Title: The lived experience of climate change: expanding the knowledge base through collaborative Master's curriculum in the European Union

Authors: Gordon Wilson

Addresses: The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK

Abstract: Climate change is a complex, real-world, defining challenge of our times where relevant knowledge and action are not confined to the epistemological foundations of any single academic discipline, although many such disciplines can and do contribute. Climate change education, therefore, requires a holistic approach which brings together different academic disciplines. This paper further argues, however, that, while this is necessary, it is not sufficient as the complexity of climate change cannot be captured by academic knowledges alone. An expanded notion of interdisciplinarity is required which integrates academic disciplinary knowledges with experiential knowledges of climate change of both professional practitioners and citizens in their daily lives.

Keywords: climate change education; interdisciplinarity; lived experience; multidisciplinary curriculum; European Union; professional practitioners; citizens; Masters courses.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2012.046052

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2012 Vol.6 No.1, pp.43 - 52

Published online: 30 Oct 2014 *

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