M.INC.ERST.636: Aspects of Sustainability: an international perspective

Learning outcome:

The subject is taught in an interactive and discursive way from a range of discipline perspectives, covering the philosophy and history of sustainability, ‘conventional’ and organic agriculture, tourism, urban sustainability, economics of sustainability (including the concept of a country’s ‘Ecological Footprint’) etc.
At the end of the course students should be able to:

• explain and criticise the key theories and concepts in sustainability
• analyse one selected sector of topic and produce a detailed critique of the extent to which it is currently sustainable (sector) or logically argued
• be able to report orally in a seminar, and in a written report
• have an understanding of the range of international laws, agreements, conventions,and leading international and national organisations working towards sustainable development and resource conservation.

Courses and examinations
Seminar: Aspects of Sustainability
Exam:
Written exam (180 min)

Prerequisite for examination:

• 1. Critical analysis of the concept of sustainability in both national and international
  contexts
• 2. active and facilitated comparison, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of sustainability
  issues
• 3. international context: international approaches to conservation and to sustainable
  and equitable use of natural resources; international laws, multilateral agreements,
  conventions and organisations

Admission requirements:
None

Recommended previous knowledge:
None

Language:
English

Person responsible for module:
Prof. Dr. I.F. Spellerberg

Course frequency:
Academic Term each winter semester

Duration:
One semester

Number of repeat examinations permitted:
Twice

Recommended Semester:
First to third semester

Maximum number of students:
10