Sustainability (SUST)

SUST 401 - Exploring Sustainability

Credits: 4

This interdisciplinary course is focused on discovering what sustainability means, understanding the challenges, and exploring transformative solutions. We explore the concept of sustainability and the three intersecting dimensions of environmental, social, and economic well-being. We learn about systems and explore specific sustainability challenges. Learning in this course is active and participatory. We also explore the role of personal and collective action and how we each can play a role in building a more sustainable society.

Attributes: Environment,TechSociety(Disc)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SUST #401A - Surveying Sustainability

Credits: 2

This course explores the history of sustainability and the varied and changing meanings of the concept. It focuses on the principles of sustainability in support of the long-term welfare of humans and the earth system. Students discuss and debate a set of global grand challenges, their local and national ramifications, and how to connect knowledge to action. To count towards the SDM, it must be followed by SUST #401B at Shoals Marine Lab.

Co-requisite: SUST #401B

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

SUST #401B - Surveying Sustainability Lab

Credits: 2

This week long intensive course takes place at the Shoals Marine Laboratory, and must be preceded by SUST #401A. This course is focused on using the Isles of Shoals archipelago as a case study of the ecological, economic, and social aspects of sustainability, as explored through a systems framework.

Co-requisite: SUST #401A

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

SUST 501 - Sustainability in Action

Credits: 4

This course explores what sustainability action entails from academic and practitioner perspectives. We begin by understanding the cross-cutting perspectives and methods of sustainability science including transdisciplinarity, systems thinking, stakeholder driven research, and solutions-based projects. We build on this knowledge to explore sustainability challenges using case studies to provide current and local context for the material we cover. Students are expected to apply the theoretical concepts to these practical examples of sustainability science in practice.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): SUST 401 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SUST 600 - Sustainability Independent Study

Credits: 1-4

SUST 600 will provide an independent study to students who are interested in studying of a topic in sustainability in depth. Due to the highly personalized nature of SUST 600, the specific readings, activities and assignments will vary based on student interests and disciplinary backgrounds. At a minimum, students will be guided in how to prepare a project proposal, place their work within the current literature on the topic, and complete a final project.

Prerequisite(s): SUST 401 with a minimum grade of D-.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading

SUST 605 - Sustainability Internship

Credits: 1-4

SUST 605 will provide credit for practical work or a project experience in sustainability. The purpose of SUST 605 is to gain practical experience working in a sustainability field while simultaneously achieving specific learning goals pre-identified by the student and faculty mentor.

Prerequisite(s): SUST 401 with a minimum grade of D-.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Grade Mode: Credit/Fail Grading

SUST 750 - Sustainability Capstone

Credits: 4

This course is the culminating experience for the Sustainability Dual Major. The overall format is to: 1) synthesize the knowledge obtained in other core courses and elective courses taken for the Sustainability Dual Major; and 2) work in groups to apply that knowledge to a specific project. As sustainability science is focused on developing solutions to place-based sustainability challenges, students will delve into a specific sustainability issue, applying their disciplinary expertise within interdisciplinary teams.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Prerequisite(s): SUST 401 with a minimum grade of C- and SUST 501 with a minimum grade of C-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading