The course aims to provide students with the conceptual and analytical tools to understand the role of communication in global change processes related to sustainability. Drawing on the sociological perspective of cultural and communicative processes, the course addresses three interconnected dimensions: communication of sustainability (how institutions and organizations communicate environmental and social issues), communication about sustainability (how media and the public sphere frame the debate), and communication for sustainability (how participatory communication promotes change). The course integrates theoretical perspectives with empirical global case studies, exploring the intersections between the climate crisis, democratic governance, digital media, activism, and institutional communication (ESG and corporate).

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: 1. Distinguish and apply the typology of the three modes of sustainability communication (of, about, for). 2. Critically analyze the role of media and public communication in setting the sustainability agenda. 3. Evaluate ESG and corporate communication strategies in relation to international standards. 4. Understand the nexus between democracy, governance, and sustainability from a comparative perspective. 5. Analyze cases of digital activism and global socio-environmental movements. 6. Produce an academic paper and present it effectively in oral form.

The course is organized into four thematic modules: MODULE I – Foundations (Weeks 1–3): Concepts of sustainability and sustainable development; communication as an essential dimension of change; the of/about/for sustainability communication typology. MODULE II – Media, Public Opinion and Agenda (Weeks 4–6): Media framing of the climate crisis; ESG and corporate communication; greenwashing and accountability; science communication and post-truth. MODULE III – Democracy, Participation and Global Governance (Weeks 7–9): The democracy-sustainability nexus; multi-level governance; non-state actors and legitimacy; digital media and civic participation. MODULE IV – Activism, Movements and Global Change (Weeks 10–12): Socio-environmental movements; digital communication and dissent; student presentations and collective discussion; post-democracy and structural challenges.

Suggested readings: Bornemann et al. (2022) The Routledge Handbook of Democracy and Sustainability. Servaes, J. (2013). Communication for development and social change. Supplementary materials will be distributed during the course.

The course is based on lectures. Each class combines theoretical presentation, critical discussion of assigned readings, and analysis of empirical cases. From week 4 onward, a portion of each class is dedicated to student presentations on their ongoing papers, followed by collective discussion with instructor and peer feedback. Active participation in class discussion is strongly encouraged throughout the course.

Assessment consists of two components: IN-CLASS PRESENTATION (33%): From week 4 onward, students will present their work-in-progress paper in class (15–20 minutes + 5–10 minutes Q&A). The presentation will be assessed on: clarity of exposition, argumentative quality, use of sources, and ability to respond to questions. FINAL PAPER (66%): An academic essay written in English, 2500 words (excluding bibliography), to be submitted at the chosen exam session. The paper must address a course-related topic through an original research question, literature review, critical analysis, and conclusions. Assessment criteria: originality of argument, critical use of sources, methodological rigour, and academic writing quality. Students are invited to propose their paper topic by week 3, to receive preliminary feedback from the instructor before presentations begin.

The final paper topic is proposed by the student. The topic must fall within the disciplinary scope of the course (sustainability communication, global governance, media and climate change, digital activism and social movements). Students will submit a brief proposal of no more than 300 words (provisional title, research question, brief description of intended method and main sources) by the end of week 3. The instructor will provide written feedback within one week of receiving the proposal. No formal pre-approval is required, but consultation with the instructor before the final draft is strongly encouraged.