The unit will critically examine the UNWCED's definition of Sustainable Development - "the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". The unit will introduce conceptions and theoretical underpinnings of sustainable development. It will identify and draw on diverse knowledge systems (Scientific; traditional, & local), with particular attention to indigenous knowledges and practices, while examining the impact of anthropogenic activities on ecosystems.

The unit will explore these concepts at different geographical scales, using cross-cultural perspectives that consider the need to contextualise sustainable development and examine it from local, national & global perspectives. The unit will examine key social, economic and environmental sustainability challenges in industrial countries, developing states, and those in transition. It will introduce frameworks to work with different stakeholders in multiple settings including public policy and the development sector.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate critical understanding of key concepts of sustainable development;
2. Demonstrate awareness of diverse knowledge systems & practices (Scientific; indigenous, and local) and apply these skills;
3. Develop frameworks to accommodate different knowledge systems to achieve sustainable development and maintain ecological balance;
4. Critically analyse major issues and challenges affecting sustainable development in different contexts, levels and scales; and
5. Develop practical skills to work with different stakeholders such as development agencies and public sector.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.