| CODE | IES5027 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Sustainability in Social-ecological Systems | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Institute of Earth Systems | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit will introduce students to concepts of sustainability in relation to social-ecological systems. The unit will be delivered in 2 main parts. In the first part, key characteristics of systems will first be described, including system structure and behaviour, systems traps, archetypes, and leverage points These concepts will be explored through both simple systems and with examples of complex adaptive socialecological systems. Related systems thinking frameworks and approaches will also be explored, with a focus on how these can better help us understand and manage the complexities of systemic behaviour. The second part of the unit will then build on these systems thinking concepts, to explore what renders social-ecological systems sustainable. Concepts of sustainability will be introduced, together with related aspects such as the definition and measurement of sustainability, the spectrum of sustainability views, elements that are considered when evaluating sustainability, and concepts of resilience. The importance of engaging with stakeholders will also be discussed as part of this analysis. Students will also be encouraged to explore and better understand their own ‘ethic’ of sustainability, including through an exploration of case studies. Study-Unit Aims: - To introduce systems thinking approaches; - To highlight the importance of adopting a systemic perspective when evaluating sustainability; - To provide an overview of the spectrum of sustainability perspectives; - To foster an appreciation of the interdisciplinary and cross-cutting nature of sustainability discourses; - To make students aware of the crucial link between environmental ethics and sustainability. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Appreciate the relevance of personal ethical choices to sustainability; - Distinguish systems thinking approaches from reductionist analysis methods; - Identify key characteristics of social-ecological systems; - Critically evaluate the concept of sustainability and its importance in relation to global environmental and human development crises. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Apply elements of systems thinking to problem analysis; - Analyze the significance of his/her own personal actions to sustainability matters; - Identify factors that may promote or limit successful functioning of social-ecological systems; - Collaborate on group-based deliverables. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Meadows, D.H. (2008) Thinking in systems: a primer. Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing. - Cabrera, D., and Cabrera, L. (2015) Systems Thinking Made Simple: New hope for solving wicked problems. Plectica Publishing. - Newton, L.H., Dillingham C.K. and Choly J.H. (2006) Watersheds 4: Ten cases in environmental ethics. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing. Other reading material to be provided. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Independent Online Learning and Seminars | ||||||||||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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