Perspectives on Sustainability

Perspectives on Sustainability is the foundational course introducing the field of sustainability science to graduate students at UMass Amherst. The course focuses on interdisciplinary aspects of the field, drawing on multiple disciplines to explore current societal challenges. The course provides a foundation in historical and modern thinking in the field; an introduction to sectors that are commonly pursued by sustainability professionals (food systems, water, energy, urban environment, transportation, waste systems); and training in skills that are necessary to be successful as a practitioner in the sustainability field. We will develop skills through several hands-on projects that build on one another throughout the semester, using real world examples in various sectors as the basis for our learning.