The global SDGs: From problem to solution
Full course description
Psychologists are invaluable sources of knowledge and allies for global governments in helping them to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), https://sdgs.un.org/goals. After all, many of the current global challenges require a deep knowledge of human cognition, motivation, emotion, and behaviour – as well as how to change these. Indeed, humans, and human behaviour, are central to achieving many of the (sub-)SDGs, whether it is a reduction of reliance on fossil energy sources, achieving gender equality, or creating optimal health and wellbeing. In this course, you will be introduced to and practice with the PATH model (Problem – Analysis – Test- Help). Using this protocol, you will (a) describe and analyse the psychology behind one of the SDGs, and (b) come up with ‘solutions’ – interventions – that enable this SDG to be attained. Your final (group) report will take the form of a policy brief.
Course objectives
Students are able:
- to apply psychological principles to global/societal problems (SDGs);
- to acquire basic knowledge of the cognitive, motivational, emotional, social, and behavioural factors are at the core of many societal and global challenges;
- to engage in creative problem solving while designing an intervention;
- to reflect on ethical and moral dimensions of an applied psychological problem;
- to take perspectives of other (sub)disciplines and stakeholders outside academia;
- to present research and recommendations to a non-specialized audience
- to work in teams
- J.G. Zimmerman
- A. Pawlowska