Course Code: C201

Course Title: Understanding sustainable development

College: SOAS CEDEP

Course Director: Ben Daley

Course Description: The idea of sustainable development emerged during the late twentieth century in response to growing concerns about the apparent failure of conventional, state-led development' initiatives and about the extent and pace of environmental degradation, especially at the global scale. Sustainable development' has rapidly become a popular term - yet one that is also ambiguous and fiercely contested. As Jonathon Porritt, Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission has acknowledged, sustainable development is a notoriously slippery term that can mean practically nothing to people, or practically everything'. Indeed, some versions of sustainable development demand radical social re-organisation - including new forms of government and governance - in order to promote more just relations between societies and environments, whilst other versions of sustainable development amount to little more than business as usual'. Therefore, it is important to understand the concept of sustainable development and the various ways in which it is used. In its most authoritative form, sustainable development is associated with some important, core principles that deserve critical examination.

In this course, the idea of sustainable development is explained and explored. Some influential definitions of sustainable development are considered and the main principles of sustainable development are explained. An account of the emergence and evolution of the concept of sustainable development is also provided in order to explain the historical context of current debates. Mainstream' notions of sustainable development are outlined together with some of the key strategies that have been devised to promote sustainable development. Various resistances to the concept, and some alternative approaches to sustainable development, are also examined critically. The main ideas presented in this module are illustrated using case studies, including accounts of two major global environmental issues: biodiversity loss and climate change. Overall, this course provides an overview of some of the most important areas of debate and controversy in relation to sustainable development.

On successful completion of this course you will be able to understand and critically evaluate:

• the concept of sustainable development

• various definitions of sustainable development

• the main principles of sustainable development

• the emergence and evolution of the concept of sustainable development

• some key strategies for promoting sustainable development

• some resistances and alternative perspectives and approaches to sustainable development

• a range of current issues and debates relating to sustainable development

Assessment: Exam 100%

Course Credit: All SOAS CeDEP short course students receive a certificate of completion. Students of SOAS CeDEP Short Courses who may wish to transfer credit to Certificate, Diploma or Masters-level programmes are advised to select short courses which also act as Core Modules on CeDEP's various programmes.

Course Study Hours/Duration: 240 hrs over 35 weeks

Schedule of Availability: Feb - Oct (Enrolment deadline prior to Feb start - 30th November)

Delivery Mechanisms: Print; CD-Rom; Online Discussion

Cost: £960

How to apply: To enquire about applying for this course, or for any other information, please contact the Course Administrator using the online Enquiry Form below