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 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.

A PORTFOLIO weighted at 50%. A CLASS TEST length 1 HOURS weighted at 50%.

1. Portfolio of work containing individual (worksheets) and group tasks (group Powerpoint presentation on one selected aspect of local community sustainability using secondary source case studies).
(50%). [Learning Outcomes 1-6]

2. A 1 hour end of module class test (50%) [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5,]
Formative Assessment:

Students will need to develop their own learning abilities both as individuals (through researching essays and following up field and workshop exercises) and within groups (collecting, analysing and communicating). Many lecture handouts contain formative questions that allow students to self-evaluate their own understanding of lectures, whilst the workshops will promote discussion on key themes, allowing students to self evaluate their understanding of module materials. In addition there will be the opportunity to receive feedback from tutors on essay plans.

The module will be delivered through a combination of :
1A) Strategy A (2 year accelerated part-time route): 2 days intensive workshops (14 hours) plus 8 week period of follow-up study of distance learning VLE activities (10 hours) plus guided work-based learning and academic enquiry.

1B) Strategy B (3 year part-time mode):12 weekly 2 hour classes that will combine on a flexible basis, lectures with group discussion, workshop exercises
OR

2) Directed independent learning (56 hours) through observation in the workplace and guided reading from core texts and internet 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. Preparation and production of the report (35 hours) and revision and undertaking the test (35 hours).

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
Bang, J.M.(2008) Growing Eco-communities. Practical ways to create sustainability. Floris Books
Heinberg, R (2007) Peak Everything: Waking up to the century of declines. New Society Publishers
Girardet, H. (2005) Citiespeopleplanet - liveable cities for a sustainable world. Wiley Academy

Teaching room with PC, LCP, Internet access. Access to Learning Resource Centre. Access to suitable workplace for investigation, although the College may be used for this.