HEN670 Framework for Sustainability

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2019
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 10 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Brian D. Fath, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Christian Kerschner, M.Sc., Dr. (assistant)
Guaranteed by
doc. Mgr. Bohuslav Binka, Ph.D.
Department of Environmental Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Bc. Petra Burišková
Supplier department: Department of Environmental Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Thu 26. 9. 14:00–15:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy, Thu 10. 10. 14:00–15:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy, Thu 17. 10. 16:00–17:40 AVC, Thu 24. 10. 14:00–15:40 P21, Thu 31. 10. 14:00–15:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy, Thu 7. 11. 14:00–15:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy, Thu 14. 11. 14:00–15:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy, Tue 26. 11. 8:00–9:40 U35, Thu 28. 11. 14:00–15:40 P31 Posluchárna A. I. Bláhy
Prerequisites
This graduate-level course investigates the concept of sustainability from first principles of energetics and ecology applied to socio-economic systems. It deals with the ecological, physical, economic, social, and moral dimensions of sustainability.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 21 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
1. To provide students with a basic understanding of sustainability and the sustainable development goals. 2. To provide pertinent information about ecosystem functioning and services and how they interact with human society. 3. To explore the concept of sustainability and how it relates to the students’ everyday life.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to: 1. Identify and understand the 17 SDGs and tradeoffs among them. 2. Learn a systems approach to interpreting socio-ecological processes and relationships 3. Know the difference between growth and development and the planetary boundary limitations 4. Explore new paradigms that move away from an objectivist mental model of the world as machine to an organic, life-driven perspective
Syllabus
  • Arranged in 10 90-minute blocks. Each session will begin with a 30 minute overview and summary of the topic/reading, 20 minute exercise, and 40 minute discussion. Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to discuss with an open and curious mind. Outline: Sept 26 Lecture 1: Introduction to sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals. Exercise: students investigate one SDG in pairs, then look for overlaps and synergies October 10 Lecture 2: Ways of valuing the environment. Introduction of cultural theory and ecosystem services Exercise: recognizing diversity of opinions, choose the opposite side in discussion October 17 Lecture 3: Limits to Growth, planetary boundaries, Flourishing overview Exercise: identify ways we exceed limits, ways we are under limits October 24 Lecture 4: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapter 1 systems thinking and win-win Exercise: systems thinking games, bathtub models October 31 Lecture 5: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapter 2 Ecologic metaphysics Exercise: thinking outside the box: view of life from a bug’s perspective November 7 Lecture 6: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapter 3 mutualism Exercise: communicating science to the general public November 14 Lecture 7: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapter 4 (origins of life)– 5 reforming reductionism Exercise: follow the money (or other natural currency) through the system November 21 Lecture 8: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapters 6 – networks Exercise: basic network models reveal synergism and mutualism November 28 Lecture 9: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapters 7 – Rosen Exercise: applications in your daily lives and in the Moravian landscapes December 5 Lecture 10: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapters 8-9 – applications & Sustainability for all Exercise: Czech path to SDGs
Literature
    required literature
  • Fiscus DA and Fath BD. 2019. Foundations for Sustainability: Coherent framework for Life-Environment Relations. Elsevier.
Teaching methods
Course grade will be based on the combined total from paper, attendance, exercises, discussion, and exam. The final exam will be comprehensive, covering all class activities, discussions, lectures, and readings.
Assessment methods
Grade evaluation (points available): Paper 100 Exercises 50 Discussion 100 Final Exam 150 Total 400
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught only once.
General note: Fulbright Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, USA.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2019/HEN670