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 examination

  • 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

Further details

  • Admission requirements: None
  • Recommended previous knowledge: None
  • Language: English
  • Person responsible for module: Prof. Dr. I.F. Spellerberg
  • Course frequency: Each winter semester
  • Duration: One semester
  • Number of repeat examinations permitted: Twice
  • Recommended Semester: First to third semester
  • Maximum number of students: 10