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
The Age of Sustainable Development
Columbia University
About this Course
101,450 recent views
Learner Career Outcomes
39%
started a new career after completing these courses
36%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
11%
got a pay increase or promotion
Skills you will gain
EnergySustainable EnergyUrban PlanningEnvironmental Protection
Learner Career Outcomes
39%
started a new career after completing these courses
36%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
11%
got a pay increase or promotion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 38 hours to complete
Suggested: 2 hours of lectures per module
English
Subtitles: English, Chinese (Simplified)
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
Course Materials
Information about the general course structure and reading list can be found here.
1 hour to complete
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.
1 hour to complete
5 videos (Total 67 min)
5 videos
Economic Growth and Progress14m
Continuing Poverty14m
Environmental Threats10m
Paths16m
1 practice exercise
QUIZ: What is Sustainable Development?20m
2 hours to complete
Inequality Around the World
Professor Sachs delves into the reasons for and the measurements of inequality between and within countries.
2 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 73 min)
5 videos
Urban/Rural Inequality12m
Income Inequality Within Countries13m
Measuring Wellbeing14m
Convergence or Divergence?14m
1 practice exercise
QUIZ: Inequality Around the World20m
2 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.
2 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 78 min)
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
2 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.
2 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 80 min)
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
Reviews
4.8
TOP REVIEWS FROM THE AGE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
by LGMay 18, 2017
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.
by KAJul 25, 2017
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.
by CHFeb 21, 2018
This is the best Coursera course I have taken for its breadth of content knowledge and also the clarify in which Prof Sachs taught and organized it. Truly meaningful and great learning experience.
by THSep 24, 2019
The course is really helpful to understand the sustainable development and challenges the world is facing is explained in very systematic manner. the statistical representations were very helpful.
by ASMar 20, 2018
I am very happy to complete The age of sustainable development and succeeded to pass the final exam grade 86.3% and i will continues other online Subjects.\n\nWarm Regards,\n\nAbshir Hussein Said
by SBOct 21, 2015
Excellent programme. Basic introduction of concepts like Gross Domestic Product and Purchasing Power Parity, presented in a relaxed way along with video footage.\n\nDefinitely worth your time.
by HDJan 23, 2020
I learnt the true meaning of sustainable development across the 3 dimensions of People, Planet and Profit. Highly enriching and insightful. Kudos to Prof Sachs to make the course so engaging.
by LLJun 10, 2017
This course gave me a clear explanation about sustainable development in various aspects. Informative and enlightening. Recommended for everybody interested in macroscale sustainable issue.
by RRJul 19, 2017
Loved every part of this course. Really provided a good insight towards sustainable development. Prof Sachs is really great and gives a lot of useful information during the lecture videos.
by SAFeb 2, 2018
There is some great material in here (especially detailing the more hopeful aspects of sustainable development). The only bad part was that some of the links need updating in the quizzes.
by AHOct 22, 2018
This course have been very informative, engaging, practical and utmost importance for our future survival. I learnt a lot of important concepts regarding sustainability of our human race.
by EKSep 20, 2019
I am working in low middle income country as an expat environmental engineer. This course has helped me to understand relations between institutions and set up better relations with them.
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.
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