What is the environment? What is ecology? What is sustainability? What are the origins of these terms, and how have the meanings evolved over time and across cultures? While the concepts have their roots in the natural sciences, it is becoming evident that related theories and practices are of relevance in social and cultural studies as much as biophysical relationships.
The module begins with an examination of the wide-ranging definitions of the environment, ecology and sustainability and of the contribution to the discourse from Arts and Humanities subjects. We proceed to analyse a range of case studies highlighting cultural practices ranging across time periods and geographies in which sustainable processes are key. The module concludes with a consideration of how the case studies illustrate theories and practices of sustainability, and how in turn they may be considered catalysts for further engagement in questions of sustainability.
Lecture-Seminar: 32 hours
1000 words Critical Commentary. Assessment Details: A commentary of key items of news, policies or cultural practices, based on critical theories worth 25%.
2000 words Essay. Assessment Details: A written piece of assessment in which students develop a topic of their choice relevant to the module and under the guidance of staff worth 50%.
10 mins plus slides Presentation. Assessment Details: An oral presentation on a topic chosen by the student and of relevance to the module worth 25%.
Reassessment Method: Single instrument100% written assessment (2,000 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages. https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Explain critically with multiple and complex meanings of the terms 'environment', 'ecology', 'sustainable' and 'sustainability'
2. Acquire a critical understanding of the transnational need for sustainable cultural models
3. Analyse and describe the ways in which ethnicities, cultures, geographies and languages maintain difference and diversity whilst sharing common pressures, practices and goals
4. Apply concepts of sustainability to a range of different social and cultural contexts
5. Apply critical thinking skills and use a range of established techniques to carry out independent analysis and research on cultural products and present their findings
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