Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Anthropology, Geography and Sociology will offer an online sustainability literature course in spring 2018 as part of its sustainable community development program.
Dr. William Forbes, associate professor of geography and sustainable community development at SFA, believes this course will help students better understand current and future sustainable practices. Sustainable development involves balancing economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and social well-being, often referred to as the “triple bottom line.”
Forbes said SFA’s program emphasizes sustainability through the humanities and social sciences. The program has already placed students in diverse internships including solar energy installation, energy conservation, environmental education, nature reserve management and community supported agriculture.
According to Forbes, the new online course, SUS 300 – Sustainability Literature, will focus on several different literatures, mostly non-fiction, that illustrate concepts in sustainable community development such as needs for future generations and how different aspects of life affect one another.
“The course includes readings that address the fascinating intersection of environmental, economic and social issues,” Forbes said. It will also have several different optional field projects to choose from for credit.
Sustainable community development is a relatively new and growing program at SFA. Students can major or minor in sustainable community development, as well as earn an undergraduate certificate in sustainable community development or a graduate certificate in sustainability.
Visit www.sfasu.edu/anthrogeosoc/116.asp for more information about the program.
By Emily Brown, marketing communications specialist for Stephen F. Austin State University.
