Integrated project in sustainability

Teacher(s)

Bouchoms Samuel; Meyfroidt Patrick;

Language

English

Prerequisites

Main themes

This course explores multiple aspects of sustainability issues with a geographic perspective. Each time, the specific focus will change. We identify a broad sustainability problem or proposed solution, and work together with the students to understand how the problem is framed, what are its different dimensions, how can we analyse it geographically, and lead the students to produce both analytical and synthesis work on this topic. 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	understand a specific thematic issue related to sustainability and geography. analyse a sustainability issue with a geographic perspective, understand its different dimensions, tradeoffs, complexities, and how to design and assess options to manage, govern, solve or engage with this issue.  mobilize their skills and knowledge in geographic theories and techniques to make a contribution in understanding or addressing a certain sustainability issue.

Content

This course aims to offer the students the opportunity to explore the concept of sustainability through an integrated project that connects theory to real-world applications. Students will work on a general theme related to sustainable development and transition measures by engaging in group work and working individually. The general theme changes every year.

Teaching methods

The students will work on a general theme linked to geography and sustainability based on a report by an international organization or another starting point.
The course is divided into in-class sessions and off-class moments. Parts of the work are individual, and parts are by groups organized around a sub-theme.   
1. During the first session, the content and objectives of the course will be introduced to the students. The following sessions will serve for regular feedback and follow-ups with the teaching team to check the advancement of the work. The last session is devoted to the oral presentation of the final work.  
2. The rest of the time is free to let the groups and the students work on their project. An informatic room is booked for these sessions every week.
The course will be given in English. All slides and supplementary documents are also in English.
Students must attend all lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions to pass the module. Failure of the work in the first session can only be compensated in another session if the student has participated to the sessions and submitted intermediate reports. 

Evaluation methods

Any use of generative artificial intelligences (AI) must be done responsibly and in agreement with the practices of scientific and academic integrity and the general regulation of studies and exams (RGEE, see a.o. article 107).

Teaching materials

• The slides, the primary scientific reports and several articles are available in Moodle.

Faculty or entity

> GEOG