Elective course Globalisation & Sustainable Development

The interdisciplinary course Globalisation and Sustainable Development consists of a series of lectures and debates by (international) experts on contemporary topics in a variety of domains. These topics are approached from a global relations perspective and focus on 3 concepts: globalisation, sustainability and development.

The lectures make attendants aware of the importance of context, culture, history and experience in knowledge creation and (inter)national development strategies and practices. The course aims to provide a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of contemporary global issues while at once stimulating students’ (self)reflective and respectful attitude towards other cultures. In an ever globalising world, these are important social but also employability skills.

This optional course is part of the Global Minds Programme of Hasselt University in which several sensitisation events provide an opportunity for critical thinking about development cooperation. Also, there is a strong focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The emphasis is on the global dimension, where globalization and the 'South' is central.

The lectures are open to all students and anyone who is interested. The programme for academic year 2025-2026 can be found below.

In the fall of 2025, this elective course will cover the topic "An intersectional approach to globalisation and sustainable development".

This year the course critically examines the complex relationship between globalization, inequality, and sustainable development through an intersectional lens.

Globalization has intensified social, economic, and environmental transformations worldwide, but its benefits and burdens are unevenly distributed. By centering the intersection of gender, class, and race, we explore how global processes produce and reinforce multiple forms of systemic inequality. Students will engage with key theoretical frameworks and case studies to understand how marginalized communities are differently impacted by global economic structures, labor markets, environmental degradation, and migration patterns.

Furthermore, the course investigates how sustainable development — when approached through an intersectional perspective — can offer pathways toward greater social and environmental justice. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating sustainability initiatives, questioning for whom and by whom development is designed, and imagining transformative strategies that prioritize equity at local and global levels.

Programme 

Structure & language

The course consists of interactive lectures and workshops by guest speakers specialized in different areas of study. Every lecture will foresee the possibility of interaction between the speaker and the audience. UHasselt  students are expected to submit a question on the topic prior to each lecture, based on articles on Blackboard. All lectures will be in English.

Target group

• AUHL students:
  - Hasselt University: Students can register for the course (1955) with the approval of their faculty.
  - PXL: Students can register for the course with the approval of their department.
• Others: The lectures are open to all interested people, free of charge.

Examination

• Attendance at all lectures is required.
• Participation in the discussions during the lectures is encouraged and is supported by the mandatory submission of a question on the topic, prior to the lecture.
• See study guide

Registration 

• For UHasselt students: Registrations for 2025-2026 are open in your UHasselt student curriculum!
• For other participants: Registration is mandatory. You can register via this form (https://forms.gle/54UUS49x85RrLU479).

Coordination

• Academic coordination: Prof. dr. Koen Van Laer and Prof. dr. Wim Lambrechts
• Administrative coordination: Sara Schaeken (content) and Brigitta Bijloos (practicalities)