UTSOA

This course is a trans-disciplinary graduate level seminar designed to critically explore the concept and practice of sustainable development from a variety of vantage points. The class is cross-listed in business, architecture, planning, law, public policy. It will be taught by UT faculty as well as distinguished outside speakers representing the full range of interest and experience with sustainable development. Topics vary by year, but generally include: the philosophical origins of sustainability; systems thinking; sustainable food systems; commerce in a sustainable world; government and market solutions to social and environmental problems; role of international governing institutions; sustainable community initiatives; sustainable architecture and cities; industrial ecology; and the difficult question of "equity".

For the spring 2007 course, we will participate in a national competition announced by Austin Energy that will handsomely reward the student team that develops the most compelling solution to the conflict between electrical power transmission and the urban tree canopy—both important contributors to sustainable urban infrastructure. Through this experience transdiciplinary research teams will find a concrete opportunity to apply the theoretical concepts examined in class. In addition to the major research project, assignments will include weekly critical reading reviews.

Enrollment has historically been limited to five students from each of the five participating disciplines. This year, students from other disciplines—particularly electrical and civil engineering, are encouraged to register.