In today’s world, sustainable development has become an increasingly important concern for individuals and organizations across the globe. Sustainable development education is critical for learners at Rishihood who are committed to addressing global challenges and promoting environmental sustainability. By valuing life beyond just humans, supporting regenerative development, and acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills, individuals can make a positive impact on the world and create a sustainable future for all living beings. It is, therefore, crucial for individuals to have a solid foundation in sustainable development education, as this will not only enhance their career prospects but also their ability to contribute positively to society.
At Rishihood University, we believe education on sustainable development to be a ‘horizontal’ and not a ‘vertical’. The concept of horizontal sustainable development education refers to a model of education that provides foundational training to all learners in critical aspects of sustainable development, irrespective of their academic disciplines. This approach recognizes that sustainable development is not only a concern for environmentalists or policymakers but also has become an essential aspect of modern society, impacting every industry and profession.
The proposed foundation training for learners consists of five key pillars:
Learners will study systems thinking, which is a way of understanding and analyzing complex systems. This includes understanding how systems work, how they interact with each other, and how they can be influenced and changed.
Learners will study regenerative development, which is an approach to sustainable development that aims to restore and improve the natural environment while also promoting social and economic development. This includes understanding concepts such as ecological restoration, sustainable agriculture, and green energy.
Learners will study the grand challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, and how innovative solutions can be developed to address these challenges. This includes understanding the role of technology and entrepreneurship in driving sustainable development.
Learners will study the political economy of development, including the role of institutions and policies in promoting sustainable development. This includes understanding how governments, NGOs, and other institutions can work together to promote sustainable development.
Learners will study decolonizing knowledge, which is an approach to understanding and addressing the legacy of colonialism and its impact on sustainable development. This includes understanding how different knowledge systems and worldviews can be integrated to promote sustainable development.
By providing learners with foundational training in these five key areas, universities can equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to be socially responsible and environmentally conscious citizens. This will not only help learners to become more competitive in the job market but also enable them to contribute positively to society, by applying sustainable development principles in innovative and impactful ways. Combined with our impact-focused majors, the sustainable development minor enhances career prospects in domains like social entrepreneurship, non-profits, multilateral organizations, think tanks, bureaucracy, and more.
We list 8 courses of 3 credits each (total 24 credits) that will together comprise the Sustainable Development minor at Rishihood. This will be offered to all undergraduate students at Rishihood. We believe that together these courses should fulfill the learning objectives we have listed above.
Sustainable Development Minor at Rishihood (8 courses X 3 credits = 24 credits)
We list 8 courses below that together comprise the Sustainable Development Minor for undergraduate students at Rishihood. The broad course outlines are shared to give sense of the topics covered. Each bullet point roughly corresponds to 1hr of content.
Credits: 3
Course Description:
This course introduces students to systems thinking, a holistic approach to understanding and analyzing complex systems. The course will focus on applying systems thinking to sustainability, examining how environmental, social, and economic systems interact and can be influenced to promote sustainable development.
Week 1: Introduction to systems thinking
● Concepts and principles of systems thinking
● Characteristics of complex systems
Week 2: The role of feedback loops and system dynamics
● Positive and negative feedback loops
● System behavior and stability
Week 3: Systems thinking tools and techniques – Part 1
● Causal loop diagrams
● Stock and flow diagrams
Week 4: Systems thinking tools and techniques – Part 2
● Systems archetypes
● Scenario planning
Week 5: Applying systems thinking to environmental sustainability
● Case studies of systems thinking in environmental contexts
● Identifying leverage points for sustainable change
Week 6: Applying systems thinking to social sustainability
● Case studies of systems thinking in social contexts
● Addressing social-ecological systems
Week 7: Applying systems thinking to economic sustainability
● Case studies of systems thinking in economic contexts
● Balancing economic growth and sustainability
Week 8: Group project
● Analyzing a real-world sustainability issue using systems thinking
● Developing strategies for sustainable change
● Presentations and peer review
Credits: 3
Course Description:
This course explores regenerative development, an approach to sustainable development that aims to restore and improve the natural environment while promoting social and economic development. Students will learn about key principles and practices of regenerative development, including ecological restoration, sustainable agriculture, and green energy.
