SOC 103 Sustainability and Society

Course Number and Title: SOC 103 Sustainability and Society

Print Syllabus
Campus Location:
Georgetown, Dover, Stanton, Wilmington
Effective Date:
2021-52
Prerequisite:
SSC 100 or concurrent
Co-Requisites:

none

Course Credits and Hours:
3.00 credits
3.00 lecture hours/week
0.00 lab hours/week
Course Description:

This course introduces contemporary sustainability topics using the “3E” (economics, equity, and the environment) framework. Topics include sustainability impacts of land use, energy, water use, agriculture, economics, policy, social issue, and natural resource.

Required Text(s):

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Additional Materials:

Notebook

Schedule Type:
Classroom Course
Hybrid Course
Online Course
Disclaimer:

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs):
  1. Analyze concepts fundamental to the practice of sustainability. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  2. Examine how society, economics, and policy impact sustainability. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5, 6)
  3. Examine how land use and building design affect sustainability. (CCC 1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  4. Investigate resource production, use, and disposal and their impact on sustainability. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  5. Identify different energy sources and their applications. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs):

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Analyze concepts fundamental to the practice of sustainability.
    1. Compare resilience to sustainability.
    2. Discuss different definitions and frameworks of sustainability and sustainable development.
    3. Define tragedy of the commons.
    4. Analyze the relationship between growth and sustainability.
    5. Analyze sustainability using the “3E” framework (economy, equity, and environment).
    6. Explain the relationship among quality of life, development indices, and sustainability.
    7. Examine the relationship among consumption, materialism, and sustainability.
  2. Examine how society, economics, and policy impact sustainability.
    1. Identify and describe geographical forces that may affect land use and sustainability.
    2. Identify and describe the cultural forces that affect sustainability.
    3. Examine the impacts of public policy on sustainability.
    4. Analyze the economic implications of sustainability and vice versa.
    5. Examine international perspectives on sustainability.
  3. Examine how land use and building design affect sustainability.
    1. Examine how proper land use promotes sustainability.
    2. Investigate agricultural land use issues related to sustainability.
    3. Identify the mission and practices of sustainable building frameworks, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), and Energy Star.
    4. Explore the sustainability benefits of passive solar design and bio-climatic building.
    5. Investigate the concepts related to green materials.
  4. Investigate resource production, use, and disposal and their impact on sustainability.
    1. Evaluate the sustainability of water resources and use.
    2. Identify the role of recycling in preservation of natural resources.
    3. Identify sustainable harvesting techniques in forestry and fisheries.
    4. Define cradle to cradle design.
    5. Analyze natural resource management techniques.
  5. Identify different energy sources and their applications.
    1. Compare and contrast renewable and non-renewable energy source use.
    2. Describe the causes and impacts of climate change.
    3. Analyze the sustainability implications of climate change.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies:

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90 – 100 = A
80 – 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
0 – 69 = F

Students should refer to the Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade:

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

3-6 Exams (Summative) (Equally Weighted)

20%

Major Project (Summative)

30%

Formative Assessments - Discussion Forums, Weekly Assignments

50%

Total

100%
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop):
  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major):

None

Disabilities Support Statement:

The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. A listing of campus Disabilities Support Counselors and contact information can be found at the disabilities services web page or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements:
Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.