Learning to Shape Change Critically: The New Transformation Module at Leuphana
How can first-year students learn to analyse societal change critically and to help shape it? In a contribution (in German) to the proceedings of the second conference on Interdisciplinary Education for Sustainable Development (I-BNE), Laura Picht-Wiggering, Lina Bürgener, Daniel Fischer and Roberto Nigro (all Leuphana University Lüneburg) introduce the new Transformation Module in the Leuphana Semester, first offered in the winter semester 2025/26.
Paper Abstract:
The global challenges of the sustainability crisis demand a profound socio-ecological transformation. Universities play a key role in this process by fostering critical thinking, reflection, and transformative action. Due to that, as part of a reform of the Leuphana Semester at Leuphana University Lüneburg, the new “Transformation” module was developed. It integrates the previous modules “Science Problematizes: Critical Thinking” and “Science Transforms: Responsible Action,” combining analytical reflection with action-oriented design. Students develop scientifically grounded perspectives on societal transformation processes, create future visions, and explore their own solution approaches. The module promotes interdisciplinary thinking and practice-oriented research, empowering students to become competent actors for a sustainable future.
Bibliographic reference:
Picht-Wiggering, L., Bürgener, L., Fischer, D. & Nigro, R. (2025). Impuls – Wandel kritisch-konstruktiv gestalten lernen: Das neue Modul „Transformation“ im Leuphana Semester. In D. Humburg, B. Dernbach & M. Klages (Hrsg.), Interdisziplinäre Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung (I-BNE): Beiträge zur zweiten Fachkonferenz 2024 an der Technischen Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm (S. 5–14). Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm. https://doi.org/10.34646/thn/ohmdok-4055
