Masaryk University


                                            Lectures in

                                   Framework for sustainability


Course Description: This course investigates the concept of sustainability from first principles of
energetics and system sciences.  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.       Apply ecological principles to social systems

5.       Write a scientific essay on a current issue regarding Sustainability

6.       Learn to take an interdisciplinary perspective in problem solving, and

7.       Recognize features of sustainable systems in various disciplines



Readings:


Fiscus DA and Fath BD. 2018. Foundations for Sustainability: Coherent framework for
Life-Environment Relations. Elsevier.


Format:

Arranged in 12 90-minute blocks.  Each session will begin with a ~30 minute overview of the topic,
followed by 20 minute exercise, and 40 minute discussion.  Students are expected to come to class
prepared with the reading material and ready to discuss with an open and curious mind.

Grading:

Paper                            50

In class exercises          50

Discussion                   50

Group discussion lead   50

Final Exam                   100

Total                            300


Outline:


Thursday 22. 9. 14:00-17:40, room M117

•Lecture 1: Introduction to sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals.

•Lecture 2: Ways of valuing the environment. Introduction of cultural theory and ecosystem services



Thursday 6. 10. 14:00-17:40, room M117

•Lecture 3: Limits to Growth, planetary boundaries, Flourishing overview

•Lecture 4: Foundations for Sustainability (FfS) – Chapter 1 systems thinking and win-win



Thursday 20. 10. 14:00-17:40, room M117

•Lecture 5: FfS – Chapter 2 Ecologic metaphysics

•Lecture 6: FfS – Chapter 3 mutualism

Paper topic due



Thursday 3.11. 14:00-17:40, room M117

•Lecture 7: FfS – Chapter 4 – origins of life

•Lecture 8: FfS – Chapter 5 – reforming reductionism



Thursday 24.11. 14:00–17:40, room U32

•Lecture 9: FfS – Chapter 6 – networks.

•Lecture 10: FfS – Chapter 7 – Rosen.



Thursday 1. 12. 14:00-17:40, room M117

•Lecture 11: FfS – Chapter 8 – applications

•Lecture 12: FfS – Chapter 9 – Sustainability for all

Paper due