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 2026-2027 can be found below.

In the fall of 2026, this elective course will cover the topic "Global Transitions: A World in Flux".

The world is facing major challenges across multiple domains. Some describe this as a polycrisis - a situation in which distinct yet interconnected crises converge and reinforce one another. Geopolitical tensions and energy conflicts are intensifying; the green and sustainable transition poses complex economic and societal questions; the digital transition is reshaping industries and governance; and social transformations are redefining expectations regarding cohesion, equity, and participation.

In the elective course Globalisation and Sustainable Development, we will explore the defining characteristics of these overlapping transitions and the ways in which they interact. We examine how developments in one domain influence and accelerate change in others, creating both risks and opportunities. Building on a series of guest lectures, the course seeks to identify and critically assess concrete responses to the pressing questions that arise from a world in flux.

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 who take this course for credits: Registrations for 2026-2027 are open in your UHasselt student curriculum!
• For other participants: Registration is mandatory. You can register via this form.

Coordination

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