Principles of Sustainability

"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." ~ Aldo Leopold, Author, Conservationist

Principles of Sustainability Syllabus

This course involves the examination of a global view of sustainable practices, which includes analyzing international, national and local efforts. Primary topics of study include system and sub-systems, macro to micro, trade offs and unintended consequences. Students will focus on global environmental problems, sustainable economics, societal politics and policies. Science systems include ecosystems, energy flow, and matter cycling. Standard lab operating procedures are included. Laboratory activities emphasize equipment operation, record keeping, and data analysis. Fieldwork is required.

Unit 1: Introduction to Sustainability

This unit will serve as the inaugural unit. Its goal is to present a comprehensive overview of what sustainability is comprised of, which consists of but is not limited to the following; understanding the principles, analyzing the history and the difference from environmentalism, deciphering past international and national legislation & definitions, conducting a life cycle analysis and looking at what makes up developed and developing country characteristics. In addition to introductory content, students will start essential skill development, such as discourse, organization, presentation methods and time management. Also, this is when students will start construction their portfolios, which serves as the home to all of their work and is the main bridge between student and instructor.

Unit 2: The Big Ideas

Sustainability is not one real thought nor approach, but more an entire understanding and shift in perspective. After the students are introduced to sustainability on a basic level, they will now investigate the major themes, concepts and “big ideas” that are pushing the sustainability movement. Topics such as biomimicry, cradle to cradle design, and the tragedy of the commons are introduced here. The hope is that as students progress through this curriculum, that they exhibit elements of these concepts into their research, designs and rationale for their work in sustainability practice.

Unit 3: The History of Sustainability

Though the Brundtland Report originally coined the term “Sustainable Development” in 1987, the history of sustainability is rooted in a rich and complex series of events dating back to the environmental practice of Native Americans to how sustainability is still evolving in definition and application today. Students will date and time-line the ideas of Native Americans, the expansion west, the industrial revolution and the emergence of the environmental movement starting in the 1950s to today and how sustainability has since evolved from it. With focus on specific moments, people and dates, student will create an interactive timeline describing the essential moments and ideas from history that has and continues to influence the sustainability movement today.

Principles of Sustainability