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
