Geog 446 Topics in Geography: Social Sustainability
         

Course Description

The objective of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to develop a definition of social sustainability; set performance goals and objectives for UBC; baseline existing programs and strategies that support social sustainability at UBC; and identify indicators of social sustainability for reporting purposes.

 

Learning Outcomes/Competencies

At the end of the course the student will be able to:

  • Define sustainability and social sustainability
  • Give examples of organizations that have incorporated sustainability into their operations
  • Describe the basic components of a management and measurement system and standards for measuring and monitoring performance in the context of sustainability
  • Understand sustainability reporting and the triple bottom line
  • Describe the programs and strategies at UBC that support social sustainability
  • Be familiar with the role of the Sustainability Office at UBC and some of the programs and initiatives that are run out of this office.
 

Course Structure

This course will be structured to include: lectures, guest lectures, readings, seminars, independent research, presentations, and a final written report. We anticipate approximately 10 formal meeting times during the term: for 2 hours. Time to be decided upon.
 

Course Outline

Instructors
 
Lorna Seppala (lorna dot seppala at ubc dot ca)
Sally Hermansen (sallyh at geog dot ubc dot ca )
Office

 

Sally Hermansen: Geography Room 144 Office hours: M/W 2-3
Lorna Seppala: Sustainability Office, room 75, 2329 West Mall

Class Time
 

Wednesdays 9-11

 
Readings
Most readings will be made available on-line. Readings not available on-line will be placed in the Geography Information Centre (GIC) on reserve.
Grading


 

Assignment 1
Assignment 2
Discussion
Reflective Learning/Bibliography

40%
40%
5%
15%

 

Updated January 6, 2009