Abstract
The study investigates the extent to which sustainability is anchored in university curricula of a federal state (Brandenburg, Germany). (1) It provides a baseline for identifying opportunities for sustainability-related curriculum reform by analyzing study programs, levels and type of degree, level of anchoring, and context within the documents. (2) The case studies included an analysis and quantitative evaluation of 748 curricular documents. (3) A third of the study programs refer to sustainability; to an equal extent in both bachelor’s and master’s programs, and to an above-average extent in the fields of science and engineering. There is a strong commitment to sustainability in 12% of the curricula; however, it is strongly anchored in only 3% of study and examination regulations, and in only 9% of module descriptions. (4) For the first time, we have comprehensive results on sustainability in university curricula of an entire federal state and can discuss potentials for its further integration. The innovative method was developed out of the National Monitoring on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and adapted to the federal state level; the analysis of curricula through a wider set of variables is transferrable to other states. (5) The study provides indications for the regional development of universities which is crucial for future regional sustainability transformation.
Highlights
Quantitative statements have been made on the percentage of study programs that make reference to sustainability in their curricula (Section 3.1), at the level of degree awarded (Section 3.2) and the type of degree (Section 3.3), on the level of anchoring, and in the context of the reference to sustainability, both in the study and examination regulations (Section 3.5) and in the module descriptions (Section 3.6)
In order to view the results in the wider context, i.e., to make a systematic comparison with other federal states, it would be necessary to carry out the relevant studies
If we look at the level at which sustainability is anchored in the curricula in cross-university terms (Chapter 3.4), it can be concluded that a strong commitment to sustainability in the curricula is present in 12% of study programs
Summary
Contracts (2019–2023) for the state of Brandenburg pursue the goal of the comprehensive anchoring of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in higher education [1,2]. Education for Sustainable Development is an integral component of high-quality education for all areas “that enhances cognitive, social and emotional and behavioral dimensions of learning” [3] Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality Education/Education for Sustainable Development is considered to be a central leverage point for societal transformation towards sustainable development [4]. If this is the case, the curricula of study programs in (higher) education become a success factor in sustainable development itself
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