Module Code - Title:
GY4037
-
A SUSTAINABLE WORLD?
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
A Sustainable World provides students with the opportunity to engage with the growing field of geographical research on the relationships between social and environmental processes through the lens of sustainability. Beginning with the origins of sustainable development the module looks at the core ideas that underpin it and then considers how we are planning for a sustainable future. The key challenges derived from conflicting ideas and interests are discussed at varying local, national and international contexts.
Syllabus:
Using a series of historic and contemporary case studies, the module explores sustainability from a variety of environmental and societal contexts (social, cultural and economic) and analyses the differing approaches and conflicting messages and ideas at play in today's world. Beginning with the origins of sustainability, the module will introduce topics such as global issues in sustainability, consumption and waste, business and industry, public policy, education, the role of technology, sustainable cities and sustainability and the future.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehension of the key concepts, patterns, processes in sustainable development;
- Demonstrate and understanding of how sustainability is measured;
- Demonstrate the ability to construct critical arguments on the relationship between sustainability and a variety of related environmental and societal processes;
- Plan, design and execute one or more pieces of relevant research.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Appreciate the different actors at play in sustainable development;
- Perceive the conflicting trends and disparity across different scales of geography;
- Value independent learning and team work.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and self-directed learning.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Potter, R., Binns, T. and Elliott, J.A
(2019)
Geographies of Development: An Introduction to Development Studies.
, London: Routledge.
Portney, K.E.
(2015)
Sustainability.
, Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press.
Caradonna, J.L.
(2014)
Sustainability: A History.
, New York: Oxford University Press.
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BAULARUFA - ARTS
BSPHEDUFA - PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
immanuel.darkwa@ul.ie