Subject details

On successful completion of the subject you should be able to:

  1. demonstrate how the idea of sustainability has changed and evolved over the last four decades;
  2. identify the key thinkers, events and publications in the history of sustainability;
  3. critically reflect on the main approaches to sustainability today; and
  4. engage with the contestability of the concept of sustainability.

  • Topics

    • Module 1: Past approaches to sustainable development;
    • Module 2: Contemporary approaches to sustainable development;
    • Module 3: Contesting sustainability

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Blog
      • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online assignment submission
      • Podcasting/Leacture capture
      • Standard Media
      • Web links

    • Online Materials

      • Resources and Links

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

No special requirements

This subject is a critical introduction to sustainability that traces the concept’s evolution and explores the political economy of sustainability. To this end, a range of different approaches to sustainability are introduced and compared, and analysis will be made of their respective effectiveness in addressing global sustainability problems.

  • Participation (10%)
  • Invigilated Exam (30%)
  • Essay (40%)
  • Critical Report (20%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

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Related Degrees

undergraduate MUR-ART-DEG-2018

Bachelor of Arts
4 available majors
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  • Major in Community Development
  • Major in International Aid and Development
  • Major in Security, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism
  • Major in Sustainable Development