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Social & Economic Sustainability - ENV00095M

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Adrian Gonzalez
  • Credit value: 5 ECTS
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22

Module summary

This module will explore the links between social and economic sustainability issues and business practice. A connection will be made to materiality and sustainability indicators in a business context. Crucially, the module will also feature the importance of systems thinking to address sustainability issues. A case study approach will allow students to explore in depth a specific key social and/or economic sustainability issue each week. Students will learn about the fundamental principles which underlie each sustainability issue. Students will undertake advanced research for problem-based learning sessions in which they will critically explore topics such as the gig economy and the minimum wage, injustice in the supply chain, business ethics, diversity/ inclusivity challenges, gender equality, fair and ethical trade, how business can be done in a way which benefits society and protects people, and how economic growth can be decoupled from environmental degradation. Through joint problem-based learning discussions with the cohort in the partner institution (York or Maastricht), students will gain an international perspective on social and economic sustainability issues, the role of business as their creator and source of solutions and rivers for change including policy, citizen action.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2021-22

Module aims

The aim of this module is to equip students with an appreciation of the fundamental principles which underlie key social and economic sustainability problems, and how changes to business practice and innovations can provide solutions.

Skills:

  • Undertake advanced research on social and economic sustainability issues and their links to business practice to prepare for problem-based learning sessions and preparation of the essay assessment;

  • Analyse complex sustainability problems

  • Online, international collaboration

Module learning outcomes

Students who complete this module successfully will be able to:

  • Critically discuss and undertake advanced research to establish the fundamental principles which underlie key social and economic sustainability issues;

  • Evaluate and establish the drivers for change to business practice and innovation to solve social and economic sustainability issues;

  • Analyse complex social and economic sustainability issues and critically assess the role of business in creating and solving associated problems;

  • Discuss and debate social and economic sustainability issues in an international setting.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Coursework - extensions not feasible/practicable
PBL Participation and contribution		 N/A 20
Essay/coursework
Essay Social & Economic Sustainability		 N/A 80

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Coursework - extensions not feasible/practicable
PBL Participation and contribution		 N/A 20
Essay/coursework
Essay Social & Economic Sustainability		 N/A 80

Module feedback

Formative feedback will be provided in weekly workshops. Summative feedback will be provided on written feedback sheets.

Indicative reading


Caradonna, J. L. (ed.) 2017. Routledge Handbook of the History of Sustainability. London: Taylor and Francis.

D'heur, M. 2015. Sustainable Value Chain Management: Delivering Sustainability Through the Core Business. Springer International Publishing.

Ekins, P. 2002. Economic Growth and environmental sustainability: the prospects of green growth. London: Taylor & Francis Group.

Porritt, J. 2005. Capitalism as if the World Matters. London: Taylor & Francis Group. Chapters 1 and 4.

Smith, J. 2016. Imperialism in the Twenty-First Century: Globalization, Super-Exploitation, and Capitalism’s Final Crisis. New York: Monthly Review Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.