This module offers a taught introduction to global sustainable development, and is only available to students from outside the School for Cross-faculty Studies (which includes Global Sustainable Development, Liberal Arts, and Design). The module explores contemporary issues in a global sustainable development context and will guide students through an interdisciplinary exploration of key issues relating to the economic, environmental, and social spheres of sustainable development.
Upon completion of the module, you will acquire specific subject knowledge that will allow you to:
Explain and reflect critically on the reasons why some countries developed while others stayed poor
Explain the global social problems that are caused by particular forms of economic development
Explore the role of humans and human behaviour in the context of environmental change
Develop an understanding of the sustainability implications for societies of different forms of food, education and health challenges
Understand some of the most important economic cases for sustainable development policy intervention
Apply fundamental economic principles and techniques to the analysis of global sustainable development problems and describe how economic activity relates to social and environmental development
Understand the implications of environmental decline for the future of our economy and societies
Write critically about different ideas of sustainable development, addressing the interdisciplinary nature of the topics covered.
This module acts as an introduction to the key themes of Global Sustainable Development through discussion and exploration of the three pillars of global sustainable development. This interdisciplinary module uses examples and case studies to explore the economic, environmental, and social interactions within current global sustainability challenges. Topics include, but are not limited to:
• Society and the Environment
• Colonialism
• Why are some countries rich and others poor?
• Tragedy of the Commons
• Is there a tradeoff between economic growth and environmental sustainability?
• Environmental Policy
• What happens if we continue to extract
• The hidden consequences of environmental decline
Group Presentation (in-person)
15 minutes (40%)
Three Pillars Essay
1 x 2,000-word essay (60%)
Please note: Module availability and staffing may change year on year depending on availability and other operational factors. The School for Cross-faculty Studies makes no guarantee that any modules will be offered in a particular year, or that they will necessarily be taught by the staff listed on this page.
