Course content
We face big challenges in this world. Climate change, poverty, health & wellbeing, access to quality education, decent work, loss of biodiversity, and growing inequalities are just a few of the interconnected sustainability challenges represented by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the face of these challenges, the Nordics offer inspiration. Nordic countries and companies are cited as global sustainability leaders, frequently topping sustainability performance indicators like the SDG Index. This immersion and discussion-based course explores sustainability in the Nordics firsthand to consider what learnings may be prosperously applied in the US.
Our inquiry focuses on the very concept of capitalism itself, and the relationship between capitalism and sustainability and democracy. In doing so, we consider the ideas of “American shareholder capitalism” vis-à-vis “Nordic stakeholder capitalism” to compare American and Nordic policies and cultures, and their effects on sustainability practices and performances. This course includes a significant preparation element whereby students will have completed the (in-progress) book Sustainable Vikings: What the Nordics Can Teach Us about Reimagining American Capitalism by the course instructor in advance of the immersion experience.
The immersion experience involves morning and afternoon sessions held at the Copenhagen Business School and with site visits to relevant Nordic organizations to visit. Site visits are always subject to change, but visits with such organizations as Carlsberg, Novo Nordisk, Coop Danmark, MAD Academy, Global Fashion Agenda, Nordic Council of Ministers, and the Danish Government can be expected. The city of Copenhagen is also explored to consider how it aims to be the first carbon neutral capital in 2025, and therefore such elements of this program include utilizing the transportation systems of the city.
See course description in course catalogue