Lectures in Framework for Sustainability Visiting Professor Brian D. Fath Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Social Studies, Masaryk University Course Description: This graduate-level course investigates the concept of sustainability from first principles of energetics and ecology applied to socio-economic systems. It deals with the ecological, physical, economic, social, and moral dimensions of sustainability. Course Goals: 1. To provide students with a basic understanding of sustainability and the sustainable development goals. 2. To provide pertinent information about ecosystem functioning and services and how they interact with human society. 3. To explore the concept of sustainability and how it relates to the students’ everyday life. Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to: 1. Identify and understand the 17 SDGs and tradeoffs among them. 2. Learn a systems approach to interpreting socio-ecological processes and relationships 3. Know the difference between growth and development and the planetary boundary limitations 4. Explore new paradigms that move away from an objectivist mental model of the world as machine to an organic, life-driven perspective Reading: Fiscus DA and Fath BD. 2019. Foundations for Sustainability: Coherent framework for Life-Environment Relations. Elsevier. Grading Policy: Course grade will be based on the combined total from paper, attendance, exercises, discussion, and exam. The final exam will be comprehensive, covering all class activities, discussions, lectures, and readings. Grade evaluation (points available): Paper 100 Exercises 50 Discussion 100 Final Exam 150 Total 400 Format: Arranged in 10 90-minute blocks. Each session will begin with a 30 minute overview and summary of the topic/reading, 20 minute exercise, and 40 minute discussion. Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to discuss with an open and curious mind. Outline: Thursday 26. 9. 14:00–15:40, room nr. P31 Lecture 1: Introduction to sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals. Exercise: students investigate one SDG in pairs, then look for overlaps and synergies Thursday 10. 10. 14:00–15:40, room nr. P31 Lecture 2: Ways of valuing the environment. Introduction of cultural theory and ecosystem services Exercise: recognizing diversity of opinions, choose the opposite side in discussion Thursday 17. 10. 16:00–17:40, room AVC Lecture 3: Limits to Growth, planetary boundaries, Flourishing overview Exercise: identify ways we exceed limits, ways we are under limits Thursday 24. 10. 14:00–15:40, room nr. P21 Lecture 4: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapter 1 systems thinking and win-win Exercise: systems thinking games, bathtub models Thursday 31. 10. 14:00–15:40, room nr. P31 Lecture 5: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapter 2 Ecologic metaphysics Exercise: thinking outside the box: view of life from a bug’s perspective Thursday 7. 11. 14:00–15:40, room nr. P31 Lecture 6: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapter 3 mutualism Exercise: communicating science to the general public Thursday 14. 11. 14:00–15:40, room nr. P31 Lecture 7: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapter 4 (origins of life)– 5 reforming reductionism Exercise: follow the money (or other natural currency) through the system Thursday 21. 11. 14:00–15:40, room nr. U44 Lecture 8: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapters 6 – networks Exercise: basic network models reveal synergism and mutualism Tuesday 26.11., 8.00 - 9.40, room nr. U35 Lecture 9: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapters 7 – Rosen Exercise: applications in your daily lives and in the Moravian landscapes Thursday 28. 11. 14:00–15:40, room nr. P31 Lecture 10: Foundations for Sustainability – Chapters 8-9 – applications & Sustainability for all Exercise: Czech path to SDGs Thursday 5. 12. 16:00–17:40, room nr. P31 No class Final Exam: To be scheduled, most likely on December 12 at our normal time.