| Course Name | Year | Term | Period | Faculty / Graduate School | All Instructors | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30213:Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a Nutshell (G1) | 2022 | Spring | Thu3 | College Of Economics,College of Science and Engineering,College of Gastronomy Management,College of Information Science and Engineering,College of Life Sciences,College of Pharmaceutical Sciences,College of Sport and Health Science (tentative name) | MARQUEZ GIAN POWELL BONTIGAO | 2 |
Campus
Class Venue
Language
Course Outline and Method
This course will introduce the seventeen sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN). Each SDG will be briefly discussed in a global context. Global topics from each SDG such as food waste and shortage, gender inequality, sustainable businesses, green cities, climate change, renewable energies, and others, will be examined to understand their underlying causes and effects. The food-energy-water nexus will be used to highlight the importance of interdisciplinary approach in accomplishing the SDG. This course will guide students on how to formulate integrated solution to their chosen global problem and promote independent and peer-to-peer learning beyond classroom environment.
The new concepts discussed in this course are challenging for those who have not taken SDG-related courses before. Hence, substantial effort of students is expected to overcome the study-load. It is beneficial for students to read the "helpful reference" in advance for every session to acquire background knowledge about the topic. The first hour of each meeting will be allotted for delivering lecture topics and addressing student questions. The remaining 30 minutes of each meeting will be given to students for in-class group discussion and/or activities related to the lecture topic. Writing activities and group paper will be accepted and returned with feedback via Manaba+R. Final Group paper is required to be submitted in both Manaba+R and Turnitin. Feedback to all oral activities and group presentation will be provided after each activity.
In case some students cannot attend face-to-face, synchronous class via Zoom will be conducted.
Student Attainment Objectives
1. Understand what are the 17 SDGs and the challenges in attaining them;
2. Learn science-based concepts in explaining and achieving SDGs;
3. Contemplate an integrated solution in achieving their SDG of interest using multidisciplinary approach, and;
4. Understand the importance and urgency of individual initiative in contributing to the SDG accomplishment.
Recommended Preparatory Course
Course Schedule
| Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) | Theme |
|---|---|
| Keyword, References and Supplementary Information | |
| Session 1 |
Course Overview
|
-Class rules and expectation
|
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| Session 2 |
|
-What are sustainability and sustainable development?
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| Session 3 |
|
-What are global warming and climate change?
|
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| Session 4 |
|
-What is poverty?
|
|
| Session 5 |
|
-How can poor escape poverty?
|
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| Session 6 |
|
-How can we decouple economic growth from environmental destruction?
|
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| Session 7 |
|
-What are gender equity and equality, and their role in sustainability
|
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| Session 8 |
|
-Group Meeting to Finalize the Final Group Project Topic and Start Proposal (Submission Deadline of Final Group Project Proposal: Session 9, 17:00, Manaba+R > Projects)
|
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| Session 9 |
|
-What are renewable energies (R.E.) and their role in sustainability?
|
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| Session 10 |
|
-What is carbon footprint?
|
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| Session 11 |
|
-What is marine protected area? How can they support sustainable fishing?
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| Session 12 |
|
Topics:
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| Session 13 |
|
-How can R.E. promote peace?
|
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| Session 14 |
|
-What is FEW nexus?
|
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| Session 15 |
|
-Feedback on the final exam.
|
Class Format
The course schedule in the course content is based on the assumption that the university has adopted BCP-Levels 1 or 2 by the time of commencement.
If the BCP Levels are 1 or 2 at the time of commencement:
All 15 sessions will be available in both in-person and online (via Zoom, synchronously).
If the BCP Level is 0, and all students are able to attend in-person classes at the time of commencement:
All 15 sessions will be available in both in-person and online (via Zoom, synchronously).
For Overseas/Off Campus Students, all classes will be available online, synchronously, even if some students are attending in-person/on-campus classes.
Students who will be attending in-person/on-campus classes will be REQUIRED to bring laptop/gadget which can access Zoom to enable group discussion with overseas/off-campus students during class. You may be able to borrow/loan laptop/pc from the university during class hours (depending on the availability; please confirm with the admin in-charge).
If the BCP Level changes to 3 or higher at the start or in the middle of the semester:
All 15 sessions will be delivered online via Zoom, synchronously.
