Course Resources Archive

This module aims to critically explore the link between environment and society and the role of sustainable development in providing a viable framework for the future changes in the management of various environments.  Using participatory approaches each student will be challenged to explore the underpinning philosophies and ethics of sustainability and understand how these are played out in a real-time case study.  The link between ecological systems and society will be explored in some detail.  The need to manage change will be a core element of the course with an emphasis on collective action and integrated approaches that cut across the dominant narrative of discipline and specialisms.  

The module has 6 main areas:

• Exploring extant philosophies, ethics and practices concerning sustainability;
• Managing environmental systems – lessons from history and experience;
• Change management: collective and integrative approaches, systems thinking;
• Making sustainable decisions: applying theory, principles and tools;,
• Developing and disseminating a way forward;
• Determining your own understanding of sustainable environments.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. engage in-depth with various philosophies, ethics and practices associated with sustainability and of the concepts/theories from different interdisciplinary and inter-professional perspectives;
2. develop knowledge and practical expertise in change management including areas of integration and collaboration;
3. gain an in-depth exposure/ practical knowledge of participatory research and learning methods that can be integrated in their own practice;
4. concisely express a well developed understanding of the processes associated with making sustainable decisions through the application and adaptation of appropriate theories, principles and tools;
5. critically appraise various means of valuing sustainability that assist in overcoming traditional barriers in policy thinking towards sustainable solutions;
6. be self-sustaining, critically reflective and able to develop and disseminate a clear way forward within the workplace or similar setting.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.