CAS 111 - Sustainable Cities & Societies

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods
Explores the intricate web of urban living and sustainable development including current and anticipated issues specific to urban places at scales ranging from local to global with an emphasis on environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Includes urban planning and design, historical and contemporary social-political approaches to sustainable development, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and societal approaches to encouraging sustainable intention, awareness, equity, and action.

Gen-Ed: Meets AGEC - SBS and G; Meets CTE - SBS and G

Course Learning Outcomes

Analyze current and anticipated sustainable urban planning and design issues and potential solutions for their social, economic, and environmental viability drawing from diverse past and present perspectives.
Apply the concept of an urban economic footprint in the context of local, regional, and global urban examples as a tool in evaluating and advancing sustainable development.
Examine the complex interconnections between individuals, businesses, local urban areas, and global counterparts, emphasizing the pivotal roles each plays in addressing sustainability challenges.

Performance Objectives:

Describe the role of urban planning and design in sustainable development.
Identify the United National Sustainable Development Goals that relate to urban issues.
Describe the concept of the urban ecological footprint and explain its relevance in assessing and promoting sustainability.
Identify the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies of the urban heat island effect within urban environments.
Outline key urban sustainability challenges, encompassing issues related to design, and planning for water, waste, pollution, food, and public health issues.
Define the principles and criteria that constitute sustainable community development, exploring past and present civilizations, emphasizing ecological, social, and economic considerations.
Investigate urban transportation issues associated with sustainability and explore alternative solutions to address them.
Engage in discussions regarding sustainable business practices and products, responsible consumerism, and civic opportunities for action, considering their impact on urban sustainability.

Outline:

Introduction to Urban Sustainability
1. History of environmentalism, global urbanization, and sustainability
  1. Influence of social & cultural norms
  2. Ethics
2. UN Sustainable Development Goals
3. Overview of urban challenges
  1. Water-Energy-Food Nexus
  2. Air Quality
  3. Climate, Heat-island effect
  4. Biodiversity
  5. Environmental & Social justice
Urban Ecological Footprint
1. Biocapacity deficits/reserves
2. Consumption and waste produced
  1. Energy
  2. Settlement
  3. Timber
  4. Food & fiber
  5. Seafood
3. Compared to rate of absorption/generation in productive surface areas
  1. Grazing land
  2. Cropland
  3. Fishing grounds
  4. Carbon demand
  5. Forest area
  6. Built-up land
4. Urban vulnerabilities
Challenges & Solutions
1. Water-Energy-Food Nexus
2. Transportation, Sprawl
3. Climate
4. Design & Planning
5. Urban Ecology & Green Infrastructure
6. Business practices
7. Governance and action
Sustainable Development & Urban Planning in Action
1. Case Study Analysis
2. Sustainable Built Environment Design
3. Sustainable Neighborhood Design
4. Sustainable City Design

Effective Term:
Fall 2024