the content modules.
This module offers a dynamic and comprehensive examination of the legal frameworks, policies, and procedural mechanisms that underpin Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and ‘Business and Human Rights’ at local, national, and international levels. Building on the foundational knowledge acquired in the first-semester REACT seminar on Inter- and Transdisciplinarity—including participation, the science-policy interface, and societal transformation—students will engage with real-life scenarios to deepen their understanding of the intersections between law, governance, and sustainability.
The module explores the historical evolution of environmental and social governance, analyzes key international treaties and obligations, and evaluates case studies to assess their alignment with sustainability norms. Students will gain insight into diverse legal frameworks, including the EU’s sustainability regulations and the dynamic legal landscape of the U.S., while incorporating perspectives from other global contexts. Special attention will be paid to the articulation and application of human rights in the Global North and South, emphasizing how these non-binding frameworks can complement legally binding regulations to drive transformative action.
Students will critically distinguish and compare terms like "social responsibility" and "social justice," which are often used interchangeably but hold different implications in practice. With a strong emphasis on practical application, they will actively participate in simulated negotiations, scenario-based problem-solving, and discussions on the skills and knowledge necessary for societal transformation. These dynamic learning methods equip students to navigate and leverage legal and policy instruments effectively to address critical sustainability challenges, including climate change, resource management, corporate accountability, and human rights protection.
Offered
Spring