AP1A34-Towards Sustainability: Positive action for a better world

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: AP1A28 Global Sustainability: Challenges and Prospects
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Julian Park
Email: j.r.park@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is a 10 credit University-Wide module offered at Part 1 the aim of which is to better understand the sustainability challenges facing the world and to consider the positive actions that can be taken either collectively or at the individual level that aids the sustainability agenda. The module will consist of lectures, case studies, discussions and speakers from external organisations as well as  a group project work. 

Aims:

To develop students’ broad understanding of the concept of sustainability, where the sustainability challenges lie and the mechanisms and positive actions that are and can be taken in the context of enhancing sustainability.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Articulate and understand a range of perspectives on sustainability 


2. Evaluate some of the key threats to global sustainability 


3. Explain to others how sustainability is being addressed at a range of different levels (for instance from global through to individual)


4. Outline an individual action plan to enable more sustainable living 

Additional outcomes:

Core skills:

• Developing both presentational and analytical skills


• Interaction with other students– developing team work and communication skills


• Interpersonal skills – developing skills in purposeful questioning.

Outline content:

Topics covered will include a range of the following: 

• Perspectives of sustainability


• Limits to growth, population, resources, inequity and environmental degradation


• The energy dilemma and climate change


• Land use and the environment


• International and national policies for sustainability


• Corporate and individual responsibility


• Land use and the environment


• Positive activism


• Case studies of sustainability

Global context:

Sustainability is a global issue and this module will illustrate and draw on appropriate examples from different parts of the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• On-line preparatory lectures – introducing key sustainability concepts and basic underlying systems


• In class exercises – a series of in class exercises focusing on discussion about different perspectives on sustainability.


• Opportunity to interact in small groups will be given throughout the module.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

All of the assessments take place during the module or shortly after its completion. A group report will take the form of a poster to explain how and the levels at which sustainability action could potentially be taken. Students will be expected to produce a briefing document explaining their own sustainability action planning.

There are 2 summative components:

1. Group poster project (40%)


2. Individual Action Plan (60%)

Formative assessment methods:

At the beginning of the term students will be asked to install to their Android/Windows/iOS devises the “Socrative” student app. This is used for in class quizzes, open questions, group competitions and instant feedback. The app enables the user to present graphs and instant reports. This will enable further understanding and will allow the instructor to evaluate and assess learning techniques and methods. The app also facilitates the case study work by enabling students to complete short answer questions online and receive instant feedback by the module convener.

To facilitate the case study work students are required to complete short answer questions (reflective practice) at the end of each lecture.  There will be formative MCQ tests during the module for students to check their understanding of some of the basic sustainability principles.

Penalties for late submission:

Late submission is not permitted for the poster presentation.

The standard University policy applies for the Individual Action Plan. 

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

By coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required textbooks:

2) Specialist equipment or materials:

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:

4) Printing and binding:

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 22 September 2022