Time Schedule:
Dorothy A Paun
CFR 550
Seattle Campus
Graduate seminar to evaluate and discuss current research topics. Topics and requirements vary. Offered: AWSp.
Class description
WINTER 2007 MEETS WED 11:30 AM - 1 PM IN 306 ANDERSON. This social science graduate seminar explores a variety of topics and approaches each quarter. During Winter Quarter 2007, we'll use a literature review approach to explore sustainability. Sustainability refers to satisfying the current needs of people, businesses, governments, and organizations without compromising the planet's capacity to provide for the needs of future generations. Practicing sustainability involves integrating and balancing 1) social, 2) financial, and 3) environmental issues and equity, for the greater good of all people over the long term. Integrating the these three is referred to as the triple bottom line. This phrase is derived from the often used business term bottom line, which refers to the a firm's profitability or net earnings, which is the last (i.e., bottom) line in a corporate earnings statement. Sustaining the planet over the long term, however, depends on managing not one bottom line (i.e., corporate profits) but on all three bottom lines. Sustainability will become more embedded if awareness is raised and collaborative partnerships, among citizens (consumers of resources and products), businesses (hopefully implementing sustainable practices), and government (providing policy frameworks and enforcement), are encouraged, formed, and rewarded.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Our literature review goals will be: 1) during the first four weeks, to explore the concept of sustainability in general in order for all participants to share a common language, followed by 2) focusing on the financial dimensions (e.g., business, economics) of sustainability.
The seminar will involve student-led discussions of articles relating to sustainability during the first hour, followed by time for students to present/ask for feedback on their thesis, dissertation, or any research-in-process.
Recommended preparation
Review three sustainability articles (request from dap@u.washington.edu)that will be discussed during first seminar.
Class assignments and grading
Leading literature review discussions.
Depends, variable credit course.