Week 1: Introduction to regenerative development
● History and evolution of the concept
● Differences between regenerative and sustainable development
Week 2: Key principles of regenerative development
● Living systems principles
● Regenerative design framework
Week 3: Regenerative practices – Part 1
● Ecological restoration
● Restoration ecology and ecosystem services
Week 4: Regenerative practices – Part 2
● Sustainable agriculture
● Permaculture and agroecology
Week 5: Regenerative practices – Part 3
● Green energy and circular economy
● Renewable energy technologies and waste reduction strategies
Week 6: Regenerative development case studies – Part 1
● Regenerative urban planning
● Biophilic design and urban ecology
Week 7: Regenerative development case studies – Part 2
● Community-based conservation
● Collaborative natural resource management
Week 8: Regenerative development case studies – Part 3
● Business models for regenerative development
● Case studies of successful regenerative businesses
Credits: 3
Course Description:
This course examines the grand challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, and explores how innovative solutions can be developed to address these challenges. Students will learn about the role of technology and entrepreneurship in driving sustainable development through case studies and real-world examples.
Week 1: Understanding global grand challenges
● Climate change
● Poverty and inequality
Week 2: Global health and food security
● Disease and public health challenges
● Sustainable food systems and nutrition
Week 3: The role of innovation in sustainable development
● Technological innovations for sustainability
● Diffusion of innovations theory
Week 4: The role of entrepreneurship in sustainable development
● Social entrepreneurship
● Social innovation and impact investing
Week 5: Public-private partnerships for sustainable development
● Benefits and challenges of partnerships
● Case studies of successful partnerships
Week 6: Case studies of innovative solutions – Part 1
● Clean energy technologies
● Decentralized energy systems and energy access
Week 7: Case studies of innovative solutions – Part 2
● Sustainable agriculture and food systems
● Vertical farming and precision agriculture
Week 8: Case studies of innovative solutions – Part 3
● Inclusive and equitable economic development
● Innovation for poverty alleviation and job creation
Credits: 3
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the political economy of development, focusing on the role of institutions and policies in promoting sustainable development. Students will explore how governments, NGOs, and other institutions can work together to promote sustainable development through case studies and real-world examples.
Week 1: Introduction to the political economy of development
● Basic concepts and theories
● Key actors in the development process
Week 2: The role of institutions in development
● Formal and informal institutions
● Institutional change and development
Week 3: Governments and policy-making for sustainable development
● National development strategies and policies
● Regulatory frameworks and enforcement
Week 4: International organizations and agreements for sustainable development
● The United Nations and its agencies
● Multilateral environmental agreements
Week 5: Non-governmental organizations and civil society in sustainable development
● The role of NGOs in advocacy and service provision
● Grassroots movements and community-driven development
Week 6: Case studies of institutional collaboration – Part 1
● Climate change governance
● National and international climate policies
Week 7: Case studies of institutional collaboration – Part 2
● Global health initiatives
● Public health partnerships and programs
Week 8: Case studies of institutional collaboration – Part 3
● Poverty reduction strategies
● Multisectoral approaches to poverty alleviation
Credits: 3
Course Description:
This course introduces students to decolonizing knowledge, an approach to understanding and addressing the legacy of colonialism and its impact on sustainable development. Students will explore how different knowledge systems and worldviews can be integrated to promote sustainable development through case studies and real-world examples.
Week 1: Understanding decolonizing knowledge
● Historical context and legacy of colonialism
● The impact of colonialism on knowledge production
Week 2: The role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable development
● Indigenous knowledge systems and practices
● Biocultural diversity and resilience
Week 3: Recognizing and respecting cultural differences
● Cultural competence and humility
● Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism
Week 4: Cross-cultural communication and collaboration
● Strategies for effective cross-cultural communication
● Building trust and rapport in diverse teams
Week 5: Pluralism and inclusive decision-making
● Participatory approaches to decision-making
● Empowerment and voice in sustainable development
Week 6: Case studies of decolonizing knowledge – Part 1
● Indigenous land management practices
● Traditional ecological knowledge and conservation
Week 7: Case studies of decolonizing knowledge – Part 2
● Postcolonial approaches to environmental conservation
● Community-based natural resource management
Week 8: Case studies of decolonizing knowledge – Part 3
● Transformative education for global citizenship
● Decolonizing pedagogies and curricula
Credits: 3
Course Description:
This course explores the Indian perspective on sustainable development, drawing from the rich philosophical and cultural traditions of India. Students will learn about the core principles and values in Indian philosophical texts that underpin sustainable development, and examine contemporary applications of these principles in various domains of sustainability.
