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IM934 Regenerative Futures: Pathways to Planetary Wellbeing

IM934
Regenerative Futures: Pathways to Planetary Wellbeing






Graphic contrast of Technical System Design and Living System Design.

Conceptualising Regenerative Development and Design (Mang, P., Reed, B., 2012)Link opens in a new window

15/20/30 CATS (7.5/10/15 ECTS)

Term 2

‘Regenerative Development’ is an emerging area of research and practice, enabling healthy and flourishing social and ecological systems. Moving away from a system where humanity and nature work against each other, to a paradigm where humans thrive as part of nature. From nature-based flood management to new bio-based materials, regenerative approaches are inspired by and work with the evolving, self-organising and self-healing potential of ecological systems. This module explores the potential that regenerative approaches have to transform areas as diverse as food production, construction, manufacturing, product design and urban planning and how technical, policy and social shifts can support these changes into the future.

This module develops students’ theoretical, methodological and practical skills to enable humanity to thrive, in the context of pressing environmental challenges. As environmental crises deepen, disciplines and practices respond by integrating new concepts, frameworks and methods into their ways of thinking and intervening in the world.

MODULE CONVENOR - Dr Carla Washbourne

OUTLINE SYLLABUS

Themes that the module will cover include:

  • Understanding regenerative development
  • Regenerative systems
  • Working with nature - ecological and bio-inspired approaches to:
    • Food and fuel
    • Materials and products
    • Art and design
    • Engineering and construction
    • Policy and society
  • Ecoliteracy - crafting stories of regenerative futures
  • Regenerative development - a critical appraisal

The course will combine the introduction to a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to regenerative development.

Weekly lectures will introduce key concepts and theories, using case studies and examples, and provide opportunities to explore and engage with these as a group. Seminar sessions will take a range of small group and class approaches and centre on the application of concepts, methods and approaches, encouraging critical reflection on how regenerative approaches can be used in real-world settings.

ILLUSTRATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY

Students will be encouraged and assisted in researching and developing their own reading list to support their final assessed pieces.

    Readings in preparation for lectures and seminars will mostly consist of journal articles as well as chapters selected from the following background books:
    Reports and guides:
    Key journal articles setting out definitions, frameworks and approaches will be engaged with including:
    Recommended accessible / popular books:

    LEARNING OUTCOMES

    By the end of the module, students should be able to:

    • Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues and key transdisciplinary debates around global environmental challenges.
    • Critically reflect upon the relevance of regenerative approaches for achieving sustainable futures, using theoretical frameworks and practices from across a range of disciplines.
    • Critically examine responses to future global and local environmental challenges faced by contemporary societies (e.g. climate change, biodiversity loss)
    • Apply knowledge to examples and analyse selected cases of regenerative approaches to environmental concerns.
    • Apply theories of regenerative development to concrete disciplinary, and professional contexts
    • Identify innovation in regenerative approaches and their significance for tackling emerging environmental and social challenges

    ASSESSMENT

    Formative:

    • Short case study presentation midway through the term. Compulsory for module completion, but does not contribute to the final grade.

    Summative:

    • Final assessed piece of 1750 words for 15 CATS; 2500 words for 20 CATS; 4500 words for 30 CATS.
    • In a disciplinary or professional context of interest, choose between:
      • Present and analyse a case study that takes a regenerative approach.
      • Present and critique a theoretical framework related to regenerative development.

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