Summer 2026 - SD 100 OL01
Sustainable Futures: An Optimistic and Practical Guide (3)
Class Number: 1346
Delivery Method: Online
Overview
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
During a time of increasing environmental and social challenges, we focus on the bright spots, the opportunities for positive change. Equips students with practical knowledge, tools and strategies to become changemakers by living more sustainably, keeping a positive outlook, and actively contributing to a fairer society.
COURSE DETAILS:
We live at a time of increasing environmental and social challenges, and action is needed to create a more sustainable and just world for everybody. If you want to know more about how you can contribute to positive change, this is a course for you. In this course, we focus on the bright spots, the opportunities for positive change, and present you with an optimistic, solutions-driven approach for creating a more sustainable, socially-just future. We will focus on practical knowledge, tools, and strategies to help you make informed choices about living more sustainably, keeping a positive outlook, and actively contributing to a more equitable society. You will learn how to become a changemaker and make a difference in your personal life, your community, and beyond.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- Explore the magic and wonder of natural systems and human cultures
- Understand the core principles of sustainability and social justice
- Develop practical skills for sustainable living and social action
- Recognize leverage points for contributing to positive change
- Create actionable plans to contribute to more sustainable and just communities
- Build hope and inspiration
Grading
- Assignments 45%
- Quizzes 25%
- Group Assignments 30%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
All course materials will be available on Canvas.
REQUIRED READING:
This will be available on Canvas.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.