ENVS 1050 - Perspectives on Sustainability

This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of sustainability with both its promises and paradoxes. Starting with a foundation in the modern concept of sustainability and its historic origins, the course examines sustainability at a variety of scales and contexts through the lenses of economics, physical and life science, global commodity chains, land use and planning, climate change, demography, social justice, and a variety of biotic and abiotic systems. Explorations may include natural resource extraction and protection, sustainable business models, infrastructure management and maintenance, the role of education, health care, housing, transportation, and other topics. This course satisfies WMU Essential Studies Level 2: Exploration and Discovery – Science and Technology Category.

Credits: 3 hours