The main aim of this course is to provide the students with a view of the geopolitical relevance of population and sustainability issues, making them able to use notions and tools from different disciplines in social science discussions and research. The basic skills to be assessed are the following ones: 1. ability to grasp and understand data, concepts and philosophical principles and dilemmas relevant to issues concerning demography, environmental ethics and politics, sustainability studies 2. ability to apply the acquired knowledge and understanding to policy issues 3. development of critical skills and autonomous judgmental capacities, also in view of framing policy suggestions and solutions 4. learning skills, i.e., ability to conduct research on academic texts and journals, or through the collection and analysis of data 5. team working skills 6. capacity to give articulate oral and written expression to critical analytical thinking, in a thesis-driven, analytical essay format.

None.

This course focuses on the interrelation between demography, ecology, environmental ethics and sustainability studies. In particular, the class will deal with issues concerning the Anthropocene, population evolution and environmental migration, energy, biodiversity, urbanisation, environmental governance and climate justice.

• Prof. Giordano’s part: McNeill, J. R., & Engelke, P. (2016). The great acceleration: An environmental history of the Anthropocene since 1945. Harvard University Press. • Prof. Pellegrino’s part: The Handbook of the Philosophy of Climate Change, ed. by G. Pellegrino and Marcello Di Paola, Springer, chaps. to be indicated. • Additional book for non-attending students: Broome, J. (2012). Climate Matters. Ethics in a Warming World. W. W. Norton & Company.

The course employs lectures and seminars to equip students with the necessary skills to critically analyse environmental and sustainability issues. It is structured as follows: • Prof. Giordano’s classes will combine theoretical lectures with applied seminars focusing on spatial and demographic dynamics related to environmental and sustainability challenges. Students will explore how population trends, resource distribution, and territorial processes shape contemporary issues through data analysis and discussions. Active participation is expected, and reading the assigned materials is essential. • Prof. Pellegrino’s classes will develop conceptual frameworks and foster critical inquiry into sustainability's ethical, political, and philosophical dimensions. Lectures will introduce key theories, while debates will challenge students to analyse normative approaches, dilemmas, and conflicting perspectives on environmental responsibility. Active engagement is required, and reading the assigned materials is essential.

The final grade for the course will be based on two in-class written tests. Both tests will consist of three open-ended questions chosen by the student from a total of nine. The evaluation will consider clarity, depth of analysis, and use of course concepts. Tests and Grading • Test 1 (Midterm – Prof. Giordano’s part, 30%): It is highly recommended that you take it. If you miss it, for whatever reason, you will not have another opportunity to take it. • Test 2 (Final – Prof. Pellegrino’s part, 70%): Open to all students. • Students who do not take the midterm will have their final grade entirely determined by a final test on both parts of the course (100% of the grade). Non-Attending Students • Non-attending students will take a written exam at the end of the course, on both parts of the course. • The exam format remains the same (three open-ended questions out of nine). • Non-attending students are required to study one additional book. Failure to comply with the exam rules, including unauthorized consultation of materials, will result in a zero on the test and may be subject to further academic consequences. For more details on the assessment rules please refer to the course learn page.

- Active attendance at the course; - Quality and interest of the proposed research topic for the thesis.