SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Universidad Interamericana de Costa Rica de Costa Rica
Professor: Sebastián Falla
I. LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION: English.
II. AUDIENCE: ISA students
III. CONTACT HOURS: 45 contact hours
IV. GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION AND COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Sustainable development is a perspective of development which is distinctive from that which was applied up to very recently; it is distinct in that it is based on economic growth. This course attempts to analyze this new view of development, taking into account its wide dimensions, various concepts, divergent criteria, ethical components, compatibility with the world economy, its results and its challenges. Given the current world situation, analysis and reflection on this topic is of utmost importance.
Specific Objectives:
1. Generate interest in the students to know, reflect, and debate about this new perspective on development.
2. Provide the students with methodological, systems thinking approaches to address sustainability challenges.
3. Know and understand this view of development, its principles, its practical applications, its achievements, and its limitations.
4. Identify the possible applications of this viewpoint on today's world economy and its importance as we confront the current worldwide environmental crisis.
5. Analyze sustainability from the different human perspectives, attempting to identify the possibilities for a future sustainable living.
V. COURSE PRE-REQUISITES:
This course has no prerequisites.
VI. REQUIRED READINGS/TEXTS:
There are not required readings or texts for this course, but it is highly recommended that the student develops the habit of researching in advance the topics that are to be covered during class. The following are all the topics this course will cover throughout the academic term:
The course has three areas of emphasis:
(1) Concept and definition of Sustainable Development (reasons for and realities about sustainable development)
(2) Systems thinking; the human and social perspectives of sustainability
(3) Sustainable strategies
Emphasis I: Concept and definition of Sustainable Development (reasons for and realities about sustainable development)
1. The need for Sustainable Development
* Relevant issues (global warming, contamination, hunger, energy crisis, health, biodiversity, and growth)
* Sensitization to Sustainable Development
* The growth and poverty trap
2. Conceptual framework of sustainable development
* The development stages
* Solutions to the moral argument of Sustainable Development
3. Major dimensions of sustainable development
* Economic dimension
* Social dimension
* Environmental dimension
Emphasis II: Systems thinking; the human and social perspectives of sustainability
1. Systems Theory
* Earth and Climate Systems
* Human Systems
* Economic Systems
2. Social drivers
* Economic sector
* Organized Civil Society
* International governance
Emphasis III: Sustainable strategies
1. Business and Product Strategies
* Life Cycle Assessment
* Eco-Design
* Recycling
* Carbon Footprint
* Sustainable Management
* The Marketing of Sustainability
2. Political Strategies
* Environmental Law
* Commercial Incentives
* The Future Role of Governments
3. Social strategies
* Education
* Social impact on government and private enterprise
* The power of the "profitable NGO"
VII. COURSE CALENDAR:
*Course schedule is subject to change by the teacher without prior notice.
VIII. EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Evaluation is seen as an on-going process; as such, it will be applied from the first to the last moment of the course. Furthermore, as the course is meant to be participatory and dynamic, students will participate as co-evaluators. Formal evaluation will be done primarily through exercises and practice activities. The exact percentages and formulas associated with evaluation will be jointly established by the students and the professor in the first two class periods.
Criteria for formal evaluation:
1. Participation in daily exercises and creation of summary and synthesis documents
2. Participation in field work and the creation of related reflective reports
3. In-class contributions
4. Presentation of assigned topics
Suggested Grade Distribution:
Partial Exam I 15%
Partial Exam II 15%
Final Exam 15%
Final Project 15%
First Draft (5%)
Final Report (5%)
Presentation (5%)
Reading Assignments 10%
Deliverables 15%
Presentation 10%
Debate 5%
*Extra Credits *[10%]
*There will be a 10% extra credit based on the following:
2 Optional Deliverables
5 Extra Reading Assignments
In-Class Participation
*Extra credits will be determined by the teacher only.
IX. ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Classes start on time. Arriving more than 10 minutes late is equivalent to being tardy. Three tardies equal one absence. Students who arrive more than 30 minutes late are marked absent. A student who accumulates four (4) or more absences fails the course.
X. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIAL ASSIGMENTS/ACTIVITIES:
Special assignments, particularly extra credit assignments, will be determined by the teacher based on the development of the course and the topics that are considered to need strengthening. These assignments will come in the form of essays, short presentations and extra research.
XI. OTHER EXPECTATIONS, RULES, CONDUCT GUIDELINES, SPECIAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
All assignments must be handed in on the due date.
Exams must be taken on the assigned date and will only be made up in case of documented emergencies. If an emergency occurs, it is the student's responsibility to communicate with the professor and make arrangements.
The University provides, upon request, appropriate academic adjustments for qualified students with disabilities. Any student with a documented disability (physical or cognitive) who requires academic accommodations should contact the Academic Coordinator as soon as possible to request an official letter outlining authorized accommodations. Approved accommodations will not change the basic elements of the course/class.
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