The Age of Sustainable Development" gives students an understanding of the key challenges and pathways to sustainable development - that is, economic development that is also socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
The Age of Sustainable Development
Offered By
Columbia University
About this Course
4.8
1,747 ratings
Skills you will gain
EnergySustainable EnergyUrban PlanningEnvironmental Protection
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
11 hour to complete
Course Materials
Information about the general course structure and reading list can be found here.
3 readings
3 readings
Suggested Readings for The Age of Sustainable Development10m
Syllabus10m
Course Overview10m
1 hour to complete
What is Sustainable Development?
Professor Sachs provides an overview of the challenges the world faces, and introduces the topic of sustainable development.
5 videos (Total 67 min), 1 quiz
5 videos
Economic Growth and Progress14m
Continuing Poverty14m
Environmental Threats10m
Paths16m
1 practice exercise
QUIZ: What is Sustainable Development?20m
Week
22 hours to complete
Inequality Around the World
Professor Sachs delves into the reasons for and the measurements of inequality between and within countries.
5 videos (Total 73 min), 1 quiz
5 videos
Urban/Rural Inequality12m
Income Inequality Within Countries13m
Measuring Wellbeing14m
Convergence or Divergence?14m
1 practice exercise
QUIZ: Inequality Around the World20m
Week
32 hours to complete
A Short History of Economic Development
Professor Sachs provides a history of economic development, starting with the Industrial Revolution and ending with the current state of modern economic growth.
5 videos (Total 78 min), 1 quiz
5 videos
The Industrial Revolution Starts in England12m
The Great Waves of Technological Change14m
The Diffusion of Economic Growth16m
Economic Development Since World War II21m
1 practice exercise
QUIZ: A Short History of Economic Development 20m
Week
42 hours to complete
The History of Inequality
Professor Sachs analyzes the intersecting roles of various factors that contribute to some countries advancing while others do not.
5 videos (Total 80 min), 1 quiz
5 videos
The Role of Physical Geography: Transport, Energy, Disease, and Crops17m
The Role of Culture: Demography, Education, Gender 17m
The Role of Politics 15m
Which Countries are Still Stuck in Poverty?15m
1 practice exercise
QUIZ: The History of Inequality20m
4.8
598 Reviews39%
started a new career after completing these courses
38%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
10%
got a pay increase or promotion
Top Reviews
This course was perfect for those wanting to explore the world of development, broad enough to include all interlinked themes, with sufficient reading materials to spark one's specializing interests.
The course was very interesting and relevant but a lot of data is outdated, some links are not working or have been changed. I would advise to review the course according to the latest developments.
Instructor
Jeffrey Sachs
Director, Earth Institute; Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development; Professor of Health Policy and Management
About Columbia University
For more than 250 years, Columbia has been a leader in higher education in the nation and around the world. At the core of our wide range of academic inquiry is the commitment to attract and engage the best minds in pursuit of greater human understanding, pioneering new discoveries and service to society.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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