Elon University
ER-5: Sustainability Course Identification

Sustainability explores the dynamic interconnections among environmental, social and economic systems in order to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability-focused courses concentrate on the concept of sustainability, including its environmental, social and economic dimensions, or examine an issue or topic using sustainability as a lens. Sustainability-related courses incorporate sustainability as a distinct course component or concentrate on a single sustainability principle or issue. The goal of sustainability education is to provide students, regardless of their courses of study, the knowledge, behavior and skills to help create a healthy environment, society and economy. The following examples of possible course objectives may be useful in determining whether or not a course has this goal in mind. (Note: The use of the term sustainability refers to the full context of sustainability including its environmental, social and economic facets.) • Demonstrate through effective communication, the concept of sustainability. • Develop and use an ethical perspective in which they view themselves in a complex world. • Explore and explain the connections between their chosen course of study and sustainability. • Develop technical skills or expertise necessary to implement sustainable solutions. • Demonstrate sustainable thinking and decision-making in the development of solutions for current and emerging environmental, social and economic crises. • Contribute practical solutions to real-world sustainability challenges. • Synthesize understanding of environmental, social and economic systems and reason holistically. The above list is not all inclusive.

The 12-13 Academic Catalogue, Summer 2012 schedule, Winter Term 2013 schedule and graduate programs were reviewed for courses that fit the developed definition of sustainability in the curriculum. The resulting list for each department/program was sent to the department chair/program coordinator for review and confirmation. The identified sustainability related and focused courses were cross-referenced with the 12-13 undergraduate and graduate course schedules. The numbers used in the STARS Report represent the courses offered in the 12-13 academic year. The list available at the website provided also includes courses that were in the 12-13 Academic Catalogue or program information but not offered in the 12-13 academic year.