| Course Name | Year | Term | Period | Faculty / Graduate School | All Instructors | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17943:Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a Nutshell (GA) | 2023 | Spring | Wed4 | College Of Law,College Of Economics,College Of Business Administration,College Of Social Sciences,College Of International Relations,College Of Policy Science,College Of Letters,College of Image Arts and Sciences,College of Comprehensive Psychology,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, smart and green cities, climate change, renewable energies, extreme weather, genetically modified food, and others, will be examined through the perspective of science and technology to understand their underlying concepts, consequences, and impact on society. 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. To support students in bridging this challenge, it is beneficial and highly encouraged to read the "helpful reference" of each session in advance to acquire background knowledge about the topic. Hence, the 'study-load outside class hours' in this course needs substantial effort from students. 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 will be accepted and returned with feedback via Manaba+R within a week after the last allowed date of submission. Final Group Project will be submitted via MS OneDrive due to big file size. Feedback to all oral activities and group presentation will be provided after each activity via Manaba+R.
Students are required to attend in-person classes as indicated in the class format. In case some students cannot attend in-person classes, attending synchronous class via Zoom can be done upon obtaining "Special Considerations for Face-to-Face Class in relation to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection."
Student Attainment Objectives
1. Understand 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
|
|
| Session 2 |
Scale and Scope of SDG
|
-What are sustainability and sustainable development?
|
|
| Session 3 |
Climate Action (SDG13)
|
-What are global warming and climate change?
|
|
| Session 4 |
Part 1: Poverty (SDG1), zero hunger (SDG2), and good health and well-being (SDG3), clean water and sanitation (SDG6)
|
- How is poverty connected with food?
|
|
| Session 5 |
Part 2: Poverty (SDG1), zero hunger (SDG2), and good health and well-being (SDG3), clean water and sanitation (SDG6)
|
-How can alleviation of poverty, eradication of hunger, promotion of good health and well-being, and improvement of water quality and sanitation contribute to sustainable development?
|
|
| Session 6 |
Affordable and clean energy (SDG7), and industry, innovation, and infrastructures (SDG9)
|
-What are renewable energies (R.E.) and their role in sustainability?
|
|
| Session 7 |
Decent work and economic growth (SDG8) and reduced inequalities (SDG10)
|
-How can we decouple economic growth from environmental destruction?
|
|
| Session 8 |
Education (SDG4), and gender equality (SDG5)
|
-How do genetics and society shape gender identity?
|
|
| Session 9 |
Final Group Project Update
|
-Presentation on what has been done regarding the proposed implementable activities.
|
|
| Session 10 |
Sustainable cities and communities (SDG11), and responsible consumption and production (SDG12)
|
-How can responsible consumption and production promote sustainable development?
|
|
| Session 11 |
Part 1: Life below water (SDG14), and life on land (SDG15)
|
-What is marine protected area? How can they support sustainable fishing?
|
|
| Session 12 |
Peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG16), and partnerships for the goals (SDG17)
|
-What is the relationship between peace and climate change resiliency?
|
|
| Session 13 |
Food-energy-water (FEW) nexus
|
-What is FEW nexus?
|
|
| Session 14 |
Final Group Project Presentation
|
-Final group project presentation regarding implementable activities (15% + 10%) |
|
| Session 15 |
Final Examination
|
-Feedback on the final exam
|
Class Format
During the suspension period of BCP, classes will be as described in BCP levels 0-2.
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.
BCP Level 2 or below
All classes will be conducted in-person, except the 1st session. Students need to apply for "special consideration" if they cannot attend in-person classes. Students who have approved “special consideration” certificate can attend online via zoom.
BCP Level is 3 or above
All classes will be delivered online via zoom.
Notes:
The first class will be conducted in hybrid (in-person and online) format.
For more information please see the manaba+R course page.
If you meet certain criteria for special consideration (http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/pathways-future/eng/course/absence.html/) and are unable to attend in-person class, please submit an “Application Form for Special Considerations for Face-to-Face Class in relation to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection” to Manabi Station to seek its approval, and submit an approved form to the instructor by 30 September. Once approved, you can attend all classes online via zoom, synchronously (real-time).
