What is sustainability? It has been defined in many ways, but the most frequently quoted definition is from 'Our Common Future', also known as the Brundtland Report (1987) which refers to 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.' While the concept of sustainability has its roots in the natural sciences, it is becoming evident that theories and practices of sustainability 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 sustainability and of the contribution to the discourse from Humanities subjects. We proceed to analyse a range of case studies representing the four disciplines of Modern Languages in SECL at Kent: French, German, Italian and Hispanic Studies. The case studies highlight cultural practices ranging across time periods and geographies in which sustainable processes are key. They may include the cultural history of sustainability or 'Nachhaltigkeit' in the German context; the Cinema Ritrovato festival in Bologna, Italy; the debate in psychoanalysis on the themes of exploitation/sustainability and competition/cooperation in relation to ecological practices and the environment; the works of Martinique author Patrick Chamoiseau and the challenges to French/Eurocentric concepts of sustainability; and the culture and practice of urban organic farming – organopónicos – that arose out of the economic crisis in Cuba in the 1990s and which have circular economics, cultural development and educational practices at their core.
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.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
• Essay 1 (1,500 words) – 50%
• Essay 2 (1,500 words) – 50%
Reassessment methods
• Reassessment Instrument: 100% Coursework
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
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Engage critically with multiple and complex meanings of the terms 'sustainable' and 'sustainability';
2 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the transnational need for sustainable cultural models;
3 Demonstrate an appreciation of 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.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Undertake independent research around the prescribed topics;
2 Synthesise and summarise information from a number of textual and visual sources;
3 Demonstrate methods of analysing, criticising and assessing logical arguments, and studying and reaching conclusions independently;
4 Construct a coherent argument supported by evidence and present written work appropriately;
5 Demonstrate the ability to manage their own learning by working through set material in a systematic manner and adhering to deadlines.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
