Sustainability Minor
Clemson University
Description
The Sustainability Minor is open to all majors. The program is designed to familiarize students with the core values of sustainability, and gain an in-depth knowledge of why and how sustainability is approached.
Learning Outcomes
Scales of sustainability: * Define sustainability in 3 dimensions (environmental, social, economic) * Apply sustainability concepts on local and global scales * Integrate sustainability study and practice into the surrounding community * Evaluate the history of development through mercantilism, imperialism, capitalism * Assess the long term cultural and environmental impacts that shape our world today
Fundamental issues of sustainability: * Evaluate current and potential future impacts of sustainability issues including: Global climate and climate change; Food; Energy; Water; Environmental Degradation * Evaluate how sustainability impacts social and intergenerational justice
Systems thinking for sustainability: * Understand basic principles of systems thinking * Evaluate the role of their major in sustainability issues * Recognize interrelated systems
Evaluate tools for implementing/measuring sustainability: * Evaluate the costs and benefits of sustainability (see that it is not always more expensive) * Perform a Life cycle analysis and assessment * Measure impacts of point source pollution prevention; and cradle-to-cradle and lean manufacturing
Change agents for sustainability: * Practice change agent skills for sustainability * Practice group processes * Identify and address the root of problems, even when it seems to go against the status quo or social norms * Apply a new or changed mindset to your personal life