Sustainability Studies | SUST
P Prerequisite | C Co-requisite | R Recommended
I Fall Semester | II Spring Semester | S Summer Session/s
- BUSB-B 520 Design Thinking for Managers (1.5 cr.) We are all creative and our creative skills can be enhanced through learning and practice. This class will improve your skills in innovation and design thinking. This course is also based on the premise that rational analytic approaches to managerial decisions (a "decision attitude") form a valuable part of your education; however, ill-defined, ill-structured decisions are commonplace in your day-to-day working lives. Approaching ill-structured decisions (or so-called "wicked problems") requires a different approach that design thinking addresses. As Einstein said, "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."
- SUST-B 190 The Sustainable Future (3 cr.) In this course, students will be introduced to systems thinking and begin to examine the foundations of sustainability. Sustainability is generally characterized as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." It requires the integration of natural scientific understanding of the foundations of sustainability and the threat of environmental degradation, with social and behavioral scientific understanding of the social, economic, cultural and political factors driving the human contributions to the problem, as well as to its solution. It also draws upon the historical perspective, ethical sensibility, and creative imagination of the arts and humanities to help understand what led us to this point and to map out alternative futures. This course is designed to provide a broad based approach to societal challenges and an interdisciplinary framework within which students can study the foundations of sustainability and learn how the development and implementation of sustainable values, practices, technologies, and strategies in our homes, on campus, in the workplace, and in our communities can create system wide change. It emphasizes interconnections between environment, economy, and society, and encourages and empowers students to address the complex socio-environmental problems confronting our communities and the world.
- SUST-B 399 Human Behavior and Social Institutions (3 cr.) Develops insights into human nature, social institutions, and social processes that have shaped the world of the 21st century. Explores a specific critical problem or social science theme in a manner that takes into account perspectives from several disciplines. Attention given to ethical dilemmas as they arise in the discipline and theme of course. I (Every Other Year)
- SUST-S 201 Foundations of Sustainability (3 cr.) This course is designed to provide an interdisciplinary framework within which students can study the foundations of sustainability, and learn how to apply this knowledge to the development and implementation of sustainable valves, practices, technologies and strategies. It emphasizes interconnections between environment, economy and security. I, II, S
- SUST-S 360 Topics in Sustainability Studies (3 cr.) Topics announced in Schedule of Classes. An examination of topics and issues of special interest to sustainability studies not covered under the regular curriculum. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
- SUST-S 361 Sustainability Abroad (1-6 cr.) P: SUST-S 201 Topics announced in Schedule of Classes. An analysis of how sustainability is being incorporated into societies and cultures around the world. Can be conducted in the field or on campus. II May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
- SUST-S 411 Sustainability, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (3 cr.) P: SUST S-201 Foundations of Sustainability. This course will focus on understanding and applying key concepts for advancing sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives to create competitive advantage and new businesses. You will look for real world examples of innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities and develop analytic skills that will bring value to employers and businesses seeking strategic advantage through sustainable innovation. I
- SUST-S 460 Strategies for Transformative Leadership and Community Engagement (3 cr.) This course is designed to provide an interdisciplinary framework within which students can explore how the principles of sustainability intersect with community development. Students will learn how to apply this knowledge to the development and implementation of sustainable values, practices, and strategies in their own lives through participating in and planning effective community service projects focused on sustainability. By examining interconnections between environment, economy, and society, students will learn how community engagement impacts sustainability strategies at the individual, organizational, regional, and national levels. Ultimately, students will learn how to increase efficient use of human resources to collaboratively develop projects which will support and promote sustainable communities. II (Even years)
- SUST-S 490 Sustainability Practicum (3 cr.) P: SUST-S 201 and two other courses from Sustainability Studies. Students apply concepts and strategies of sustainability to develop a sustainability action plan for a local business, not-for-profit agency or governmental unit. This is a classroom based course..II
- SUST-S 491 Internship in Sustainability (3 cr.) P: SUST-S 201 and two other courses from the minor in Sustainability Studies, and prior consent from the instructor. Involves placement in a business, not-for-profit agency or governmental unit to give student hands on experience working with sustainability in a practical setting. I, II, S
- SUST-S 495 Directed Readings in Sustainability (1-3 cr.) P: SUST-S 201 and two other courses from the minor in Sustainability Studies, and prior consent of instructor. Independent study involving systematic schedule of readings contracted with and supervised by a faculty member. I, II, S
- SUST-S 496 Research in Sustainability (1-3 cr.) P: SUST-S 201 and two other courses from the minor in Sustainability Studies, and prior consent of instructor. Independent study involving systematic schedule of readings contracted with and supervised by a faculty member. I, II, S
- SUST-S 501 Sustainability Strategies and Applications (3 cr.) This course is designed to provide an interdisciplinary framework within which students can study the foundations of sustainability, and learn how to apply this knowledge to the development and implementation of sustainable values, strategies, practices and technologies in their business and organizations.
- SUST-S 520 Sustainability and Innovation (3 cr.) P: SUST-S 501 This course is designed to give students practical skills to manage sustainable innovation projects for businesses and other organizations.
- SUST-S 610 Topics in Strategic Sustainability Leadership (1-3 cr.) A selection of 1, 2, or 3 hour courses designed around topics not currently offered in the regular curriculum. Repeatable for up to 9 credits.
- SUST-S 620 Sustainable Technologies and Alternative Energy (3 cr.) P: SUST-S 501 This course provides students with an overview of the sustainable technologies and alternative energy sources and systems that are currently available on the shelf and ready for application in the home, workplace, and/or community.
- SUST-S 630 Sustainable Food Systems (3 cr.) P: SUST-S 501 This course is designed to provide an interdisciplinary framework within which students can explore how the principles of sustainability intersect with the food we eat. Students will learn how to apply this knowledge to the development and implementation of sustainable food systems.
- SUST-S 660 Sustainability and the Built Environment (3 cr.) P: SUST-S 501 This course examines the impact that the design, construction and operation of built environments has on the environment, economy, and society. It will explore how green building aspires to contribute to sustainability by transforming the design, construction, and operation of built environments.
- SUST-S 690 Sustainabiity Leadership Development and Planning (3 cr.) P: SUST-S 501 This course is intended to help students develop the stategic vision and leadership skills as well as practical tools and techniques to allow them to create and implement sustainability action plans within their businesses and organizations.
- SUST-S 690 Strategic Sustainability Leadership Practicum (3 cr.) (Effective 01-01-2016) P: SUST-S 501 This course is intended to help students develop the stategic vision and leadership skills as well as practical tools and techniques to allow them to create and implement sustainability action plans within their businesses and organizations.
- SUST-S 691 Sustainability Internship (3 cr.) P: SUST-S 501 or Permission of Instructor. The primary purpose of this course is to apply what you have learned through your sustainability course work to your internship experience. Readings and class discussions will encourage you to link sustainability concepts and perspectives to the concrete situations you encounter as an intern. The end result will be an improved ability to think sustainably and a greater appreciation of the applications of sustainability studies outside of the classroom.
- SUST-S 694 Professional Development for Strategic Sustainability Leadership (1 cr.) P: SUST-S 501. Offers students awareness of the conferences, professional associations, workshops and other venues available for continuing education, professional development and networking is sustainability. Students attend a professional conference, workshop, or similar activity. Students may make a presentation, serve on a panel, or participate in a poster session.
- SUST-S 695 Independent Study in Strategic Sustainability Leadership (1-3 cr.) P: SUST-S 501. This course is intended to give students the opportunity to engage in a set of directed readings or conduct research related to strategic sustainability leadership. I, II. May be repeated for up to 4 credits.