Information on individual educational components (ECTS-Course descriptions) per semester

  
Degree programme:Contextual Studies
Type of degree:Intern
 Special-Time
 Summer Semester 2025
  

Course unit titleIntroduction to the Solidarity Economy
Course unit code800101011151
Language of instructionEnglish
Type of course unit (compulsory, optional)Elective
Semester when the course unit is deliveredSummer Semester 2025
Teaching hours per week2
Year of study2025
Level of course unit (e.g. first, second or third cycle)First Cycle (Bachelor)
Number of ECTS credits allocated3
Name of lecturer(s)Robert MOOSBRUGGER


Prerequisites and co-requisites

Prerequisites: None

Time slot: Intensive training week 14-17 April 2025

Course language: English

Number of participants: Minimum 9 persons / maximum 18 persons

Course costs: approx. 10-20 € for excursions

Sustainability:

  • SDG 8 - decent work and decoupling of economic growth and resource consumption
  • SDG 11 - inclusive and resilient communities with quality of life in the neighbourhood
  • SDG 12 - sustainable consumption and production patterns and lifestyle changes 
Course content

Although the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) is not a new phenomenon, its importance and visibility have increased significantly since the turn of the century. The SSE is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of institutional entities and goes beyond traditional dichotomies of market and state. At a time when calls for new ways of doing business are growing, the SSE can provide a foundation for a business model that promotes inclusivity, sustainability and resilience.

This course provides an overview of the actors, activities, principles and values of the SSE. A particular focus is placed on so-called community enterprises, which are managed and owned by the community. Students will be introduced to the role that community enterprises can play in promoting sustainable and community-led local development. Excursions and practical tasks give them a first understanding of community enterprise development.

Learning outcomes
  • Students know the main theoretical concepts of the Social and Solidarity Economy.
  • Students understand the importance of the Social and Solidarity Economy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and for Community Led Local Development (CLLD).
  • Students know best practice examples of community enterprises in Vorarlberg and beyond.
  • Students know the main practical tools and methods for community enterprise development.
  • Students have created an impact model for a community enterprise using the “Theory of Change” method.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Lectures, own research on best practices examples of community enterprises, and group work.

Assessment methods and criteria

Active participation through own contributions and involvement in teamwork. Presentation of your own research and the relevant results of the group work.

Comment

For further questions please contact robert.moosbrugger@fhv.at

Recommended or required reading

Elsen, S. (2018). Eco-Social Transformation and Community-Based Economy (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351119863

Kurz, B., & Kubek, D. (2016). Social Impact Navigator: The practical guide for organizations targeting better results (Second revised edition). PHINEO.

Yi, I. (Ed.). (2023). Encyclopedia of the social and solidarity economy. A Collective Work of the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on SSE (UNTFSSE). Edward Elgar Publishing.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face, distance learning)

Intensive training week in class with an excursion and practical group work.

Summer Semester 2025go Top