Universität Wien

233070 VU Integrating Perspectives: Foundations for Multidisciplinary Thinking (2026S)

2.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 23 - Soziologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
We 15.04. 15:00-17:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 200 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

On 29 June, the class will be held from 15:00 - 17:00 in the Small Ceremonial Hall of the University of Vienna!

  • Wednesday 04.03. 15:00 - 17:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Wednesday 11.03. 15:00 - 17:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Wednesday 18.03. 15:00 - 17:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Wednesday 18.03. 17:00 - 18:15 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Wednesday 25.03. 15:00 - 17:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Wednesday 22.04. 15:00 - 17:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Wednesday 29.04. 15:00 - 17:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Wednesday 06.05. 15:00 - 17:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Monday 29.06. 15:00 - 17:00 Ort in u:find Details

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This lecture course examines how climate, environmental and sustainability challenges are understood and addressed across different academic disciplines. These complex issues are shaped not just by ecological processes but also by social, cultural, political and economic factors, requiring collaboration beyond individual fields.
Through expert inputs and guided discussions, students explore how disciplines such as Environmental Systems Science, Political Science, Science and Technology Studies, and Ecology frame problems and propose solutions. The course encourages critical reflection on assumptions and methods embedded in disciplinary traditions and supports students in developing the vocabulary and conceptual awareness needed to engage with other fields.
Each session introduces thematic or methodological perspectives and highlights the connections between theory and practical applications. The course further establishes the conceptual foundation for the KU, ensuring coherence between interdisciplinary insights and collaborative problem-solving.

LEARNING AIMS
* to acquire basic knowledge of how different disciplines conceptualize socio-environmental challenges;
* to be able to read and summarize key disciplinary perspectives and research practices;
* to read and discuss how different fields frame and investigate complex problems;
* to be able to identify assumptions, limits and potentials of specific disciplinary approaches;
* to gather initial experience in reflecting on disciplinary languages and methods;
* to understand why reflexivity and conceptual openness are key to interdisciplinary thinking.

PLEASE NOTE
If you register for both the VU and the KU and are accepted onto the KU, your VU registration will be cancelled, as the VU content and units are included in the KU programme. However, if you are not accepted into the KU, you can still participate in the VU.

MORE INFORMATION
Further information on the VU and the ‘Integrating Perspectives' module can be found here:
https://ech.univie.ac.at/integrating-perspectives

Assessment and permitted materials

To pass this course, students are expected to complete the following tasks:
a) Write a reflection after each focal point session
b) Write an essay at the end of the semester
c) Take an active and constructive part in all activities and tasks within the course units
d) Submission of all required deliverables on time
e) Adhere to the general standards of good academic practice

This course uses the plagiarism-detection service Turnitin for larger assignments.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The grading scheme is based on a total of 100 points. These points will be awarded in relation to students’ performance in meeting the course learning aims in the different obligatory tasks.

The maximum number of points to be acquired for each task is:
a) Reflection of focal point sessions: 60 points, assessed individually, feedback on request;
b) Essay: 30 points, assessed individually, feedback on request;
c) Active participation: 10 points, assessed individually, feedback on request

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of 50 points is necessary to successfully complete the course. Failure to meet the attendance regulations, to deliver course assignments on time or to adhere to standards of academic work may result in a deduction of points.

GRADES
100-89 points -> Excellent (1)
88-76 points -> Good (2)
75-63 points -> Satisfactory (3)
62-50 points -> Sufficient (4)
49-0 points -> Unsatisfactory (5) (fail)

If not explicitly noted otherwise, all requirements mentioned in the grading scheme and the attendance regulations must be met.

ATTENDANCE
If you miss the first unit of the course unexcused, you will be automatically de-registered. This course requires participants to attend regularly and actively participate in activities, discussions of the course materials and input from the lecturers. One unexcused absence is permitted. Repeated absences without good reason will result in a negative assessment. If you miss more than two units, the lectureres can give you additional individual assessments to help you pass the course. If you cannot take part in a unit, please excuse yourself in advance.

GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF AI
Generative AI tools can be used for research purposes or to correct language errors, but not for writing reflections or the essay.

Examination topics

Throughout the semester, the course involves various individual tasks. Full details will be provided in the first unit and on Moodle.

Reading list

The materials will be made available via the Moodle course section "units" and "additional materials".

Association in the course directory

Last modified: We 11.03.2026 17:27