SCOPESCOPE (Sustainability Co-Creation Programme)

Sustainability is an important keyword not only in the present, but also in the coming years for every civilization on the Earth. Sustainability issues are not problems for only developed countries. Developing countries are starting to face the same issues, with some difficulties already emerging while others will likely encounter problems in the near future. Climate change is just one example of the sustainability issues we are facing. Sustainability issues are often reduced to mere environmental issues. However, sustainability issues cannot be perceived correctly nor be solved only by focusing on the natural environment, and it is necessary to look into interaction between human beings and the natural environment. Furthermore, we must recognize that relationships between humans around the world are also an important and integral part of sustainability issues.

This course is designed for two main purposes. Firstly, it aims to allow students to think and imagine about the complexities of what is known as “sustainability.” Secondly, it seeks to guide students for further study or courses offered in the SCOPE.
Through this course, students are expected to be ready to take various courses in the SCOPE curriculum and to start building their own values and attitudes towards a sustainable future.

Among diploma policies, "DP2" is related

英語 / English

For the first purpose, we will search for the answers to questions such as:
- What is sustainability?
- What is an important element for civilization to be sustained?
For the second purpose, we will learn about systems of human knowledge and the means to tackle sustainability issues. Questions to be asked include:
- What is an “issue” or “problem”? Who decides that something is a problem?
- What kind of knowledge and skills will be of use to solve sustainability issues?
Classes will include a range of listening and speaking activities including small group discussion and presentation. Especially, students are expected to express themselves proactively. Method and schedule is subject to change based on discussion in the class.
Feedback on assignments submitted by students will be provided in class or through the Learning Management System.
This lecture will be held face-to-face, but the method of conducting the class may be changed depending on the spread of the new coronavirus. The details will be announced through the Learning Management System.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

Week 1[対面/face to face]：Orientation and Overview

Overview of the course, introduction to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Week 2[対面/face to face]：Civilization and Sustainability 1

Rises and falls of civilizations. Why does sustainability matter?

Week 3[対面/face to face]：Civilization and Sustainability 2

Possible future of our civilizations.

Week 4[対面/face to face]：Sustainability issues and human knowledge system

Complex reality and human knowledge system

Week 5[対面/face to face]：Framing the issue

The meaning and implication of an "issue"

Week 6[対面/face to face]：Water 1

On scarcity of water resources

Week 7[対面/face to face]：Water 2

On possible war over water resources

Week 8[対面/face to face]：Food and Population

On who will feed the world and the issue of "Land Rush"

Week 9[対面/face to face]：Global sustainability issues in the picture 1

Preparation for the individual short presentation.

Week 10[対面/face to face]：Global sustainability issues in the picture 2

Individual short presentation on sustainability issues

Week 11[対面/face to face]：Environment and climate change

On climate change

Week 12[対面/face to face]：Poverty and inequality 1

To understand the nature and history of poverty and inequality.

Week 13[対面/face to face]：Poverty and inequality 2

On strategies to reduce poverty and to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.

Week 14[対面/face to face]：Summary

Summary and feedback of the course

Students need to prepare for and review each session by using textbooks, references, and distributed materials.
Students are expected to read and study designated reference materials, to do some web site research and to give answers to questions given beforehand for the next class.
Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

Materials will be distributed in class.

Additional resources will be introduced in each class, if necessary.

Assessment will consist of in-class participation (20%), presentation (25%), writing assignments (45%) and overall contribution (10%)
Note that students who miss 4 classes or more cannot pass this subject.

To accommodate more active discussion in the class.

Prospective students should note that this course is compulsory for all SCOPE students, and it must be taken before advancing into the 3rd year.

The lecturer has working experience in the field of economic cooperation for developing countries. Some parts of the contents of this course have direct relationship with lecturer's experience and knowledge.