Introduction
Contemporary media is saturated with images of extreme weather events, hunger, poverty, conflict, pollution, austerity, and financial crisis. Mounting evidence suggests the 21st century will be defined by unprecedented challenges related to environmental instability, economic inequality and risks to social well-being on a global scale. The idea of sustainability has become a focal point in efforts to tackle the root causes of these challenges yet often seems elusive. The meanings of sustainability and implications for action are as hotly contested as they are complex, wide-ranging and value-laden. As a result, this unit brings a wide range of perspectives to bear on questions of sustainability that integrate environmental, social and economic disciplines. The unit will develop your interdisciplinary understanding of sustainability through critical thinking, reflection and evidence-based argument focussed on practical case studies drawn from around the world. Unit delivery focuses on dialogue and inquiry between teachers, yourself, and your peers that respects the importance of diverse perspectives. The unit develops skills related to understanding core concepts, synthesising knowledge, communicating with diverse audiences, engaging in constructive debate and becoming more self-aware of what sustainability means and what practices it entails—professionally and personally.
Summary
| Unit name | Engaging with Sustainability |
| Unit code | HUM111 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Discipline | Tasmanian School of Business and Economics|Education|Agriculture and Food Systems|Philosophy |
| Coordinator | Doctor Graham Wood |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Introductory |
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of a range of evidence, debate, and theoretical perspectives related to social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability.
- Critically investigate and synthesise theories, practices, arguments, and values that give meaning to sustainability.
- Reflect upon and articulate your current understanding of sustainability and constructively engage with the views of others, both as an individual and as part of a group/team.
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
HAA101 Confronting Sustainability|XBR101 Engaging with SustainabilityTeaching
| Teaching Pattern | Weekly pre-recorded lectures (total of 2 hours) and real time tutorial (1 hour at a set time each week) |
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| Assessment | Essay Preparation Task (10%)|Essay (25%)|Learning Journal (25%)|Group Project (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Thiele (2013 or later edition) Sustainability, Cambridge: Polity Press, plus additional readings available in the Reading List (accessible via MyLO and the UTAS library site). |
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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.