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Sustainability Studies | SUST

Mary LaviolettePictured | Mary Laviolette | Master of Liberal Studies / Graduate Certificate in Strategic Sustainability Leadership | Bachelor of General Studies, IU South Bend, 2017 | Elkhart, Indiana (hometown)


Sustainability Studies | SUST

P Prerequisite | C Co-requisite | R Recommended
I Fall Semester | II Spring Semester | S Summer Session/s


  • SUST-B 190 Human Behavior and Social Institutions (3 cr.) Develops insights into human nature, the nature of social institutions, the social processes that shaped the world of the twenty-first century.  In an interdisciplinary way, introduces the distinctive perspectives of the social sciences, emphasizing frameworks and techniques used in explaining causes and patterns of individual and institutional behavior. May be repeated for credit.
  • 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) May be repeated for credit.
  • 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 values, practices, technologies and strategies. It emphasizes interconnections between environment, economy and security. I, II, S
  • SUST-S 310 Systems Thinking for Sustainability (3 cr.) P: SUST-S 201; or permission of instructor. This course will give students a clear general understanding of what systems are and how they work, in order that they may have the conceptual tools needed for understanding and productively responding to sustainability challenges at local, national, and global levels.
  • SUST-S 341 Life in the Anthropocene: Past, Present, and Future(s) (3 cr.) This course introduces the concept of the Anthropocene and considers how to locate it in historical events, emerging processes, and in future trajectories. It will also consider what kind of Anthropocene we would like to live in, how to incorporate sustainable transitions, and how can we get there.
  • 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. 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.
  • SUST-S 490 Sustainability Practicum (3 cr.) P: SUST-S 201 and completed at least one 300 level sustainability course. 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 permission. 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 permission. 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 permission. 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 Strategic Sustainability Leadership Practicum (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 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.

Academic Bulletins

PDF Version

2023-2024 Campus Bulletin
2022-2023 Campus Bulletin
2021-2022 Campus Bulletin
2020-2021 Campus Bulletin
2019-2020 Campus Bulletin
2018-2019 Campus Bulletin
2017-2018 Campus Bulletin
2016-2017 Campus Bulletin
2015-2016 Campus Bulletin
2014-2015 Campus Bulletin

Please be aware that the PDF is formatted from the webpages; some pages may be out of order.