Introduction to Sustainability and Business

Quarters
Fall Open
Location
Olympia
Class Standing
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Tamsin Foucrier

In this course, students will examine and apply principles of sustainability to business and enterprise, with a particular focus on local and regional economies and systems. Students will begin by examining key concepts and frameworks for sustainability, considering environmental, social, and economic areas. Students will also explore historical perspectives that have led to our globalized economic system today. Students will also apply this knowledge in practicing a variety of sustainable business management practices and explore real-world case studies. Students will be introduced to a suite of sustainable business tools, as well as explore how these tools can be applied most effectively in an enterprise.  Finally, students will explore alternative business models for sustainability including social enterprises, benefit corporations, a diversity of cooperative models, alternative currencies, incubators, and local living economy models. Each week, students will use lectures, readings, and media to explore course topics.

This course is offered fully online through Canvas and requires both asynchronous work as well as meeting synchronously for 3-hour sessions on Zoom on four Saturdays throughout the quarter.

Our study will require 10 hours of out-of-classroom work per week for weeks we do not meet synchronously and 3 hours of synchronous work and 7 out-of-classroom hours of work for weeks we have a Saturday synchronous session. Technology required for successful engagement includes high speed internet and a computer (not just a cell phone) for Canvas; Zoom (including breakout rooms with audio and video), and MS Office 365 including One-Drive. Students will also need to be able to conduct online research. If students find themselves unable to participate due to technology, caregiving obligations, economic disruption, health risk, or illness, they should be pro-active in working with faculty.

Registration

Course Reference Numbers

(4): 10193

Academic Details

This offering is connected to the Sustainable Cooperative Development Certificate at Evergreen. For more information visit: https://www.evergreen.edu/certificates/sustainable-cooperative-developm…

4
25
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior

Schedule

Fall
2023
Open
Remote (F)

See definition of Hybrid, Remote, and In-Person instruction

Weekend
Schedule Details
Remote/Online
Olympia