Week 1: Introduction to Indian philosophical traditions
● Overview of Indian philosophical schools
● The role of Indian philosophy in shaping cultural values and practices
Week 2: Sustainability principles in ancient Indian texts – Part 1
● Dharma (duty) and the ethical foundation for sustainable living
● Karma (action) and the interconnectedness of all beings
Week 3: Sustainability principles in ancient Indian texts – Part 2
● Ahimsa (non-violence) and its application to environmental and social sustainability
● Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and the pursuit of simple living
Week 4: Sustainability in traditional Indian practices
● Traditional agriculture and agroforestry practices
● Traditional water management and conservation techniques
Week 5: Indian perspectives on environmental ethics
● Concept of Prakriti (nature) and reverence for the natural world
● Indian ecological movements and environmental stewardship
Week 6: Indian perspectives on social justice and equity
● Concepts of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and Sarvodaya (welfare of all)
● Indian models of grassroots development and community empowerment
Week 7: Indian perspectives on economic sustainability
● Gandhian economics and the principles of self-reliance and swadeshi
● Models of sustainable and inclusive economic development in India
Week 8: Case studies and contemporary applications
● Integrating Indian perspectives into national and local policies for sustainable development
● Case studies of Indian organizations and initiatives promoting sustainable development
Credits: 3
Course Description:
This course introduces students to sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Students will explore the role of business in sustainable development and learn about strategies and best practices for incorporating sustainability and social responsibility into business operations.
Week 1: Introduction to sustainable business
● The role of business in sustainable development
● Triple bottom line approach
● Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability reporting
Week 2: Green marketing and eco-innovation
● Principles of green marketing
● Product life-cycle analysis and eco-design
Week 3: Supply chain management and resource efficiency
● Sustainable procurement
● Circular economy and waste reduction strategies
Week 4: Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
● Identifying and prioritizing stakeholders
● Stakeholder dialogue and consensus-building
Week 5: B Corporations and social enterprises
● Definitions and characteristics
● Legal structures and certification processes
Week 6: Circular economy business models
● Product-as-a-service and sharing economy models
● Case studies of circular economy businesses
Week 7: Best practices in CSR and sustainability reporting
● Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards
● Integrated reporting and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
Week 8: Group project
● Developing a sustainability plan for a real-world business
● Presentations and peer review
Credits: 3
Course Description:
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead non-profit organizations effectively. The course covers a wide range of topics, including visioning, strategy, leadership challenges, non-profit landscape, program design, monitoring and evaluation, fundraising, thought leadership, governance structure, financial management, engaging volunteers, talent management, capacity building, and building networks and partnerships.
Week 1: Visioning, Strategy, and Building to Last
● Defining a clear vision and mission for non-profit organizations
● Strategic planning and long-term sustainability
Week 2: Leadership Challenges in Non-Profits and Non-profit Landscape
● Unique challenges faced by non-profit leaders
● Developing effective leadership styles and skills for the non-profit sector
● Overview of the non-profit sector in India and globally
● Key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the non-profit landscape
Week 3: Programme Design and Monitoring and Evaluation
● Identifying needs and opportunities for non-profit programs
● Designing effective and impactful programs
● Importance of monitoring and evaluation for non-profits
● Developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks
Week 4: Documentation, Fundraising and Thought Leadership
● Overview of fundraising sources and strategies: CSR, crowdfunding, HNIs, grant writing
● Effective reporting and documentation for donor relations
● The role of thought leadership in non-profit organizations
● Strategies for building thought leadership and influencing the sector
Week 5: Governance Structure, Financial Management, and Engaging Volunteers
● Developing effective governance structures for non-profits
● Ensuring financial transparency and accountability
● Importance of volunteer engagement in non-profits
● Strategies for recruiting, managing, and retaining volunteers
Week 6: Talent Management, Capacity Building, and Building Networks and Partnerships
● Attracting and retaining talent in non-profit organizations
● Developing staff capacity and fostering a culture of learning
● Importance of collaboration and partnerships in the non-profit sector
● Strategies for building networks and partnerships with NGOs, corporates, influencers, government, and multilaterals
Week 7: Case Studies and Real-world Examples
● Analyzing successful non-profit organizations and their approaches
● Identifying best practices and lessons learned
Week 8: Group Project
● Developing a strategic plan for a real-world non-profit organization
● Presentations and peer review
Register your interest with our 3-step selection process-
1
Online Application
2
Aptitude Test
3
Personal Interview