※For more information on Ritsumeikan University's BCP Level, please refer to the following URL, Point No.1 “The Ritsumeikan Trust Crisis Response Task Force” (http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/news/detail/?id=475).
Recommendations for Private Study
Students are expected to study about 4 hours before or after each class meeting. Out-of-class work includes class preparation, post class review, research, and group and individual works along with any assignments. Generally, any homework, including reading assignments, are important during class discussion and activities, hence should be done prior. All readings listed in Class Schedule are compulsory: it is the students’ responsibility to keep up with readings and discuss them in class. Most articles for reading assignments have free access, if not they are available in the library.
English language and materials will be used in the class to study the course contents. Hence, this course is NOT an ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASS. If your English language level is not high enough to correctly express your ideas in written and oral formats, then you are EXPECTED to DOUBLE your study efforts and proactively ask questions during the class.
Generally, any homework, including reading assignments, are important during class discussion and activities, hence should be done prior.
Students will submit their assignments, essays, projects, and surveys either through Manaba+R or University Email Address. Class announcements and reminders will be posted through Manaba+R. Therefore, familiarize yourself in Manaba+R and check your university emails. If students fail to submit assignments, tests, essays, and other related class requirements that will be announced through Manaba+R or university email due to failure in checking their Manaba+R or university emails, then students will not be considered excused and will get an F letter grade. All checked and graded written assignments, papers, or essays will be returned through Manaba+R as "Comments". Feedback comments are also included in the returned submissions.
Group Presentation guidelines: Check course syllabus handout
Final Group Project guidelines: Check course syllabus handout
Final Exam guidelines: Check course syllabus handout
Students are required to free their schedule during class hours/session. This means you cannot have part-time jobs, club activities, etc. during our class hours/session.
Grade Evaluation Method
| Kind | Percentage | Grading Criteria etc. |
|---|---|---|
| Final Examination (Written) | 0 | |
| Report Examination (A report to be submitted by the unified deadline) |
0 | |
| Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment (Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class) |
100 | Class Participation = 60%
|
Grade Evaluation Method （Note）
In response to the Main Objective and Attainment Objective 4, students will complete a group project (25%) in which they will write a review paper about a specific topic related to their SDG/s of interest. The students will use this group project to develop their leadership and social skills while giving meaning to the different knowledges tackled throughout the semester.
In response to Student Attainment Objectives 1 and 2, the final examination (15%) will be given on the last day of the class. It will evaluate the basic understanding of the contents of the lectures. Logic and critical thinking will be given importance in the evaluation.
Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods
The Global Issues in SDGs will be looked at through the perspective of Science and Technology (Science-based approach on various social, political, or economic issues).
Students are EXPECTED to be proactively involved in activities and projects which require group effort. Failure to contribute to the group activities, ESPECIALLY the GROUP PROJECT, means "F" as Final Grade. Approach your Professor before the start or after the end of the class if you have problems either to individual requirements or group projects.
Late assignment policy
Late papers and assignments will be penalized 5% per late-day. Submissions will not be accepted after 10 days of being late. However, this rule does not apply if you are seriously ill or in an emergency. It is your responsibility to inform me of such circumstances and you are asked to present a proof.
Academic integrity matters!
Violations of ethical conduct that relate to academic integrity will be punished according to our university's regulation. Academic integrity violations include, but are not limited to; plagiarism, work done for one course and submitted to another, deliberate falsification of data and interference with other student’s work.
