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Alternative Theories and Concepts of Sustainable Development


Class
Phares Parayno
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About

This is an introductory course on sustainable development. It examines the concept of sustainable development in theory and application. It will analyze the mainstream and alternative views of sustainable development as framed by various prominent authors. To provide a historical perspective of the concept, the course will discuss alternative development theories and paradigms, which developed and developing countries have pursued. The implications of these different theories will also be analyzed. The course will also discuss the various events that led to the use of sustainable development. The course will analyze sustainable development from various issues arising from the global, to national, and to local level. The course will provide students a better understanding of the reasons and circumstances behind the present state of the environment, economic condition, and sociopolitical system that countries are in at present.

OBJECTIVES

A.  General:

At the end of the course, the students are expected to be able to:

  • Articulate concept of sustainable development
  • Apply the principles of sustainable development in various activities of environmental planning and management

B.   Specific:

The students are expected to:

  • Evaluate existing government and corporate programs based on sustainable development
  • Apply tools and strategies for carrying out a sustainable development program

Cognitive

  • Explain the various elements of sustainable development;
  • Read with comprehension journal papers with difficult arguments;
  • Evaluate relevant information to support arguments; and
  • Organize thoughts to explain ideas and concepts clearly in both oral and written modes.

Affective

Appreciate the value of ecological integrity;

  • Willing to listen to other different points of view; and
  • Demonstrate the spirit of cooperation in group effort and participate actively in group. discussions

Psychomotor

  • Conduct interview to various people with different points of view on sustainable development;
  • Communicate effectively ideas to other people.

 

 COURSE CONTENT

Week

Topic

Strategy/

Methodology

Skills

Values

Student Output

1

8, 10 Nov

Introduction

to the course/Orientation

Class Assignments and Project

Discussion

Sharing

 

Teacher evaluation

Expressing one’s opinions/ideas

Listening

Speaking

Openness

Positive attitude toward school work

 

Expectation Setting

 

 

 

2

15, 17 Nov

What is Sustainable Development? Debates, Definitions and Dilemmas

 

 

Games and Simulation

Drain or Sustain I (pebbles)

Drain or Sustain II (white and red pebbles)

Listening

Reading

Expressing one’s opinions / ideas

Concern for future generation, conservation or resources

Characteristics of a good listener

 

 

3

22, 24 Nov

Operational Definition of Sustainability

 

Games and Simulation

S.E.E. the Links (society, environment, and economy)

Discussion

Ability to link the three aspects of sustainable development

Attention to details

Assign 1: Reflection paper 1

4

29 Nov, 01 Dec

Evolution of sustainable development debate: From Rio to Durban

 

Student reporting Discussion

Ability to communicate ideas to classmates

Respect for the integrity of Earth’s ecological systems

Presentation of main ideas discussed in world  conferences held on sustainable development

5

06, 08 Dec

Evolution of sustainable development debate: From Rio to Durban

 

Student reporting Discussion

Ability to communicate ideas to classmates

Respect for the integrity of Earth’s ecological systems

 

6

13, 15 Dec 

Alternative Theories of Development

Discussion

Organizing one’s arguments

Critical thinking

Assign 2: (Un)Sustainability in the City: A Collage

7

03, 05 Jan

Global  sustainability

Lecture / discussion

Systemic thinking

Regard to finiteness of resources of the Earth

 

8

10, 12 Jan

Promoting sustainability in the national government

Case discussion

Analysis,  Critical thinking

Democratic institutions at all levels

 

9

17, 19 Jan

Promoting sustainability in the local government

Case discussion

 

Democratic institutions at all levels

Assign 3

10

24, 26 Jan

Sustainability at the program and project level

Analysis of cases / discussion

Demonstrates, Compares and contrast

Order, fairness

 

11

31 Jan

02 Feb

Sustainability and planning

Analysis of cases / discussion

Critical thinking

Order, Fairness

 

12

07, 09 Feb

Sustainability and environmental Management

Sustainability: view from the private sector

Analysis of cases / Discussion

Compares and contrast

Balance

Assign 4

13

14, 16 Feb

Sustainability in buildings

Analysis of cases / discussion

Compares and Contrast

Appreciation of the importance of conservation

 

14

21, 23 Feb

Strategic approaches to sustainability

Lecture / discussion

Planning with sustainability in mind

Balance

 

15

28 Feb

1 Mar

Measuring sustainable development indicators

Lecture /discussion

Ability to separate number, quantity, quality, and value

Objectivity

Assign 5: Review of a corporate or government sust devt report

16

6, 8 Mar

Creating a sustainable world

Scenario building

Ability to think in time, creating future scenarios

Objectivity

 

17

13, 15 Mar

FINALS

 

 

 

 

  

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
A. Course Requirements

  1. Reflection papers /Learning Journal
  2. Field trip / Report of Field Trip
  3. Critical review of sustainable development report
  4. Analysis of cases
  5. Presenting sustainable development issues through photographs

B.   Classroom Policies:

Students

  1. must come to class  on time
  2. must have read the reading assignment for the day and must participate actively in class tasks and activities .
  3. should submit their assignments, projects, and all other requirements on time in the classroom during class meetings. Late papers/requirements are not accepted.
  4.  must observe proper and polite behavior in class
  5. must not use their cell phones during class hours
  6. must observe the school’s policy on absences 
  7. must not copy/plagiarize. Plagiarism is not an option. The following sanctions shall be imposed on students who plagiarize:
  • First offense: Students shall receive a failing mark in the task and shall be reported to the chairperson of the Environment Department for appropriate sanction
  • Second offense: Students shall receive a failing mark in the subject and shall be reported to the Discipline Committee of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs (ADSA). 

 

GRADING SYSTEM   

Class Average

70 %

Prelim Exam /Final Exam

30 %

Final Grade

100 %

 
 

REFERENCES

Elliott, J. A. 1994. An Introduction to Sustainable Development: The Developing World. New York, NY: Routledge.

Korten, D. C. and Rudi Klauss (eds.) 1984. People Centered Development: Contributions toward Theory and Planning Frameworks. Hartford, Connecticut: Kumarian Press.

Peet, Richard and E. Hartwick. 1999. Theories of Development.  New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

Pieterse, J. N. 2001. Development Theory: Deconstructions/Reconstructions. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc.

Reid, David. 1995. Sustainable Development: An Introductory Guide. London: Earthscan Publications Limited.

WCED. 1987. Our Common Future. New York: Oxford University Press

 

CONSULTATION HOURS

Days:               WF

Time:               2:00 – 4:00 pm

Room:              MMJ 119, Chairperson’s office