Social institutions and institutional design 2400-OG-EN-SIaD

This course explores the ways in which institutions - formal rules, informal norms - shape society with particular focusing on the problem of the pathways toward sustainable development. The course introduces key theories of institutionalization and institutional design, from classical perspectives to contemporary approaches. Through case studies and interactive discussions students will critically assess how institutions enable or hinder resilience, participation, and justice in modern societies and cities. Emphasis is placed on institutional innovations dedicated to sustainable development such as co-production, urban living labs, and commons governance. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
1. critically evaluate theories of new institutionalism and their application in modern urban contexts;
2. explore the relationship between policy, social norms, and governance frameworks
3. analyze how institutional design affects governance, inclusivity, and resilience in cities.

Total student workload

Contact hours with teacher: np. - participation in discussion seminar - 20 hrs Self-study hours: np. - preparation for discussion seminar 20 hrs - reading literature- 20 hrs - preparation for test- 30 hrs Altogether: 90 hrs (3ECTS)

Learning outcomes - knowledge

Student W1: understands the theories and principles behind social institutions and their role in society. W2: knows case studies of institutional design in various cultural and political contexts

Learning outcomes - skills

Student U1: is able to analyze the processes involved in designing effective and inclusive social institutions U2: is capable of apply analytical tools to improve or create social institutions that promote social justice and stability

Learning outcomes - social competencies

Student K1: develops skills to collectively assess social issues at the local level and identify appropriate policy responses K2: can work with group.

Course coordinators

Joanna Szalacha-Jarmużek

Teaching methods

Discussion, on-site group projects

Assessment criteria

Practical tasks (W1, W2, U1, U2, K1, K2):
Grade from practical tasks:
Lack of done tasks – fail-2.0
Very low-quality tasks – satisfactory- 3.0,
Low quality tasks – satisfactory plus - 3.5,
Average-quality tasks – good- 4,
Good-quality tasks– good plus- 4,5,
Very good-quality tasks – very good- 5.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2400-OG-EN-SIaD in USOSweb