AP1A35-Towards Sustainability: Positive Action for a Better World

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 20 [10 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: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This is a 20 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: 

• Defining sustainability and a brief history


• Introduction to the biosphere and human


• Thinking about change positively and being a change agent


• Climate


• Energy and Water


• Ecosystems, habitats and food


• Pollution, waste and recycling


• Products


• Green buildings and cities


• 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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Seminars		20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		40
Wider reading (directed)		40
Advance preparation for classes		20
Preparation for presentations		10
Completion of formative assessment tasks		20
Group study tasks		10
Reflection		20
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	60
Oral assessment and presentation	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

All of the assessments take place during the module or shortly after its completion. Students will be expected to produce  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.  Poster project (40%)


2. Individual Action Plan (60%)

Formative assessment methods:

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:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

By coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 27 September 2023