Everyday Consumption, University of Surrey

• Lecturer: Kate Burningham
• Program name: EC is a module in the Environmental Sociology programme
• Length and format: one week intensive course
• Associated credits and evaluation: evaluated through 2 assignments on average per course (essays, group work, short writing assignments)
• Towards what degree: MSc degrees in Sustainable Development, Corporate Environmental Management and Environmental Strategy (inter-disciplinary)
• Student profile: Very mixed. Many have backgrounds in science and technology, but a substantial number come from social sciences.
• Class size: 30-50
• Background on teacher(s): Interdisciplinary; senior staff; backgrounds from science, engineering, economics, other social sciences.
• Course duration: 1 week
• Course offered since: evolving over 5-10 years from previous courses
• Learning objectives: Detailed appreciation, understanding and capacity for critical investigation of sustainable development concepts and issues of practical implementation in a variety of sectors and contexts
• Topics addressed: sociology of consumption, including sustainable consumption, global inequalities etc
• Recommended readings:
  • pre-reading packages (papers and briefings)
  • core reading: for example, S Baker (2016), Sustainable Development, Routledge: London; T Jackson (2009), Prosperity without Growth, Earthscan: London; P Jacques (2015), Sustainability: the basics, Routledge: London
  • There is no comprehensive introductory textbook on sustainable consumption and behavioural change.
• Innovative approaches:
  • Use of films as basis for group discussion
  • Role-play exercises
  • Extensive range of senior guest speakers from business, public sector, civil society
  • Group research and presentation exercises
• Student feedback: Feedback is very positive, especially to the range of expert guest speakers engaged in the