Textbooks
Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）
Reference Books
| Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN Code | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standards for the Sustainable Development Goals | UN, ECE | UN | ISBN: 9789211171815 | |
| Interdisciplinary Approaches for Sustainable Development Goals | Zielinski, T., Sagan, I., Surosz, W. | Springer | ISBN 978-3-319-71788-3 | |
| Designing the Purposeful World: The Sustainable Development Goals as a Blueprint for Humanity. | Wilson, C. | Routledge | ISBN-13: 978-0815381327 |
Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）
Web Pages for Reference
Helpful Reading List
1. S1 and S2- Youth Workers 4 Global Goals (N.D.). Module 1: What are the Sustainable Development Goals? https://www.salto-youth.net/downloads/toolbox_tool_download-file-2422/Module%201_EN.pdf
2. S3- Siegert, M.J. (2017). Why should we worry about sea level change? Frontiers for Young Minds, 5, 41. https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2017.00041
3. S4- John, D.A., & Babu, G.R. (2021). Lessons from the aftermaths of Green Revolution on Food System and Health. Frontier of Sustainable Food Systems, 5, 644559. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2021.644559
4. S5- Daveiga, C.T., Parsons, E.M., & Jeong, J. (2020). Biofortification: Battling Hidden Hunger. Frontiers for Young Minds, 8, 114. https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2020.00114
5. S6- Ward, J., Chiveralls, K., Fioramonti, L., Sutton, P., & Costanza, R. (March 12 2017). The decoupling delusion: rethinking growth and sustainability. https://theconversation.com/the-decoupling-delusion-rethinking-growth-and-sustainability-71996
6. S7- Jacobs, E.G. (2020). Why neuroscience needs girls: gender diversity drives scientific discovery. Frontiers for Young Mind, 8, 37. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/frym.2020.00037
7. S9- Uzwyshyn-Jones, M. (April 9 2021). Hydrogen vs Electric, which is the future for transportation? https://ysjournal.com/hydrogen-vs-electric-which-is-the-future-for-transportation/
8. S10- Borges, L. A.; Nilsson, K.; Tunström, M.; Dis, A. T.; Perjo, L.; Berlina, A.; Costa, S. O.; Fredricsson, C.; Grunfelder, J.; Johnsen, I.; Kristensen, I.; Randall, L.; Smas, L.; Weber, R. (2017): White Paper – Nordic Sustainable Cities. Available online at: https://norden.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1297072/FULLTEXT01.pdf
9. S11- Lujan-Vega C, Ortega-Alfaro J, Cossaboon J, Acuña S and Teh S (2021) How Are Microplastics Invading the World?. Frontiers for Young Minds, 9, 606974. https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2021.606974
10. S12- O’Leary et al., 2016- Effective coverage targets for ocean protection. https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12247
11. S12- Österblom et al., 2017- Emergence of a global science- business initiative for ocean stewardship. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1704453114
12. S12- Vijay et al., 2016- The impacts of Oil Palm on recent deforestation and biodiversity loss. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0159668
13. S12- Wan et al., 2017- Assessment and characterisation of Ireland’s Green tides (Ulva species). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0169049
14. S12- Eshoo et al., 2018- Design, monitoring and evaluation of a direct payments approach for an ecotourism strategy to reduce illegal hunting and trade of wildlife.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0186133
15. S13- Transparency International (March 10 2016). How to stop corruption: 5 key ingredients. https://www.transparency.org/en/news/how-to-stop-corruption-5-key-ingredients
16. S14- Zhuang, J., et al. (January 25 2021). Solving Shared Problems at the Food, Energy, and Water Nexus. https://eos.org/science-updates/solving-shared-problems-at-the-food-energy-and-water-nexus
How to Communicate with the Instructor In and Out of Class(Including Instructor Contact Information)
Other Comments
1. It is STRONGLY advised to read the readings in advance. You may clarify and confirm what you have read during the class.
2. Read and understand the Course Syllabus Handout. It will be used throughout the course. Writing guidelines, detailed course contents, submission deadlines, course schedule, and other important information about the course can be found in the Course Syllabus Handout. The content will not change. If there will be changes, it will be announced in Manaba+R course news.
3. Schedules, Deadlines and course requirements indicated in the course syllabus handout will not change unless extraordinary circumstances happened. On the other hand, deadlines and course requirements announced during the class are negotiable/flexible, but students need to initiate the negotiation with the instructor and with acceptable reasons.
4. If you have questions, suggestions, clarification or personal concerns about the course which you have not/couldn’t addressed/address during the class, please contact your instructors for an out-of-class consultation. It is highly encouraged and is expected that you communicate proactively with your Instructor. But please do this during working hours, not at midnight.
5. Learning at University is different from High school. Please be prepared emotionally and mentally and adjust your learning expectations accordingly. Please watch this video: https://youtu.be/_U_oY6O-frQ
URL:http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp//students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html