English and drama

Sustainability and Climate Justice

Module code: Q3911E
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework

Sustainability seems to be everywhere: sustainable products, sustainable businesses, sustainable cities. Yet the concept also has critics. Is sustainability too vague? Does it really serve the needs of climate justice?

In this module, you will dive into the big sustainability controversies, such as climate reparations, degrowth, post-development, and rights of nature.

By using exciting interdisciplinary approach, rooted in the arts and humanities, you will:

• use climate psychology and ecocriticism for insights into eco-anxiety and environmental activism
• bridge gaps between popular perceptions of climate change and the latest scientific evidence
• explore how art, culture, history, and games can contribute to creating just climate futures.

Module learning outcomes

• Understand the broad history and aims of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as key critiques of sustainable development
• Reflect critically on the economic, social, cultural, and historical dimensions of climate justice
• Critically analyse climate and/or sustainability claims in contexts where these commonly occur e.g. marketing and communications, product labelling, ESG reporting
• Reflect on the role of the creative arts within climate action and sustainability practice