Sustainability Science
Tun Myint, Political Science, Carleton College
Summary
This
course is conceived within the dual challenge of the need to understand
how societal dynamics and environmental dynamics interact over time AND
how they help induce or inhibit sustainability of social ecological
systems. The course introduces students to theories, concepts,
analytical frameworks, and research designs that will help us advance in
understanding the dynamic relationship between societal changes and
environmental changes.
Course URL: Syllabus linked from http://people.carleton.edu/~tmyint/Syllaframe.htm15-30
Course Size:
less than 15
Course Format:
Small-group seminar
Institution Type:
Private four-year institution, primarily undergraduate
Course Context:
This is a course aimed at juniors and seniors with some previous study
of political science and international relations. It also fills a
requirement for the Food and Agriculture, Conservation and Development,
and Water foci of the Environmental Studies major. The course attracts
Political Science majors, Environmental Studies majors and other
students interested in the environment.
Course Content:
Sustainability Science reviews the ontological and epistemic foundations
of "sustainability" and then examines the dynamics and diversity of
natural ecosystems and human institutions. After these topics are
discussed, the major focus of the course is on understanding how social
ecological systems respond to change: vulnerability, resilience,
adaptation, collapse.
Assessment:
Assessment criteria are embedded into each of the specific assignments for the course.
Syllabus:
Sustainability Science (Acrobat (PDF) 128kB Jun18 12)
References and Notes:
- Fritjof Capra, The Hidden Connection: A Science for Sustainability Living
- Simon Levin, Fragile Dominion: Complexity and Commons
- Brian Walker and David Salt, Resilience Thinking: Sustaining Ecosystems and People in a Changing World
- Lance H. Gunderson and C. S. Holling, Panarchy: Understanding Transformations in Human and Natural Systems
- Donald Kennedy (ed), State of the Planet 2006-2007