A PRESENTATION - INDIVIDUAL weighted at 40%.
A REPORT length 2500 WORDS weighted at 60%.
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In this module you will examine the approaches and techniques which have been developed to implement the broad principles and objectives of sustainable development (SD) at the national and local level, in both the developed and developing worlds. You will focus your analysis on the institutional actors and mechanisms designed to translate the global sustainable development agenda into strategies and policies at a range of different scales. At national and local scales you will examine the processes and institutions of SD framework development; the emergence of Local Agenda 21 strategies and the role of indicators. In analysing this policy process, particular attention will be devoted to (i) the role of external bodies in providing information and guidance e.g. UN Commission for Sustainable Development, International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ii) the forms of partnerships that have emerged implement Local Agenda 21. You will examine the attempts to develop aggregate and set of sustainability indices. Examples will be drawn from a range of types and scales (e.g. Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare, Ecological Footprint, UK SD indicators 1996 and 1999, EU indicators project)

1. an understanding of the approaches by which the global sustainability agenda is implemented in national and local SD strategies

2. an awareness of the diversity and complexity of
policy mechanisms and processes designed to translate principles into policy agenda;

3. an ability to evaluate critically sustainability indicators (SI) in specific policy contexts.

4.competence to review the roles, use and utility of SI in the wider implementation of SD agendas.

5. effective intellectual communication and learning management skills in particular relating to role playing and report writing.

3000 word report which includes
1. an executive report (2000 words) (1,2,3, 4, 5)

2. a portfolio of material linked to the study guide sessions (1000 words). (2,3, 5)

Pass criteria

You will demonstrate a sound awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed reasonably and coherently. Work is academically sound, evidencing focussed observations and acknowledging key questions. There is evidence of sound reading and thorough critical analysis of the available literature.

Distinction criteria

You will demonstrate an excellent awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are well argued and excellently organized. Work is academically excellent, evidencing perceptiveness, insight and demonstrating creativity and originality. There is evidence of excellent reading, systematic review and thorough critical meta-analysis of the available literature.

A networked computer for accessing COSE, web sites and electronic journals.
Course texts.
Learning pack.
Various online journals and texts

Chambers, N. et al., (2000) Sharing nature's interests: ecological footprints as an indicators of sustainability. Earthscan.
Satterthwaite D. (ed) (1999) The Earthscan Reader in Sustainable Cities, Earthscan.
Dalal-Clayton, B. and Bass, S. (2002) Sustainable Development Strategies: A Resource Book. International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).

8 hours workshop
112 hours independent study

You will attend a workshop at which you will be introduced to the module content and learning resources and receive first hand experience of the development and application of sustainability indicators. The workshop will also introduce module themes through the use of video and textual resources. Over subsequent weeks you will then work through self-instructional course material providing a structure for reading key texts and papers and specifying tasks to be completed. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in a designated learning group