If the BCP level changes during the semester, the class format will change in line with the new BCP level.
※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 “ required readings” listed in the course syllabus will help students in understanding the theme for each session. It is the students’ responsibility to keep up with the readings so that they can participate in class discussion, hence reading them should be done prior to class. Most readings have free access, if not they are available in the library.
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. Feedback are also included in the returned submissions.
Other Expectations
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
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 = 30% (10 x 3%)
|
Grade Evaluation Method （Note）
Essay quizzes (20%) will be used to achieve course objectives 2 and 3. There will be 2 essay quizzes.
Students will complete a final group project (40%) in which they will plan, implement, and report their community engagement (within Ritsumeikan University or surrounding community) to help achieve their SDG/s of interest. The final group project will help students attain all four course objectives.
Final exam (10%) will be given at the last session of the course to assess students’ mastery of the global issues discussed under each SDG. Based on the final exam result, students will receive feedback which will help them identify their strengths and guide them in deciding their future career path. Final exam will further help accomplish the main goal of the course.
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 final group project will be penalized 5% per late-day. For example, if the capsule proposal paper is worth 95%, but one day late, then the paper will receive 90% grade instead. Submissions will not be accepted after 10 days of being late. This policy applies to all assignment, essay or other submission including PPT slide submission for group presentation. However, this rule does not apply if students are seriously ill or in an emergency. It is the responsibility of students to proactively inform me of such circumstances and you will be asked to present a proof.
Students are also responsible in securing the submission of correct files through Manaba+R. Students are responsible in double checking the successful submission of the correct uncorrupted files in Manaba+R before the deadline. Submitted files or Surveys showing “Saved Data” in Manaba+R are considered “NOT SUBMITTED” and will be graded ZERO unless resubmitted within time limit. The Professor WILL NOT ask or remind students if they have successfully submitted the correct uncorrupted file of their assignments, presentations, tests, or papers before the deadline. It is the student’s responsibility in making sure that they successfully submitted their works. Failure to properly submit will result to ZERO score. .
All submitted papers will be checked with Turnitin to detect plagiarism. Using Turnitin, you will know the percentage similarities of your paper in comparison to all online resources. If percentage similarities are found to be 15% or less, no further checking for plagiarism will be done. If percentage similarities are found to be 16% to 24%, revisions to work are highly encouraged before submission or further explanation from student and paper scrutiny will be done after paper submission. Percentage similarities of 25% or higher have high probability of plagiarism. Please revise until the percentage similarity is 15% or less before submitting the final version. Please visit both links below:
https://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/ru_gr/g-career/common/file/program/language/english/eng_info.pdf
https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills/academic-integrity/turnitin
All submitted papers will be checked with ZeroGPT (https://www.zerogpt.com) to detect AI and ChatGPT plagiarism as well.
We will be using 7th APA referencing and citation style when writing your papers. Please visit the link below for further details.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html.
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
Required reading list (必読リスト)
1. S1- Course Syllabus Handout uploaded under Resources in Manaba+R.
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. S6- Silverstein, K. (August 10, 2022). Electric Vehicles Or Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars? The Inflation Reduction Act Will Fuel Both. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kensilverstein/2022/08/10/electric-vehicles-or-hydrogen-fuel-cell-cars-the-inflation-reduction-act-will-fuel-both/?sh=1d5de26f4d01
7. S7- UNEP, February 7, 2022. Beyond GDP: making nature count in the shift to sustainability. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/beyond-gdp-making-nature-count-shift-sustainability
8. S7- Whelan, T. & Fink, C. October 21, 2016. The comprehensive business case for sustainability. https://hbr.org/2016/10/the-comprehensive-business-case-for-sustainability
9. S8- 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
10. 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
11. 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
12. S12- 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
13. S13- 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
URL:https://secure.ritsumei.ac.jp/students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html/