Sustainability (SUST)

SUST 1001. Introduction to Sustainability. 3 Credits.

The concept of sustainability is both broad and specific as it is applied to areas ranging from social systems to law, engineering, public health, and natural systems. The course considers goals, principles, and practical applications, with a multidisciplinary perspective on major environmental and social issues growing out of these concerns.

SUST 1099. Variable Topics. 1-36 Credits.

SUST 2002. The Sustainable City. 3 Credits.

This course explores the connection between cities and sustainability. We consider sustainability from a variety of theoretical and practical perspectives and examine some of the most pressing and critical issues that must be addressed in order to create a sustainable city.

SUST 2004. Introduction to Sustainability Communication. 3 Credits.

Students identify, examine, and critically reflect on how mass media portrays sustainability and science; evaluate and practice communication and storytelling techniques; and discern media platforms that support sustainability-related content. Recommended background: SUST 1001.

SUST 2005. Responsible Fashion. 3 Credits.

Can fashion be sustainable? Is it possible to find an ethical and eco-friendly way to shop for clothing? This course turns a critical eye on the growing industry that claim to be green. This course fulfills the GPAC requirement for oral communication.

SUST 3002. Climate Change and Policy. 3 Credits.

The relationship between climate change policy and species conservation efforts. Students explore local, national, and global perspectives on the conservation of Antarctica and its penguins. Recommended background: prior completion of SUST 1001.

SUST 3003. World on a Plate. 3 Credits.

How dietary choices affect not just health, but the environment and those involved in the production of food as well; interdisciplinary perspective on the impact of food on the future of the environment, the economy, and society. Recommended background: Prior completion of SUST 1001.

SUST 3093. Topics in Sustainability. 3 Credits.

Topics vary by semester. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Consult the Schedule of Classes for additional information.

SUST 3094. Culminating Experience in Sustainability. 3 Credits.

Students design and execute research that promotes environmental justice in marginalized communities of Washington, DC. Research methods are combined with prior coursework to propose new service-learning projects. This course is a capstone option. Prerequisites: SUST 1001. Credit cannot be earned for this course and SUST 3097.

SUST 3096. Research in Sustainability. 3 Credits.

Directed research under faculty supervision. The faculty member directing the research assigns work, such as papers and assigned reading, as appropriate. Prerequisites: SUST 1001.

SUST 3097. Culminating Experience in Sustainability. 3 Credits.

A paid or unpaid internship, fieldwork, directed research, or community service with an organization engaged in two or more of the three major goals of sustainability: economic development, social equality, or environmental protection. Students complete a series of reflection essays, career preparations, and other assignments throughout the semester. Some study abroad programs and some research or service courses at GW can be used to fulfill the outside work requirement for SUST 3097, but students may still be asked to register for 1 credit of SUST 3097 to complete the reflective essays, career preparations, and/or outreach assignments. These special arrangements must be approved in advance by the director of the minor. Prerequisites: SUST 1001.

SUST 3099. Culminating Experience in Sustainability. 3 Credits.

Students design and execute research that promotes environmental justice in marginalized communities of Washington, DC. Students combine research methods with prior coursework to propose new service-learning projects. SUST 3099 is a capstone option. Prerequisites: SUST 1001. Credit cannot be earned for this course and SUST 3097.

SUST 5099. Variable Topics. 1-99 Credits.

SUST 6094. Sustainability Leadership Capstone I. 3 Credits.

This is the first part of a year-long capstone course for the Sustainability Leadership Graduate Certificate. The teams built in this course support achieving the university's bold commitments to advance sustainability on our campus.

SUST 6095. Sustainability Leadership Capstone II. 3 Credits.

This is the second part of a year-long capstone course for the Sustainability Leadership Graduate Certificate. The teams built in this course support achieving the university's bold commitments to advance sustainability on our campus. Prerequisites: SUST 6094.