Teaching room with PCs, Interactive white board, Access to Learning Resource Centre. VLE access.

Barton, H. (2000) Sustainable Communities. The Potential for Eco-neighbourhoods. Earthscan
Birkeland, J. (2002) Design for Sustainability. A sourcebook for integrated eco-logical solutions. Earthscan
Dawson Jonathan (2006) Ecovillages: New Frontiers for Sustainability (Schumacher Briefing)
Hopkins Rob (2008) The Transition Handbook: From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience Green Books
Heinberg, R (2007) Peak Everything: Waking up to the century of declines. New Society Publishers

(a) 12 weekly 2 hour classes (24 hours total) that will combine, on a flexible basis, lectures with group exercises and video workshops timed to coincide with the introduction of appropriate theoretical and practical concepts. Some classes will be delivered face-to-face and others will be conducted using appropriate e-delivery channels.
(b) independent learning (66 hours) through guided reading from core texts and the use of web-based materials to develop a detailed knowledge of selected sustainable community issues at the local level drawing examples, primarily, though not exclusively, from the UK and Europe.
(c) Assessment Preparation (60 hrs) for planning, researching / drafting / writing /editing / producing coursework and revising for class test

1. A 1500 word essay evaluating developments in one of the key areas critical in the transition to a sustainable future (50%). [Learning outcomes 1-4]

2. A 1 hour end of module class test (50%) [Learning Outcomes 1-4]

In addition, a formative portfolio of work based on individual activities which will include: assessment and personal reflection on the local environment where the learners live; completion of an exercise related to one particular challenge to sustainability in a local community (drawn from energy, transport and green spaces) which involves producing an audio-supported Powerpoint.

This module examines the concept of sustainability at a personal and community level, and the factors which shape the development of sustainable lifestyles. It begins with a brief examination of current environmental pressures, and then moves on to examine a series of selected case studies which illustrate key challenges to the development of sustainable lifestyles. These case studies might typically be drawn from the following areas - energy use and production, mobility, transport and economy, water and waste management, and food production and consumption. Particular attention is drawn to the formulation of alternative lifestyles and communities which can drive the transition to a sustainable future (e.g. Eco-Towns and Transition Towns). The final part of the module considers places and models for sustainable communities. An introduction to the principles, philosophies and green ideals which underpin the formulation of sustainability initiatives is provided. The module concludes by considering both top-down and bottom-up attempts at delivering sustainability. the support mechanisms and processes, and the barriers, drawing in areas of knowledge and information, local and community governance, participation, decision-making.