Sustainability Studies Theme
Ohio University
Description
As a curricular theme, Sustainability Studies invites critical exploration of a multitude of complex issues from the local to the global levels, including resource management and sustainable development; climate change; global capitalism and industrial agriculture; social and environmental resilience; inter-generational equity; environmental justice, ethics and citizenship; social change; consumption, and personal sustainability.
Sustainability Studies integrates knowledge from the social sciences, natural sciences and the humanities in a coherent framework that enables students to explore the multi-disciplinary complexity of global sustainability issues. Sustainability Studies invites students to think critically about economic, social, political, cultural and scientific assumptions about humans' relationships to the environment. Sustainability Studies engages students in visionary conversation and collaborative, real-world problem solving, Sustainability Studies also invites students to explore their own personal values and envision a meaningful future in which they can thrive.
Sustainability Studies is a strong complement to a wide variety of majors, minors and certificates in Arts & Sciences as well as across Ohio University. Students pursuing Sustainability Studies will find many opportunities to be involved in hands-on campus and community sustainability projects through the Office of Sustainability, and University College’s Common Experience Project on Sustainability. Perhaps most importantly, the Sustainability Studies curriculum will contribute to students' post-graduation success. There are countless opportunities to work on the necessary social, political, economic, and technological changes necessary to realize a truly sustainable future. Public and private sector organizations in the United States and across the globe increasingly are seeking individuals with a solid grasp of contemporary sustainability challenges and collaborative, multidisciplinary problem-solving skills.