Barton, H. (2000) Sustainable Communities. The Potential for Eco-neighbourhoods. London: Earthscan
Holmgren, David (2010) Future Scenarios: How communities can adapt to peak oil and climate change. Totnes: Transition / Green Books
Hopkins Rob (2008) The Transition Handbook: From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience Totnes: Green Books
Hopkins, Rob Grenville Mike and Brangwyn Ben (2011) Transition Communities: a pocket guide. Totnes/ Transition/ Green Books
Heinberg, R and Learch, D (2010) The Post Carbon Reader. Watershed Media; Post Carbon Institute
Rowell, Alexis (2010) Communities, Councils & a Low-Carbon Future: What we can do if governments won't Totnes: Transition / Green Books

The module will be delivered through a combination of:
(a) 12 weekly 2 hour classes (24 hours) that will combine, on a flexible basis, lectures , student presentations, workshop exercises
(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 contemporary environmental issues at UK, European and global scales.
(c) Assessment Preparation (60 hours) for planning, researching / drafting / writing /editing / producing coursework essay and presentation.

(1) a PORTFOLIO of work weighed at 50% containing individual worksheets, contribution to group presentation and reflective learning log. [1-6] (50%)

(2) an ESSAY length 1250-1500 WORDS assessing the substantive and conceptual aspects of the module within a specific theme within sustainable communities [1-5] (50%)

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:

Formative Assessment. Most weekly meeting will be linked to readings and the completion of additional tasks that will provide opportunities for students to evaluate their understanding of module materials. The formative activities are central to the learning process on the module, and students are encouraged to keep these as parts of the portfolio, not all elements of which are assessed. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their essay plans.

This module examines the concept of sustainability at a community and personal level, and the factors that shape the development of sustainable lifestyles. It begins with a brief examination of current environmental pressures and projected futures, examining the challenges posed for developing sustainable lifestyles. A set of case studies are examined which allow the investigation of sustainable techniques and lifestyle changes which may aid the transition to a more sustainable future by individuals and communities. These are drawn from amongst the following areas - energy use and production, mobility and transport, water supply and sewage, recycling and waste management, food production, community enterprises, urban design and planning. Particular attention is drawn to the factors shaping the transition to a more sustainable future - the support mechanisms and processes, and the barriers, drawing in areas of knowledge and information, local and community governance, participation, decision-making. The module completes its examination of this sustainability transition by considering the wider economic, social and political context of undertaking fundamental changes to allow the emergence of sustainable lifestyles and the development of sustainable communities.

Facilities for audio-visual presentation
University Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre, Internet & Email facilities.