Sustainable Development Courses

SD 281 - Introduction to Sustainability (3)

Introduces the challenges and opportunities for developing sustainable communities and a sustainable world, through the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and alternative perspectives around sustainability (e.g. Indigenous, just sustainabilities etc.). Students will also learn from the practical experience of diverse experts and sustainability professionals. Conventional approaches to sustainable development will be critiqued to ensure considerations for equity and social justice. Highlights will be showcased from the Global North and Global South. Students with credit for REM 281 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

SD 381 - Building Sustainable Communities (4)

Engages students in understanding how to plan and cultivate sustainability at the community and city level, taking into consideration the environmental, economic, and social aspects of development. Explores and analyzes policy instruments, planning tools, and strategies from around the world for engaging people and institutions in building sustainable communities. Prerequisite: One of PLAN 100, PLAN 200, REM 100, or SD 281; and 45 units. Students with credit for REM 381 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

SD 401 - Sustainable Development Studio (4)

Engages students in creating innovative solutions to real-world challenges of sustainability and development, using studio-based approaches. Explores mechanisms for effective social and environmental change and develops policies and strategies for implementing sustainability in different locations and at different scales. Prerequisite: SD 281; one of SD 381 or SD 481; and 75 units.

SD 412 - Technologies, Cultures and a Sustainable World (3)

Technology issues relevant to global sustainable development are considered from engineering, historical and anthropological perspectives. Topics include hydroelectric dams, alternative power generation systems, and the science of climate change. In-depth case studies emphasize interdisciplinary exploration of these themes. Prerequisite: Minimum 60 units. Students may take only one of SD 412, ENSC 412 or ENV 412 for credit. Breadth-Science.

SD 481 - Global Sustainability Governance and Action (4)

From sustainability debates to policy windows and strategic goals (e.g., UN Sustainable Development Goals), students engage with tools and concepts to enable equitable change across contexts and sectors. This includes how policy is created, who the main players are in effecting change, and how we track and adapt to outcomes. Prerequisite: One of PLAN 100, PLAN 200, REM 100, or SD 281; and 60 units. Students with credit for REM 481 may not take this course for further credit.

SD 491 - Directed Studies in Sustainable Development (3)

Permits SD students to expand their knowledge base and apply their critical thinking within the field of sustainable development in an area not examined in depth in regular courses. Enrollment is limited. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4. Prerequisite: 60 units and permission of the department.

SD 494 - Project in Sustainable Development (4)

Provides students an opportunity to apply ideas and models acquired in the program to a practical problem in sustainable development. Required for SCD PBD students. Certificate students must apply for special permission to take this course. Enrollment is limited. Prerequisite: Permission of the department.

SD 499 - Special Topics in Sustainable Development (4)

A specific topic within the field of sustainable development, not covered by regularly scheduled, required courses in the program. The subject matter may vary from term to term. Prerequisite: 60 units.

SD 801 - Issues, Concepts & Cases in Development and Sustainability (5)

A multidisciplinary survey of the issues that confront scholars and practitioners in development and sustainability, the major theories and concepts, and the methods used to analyze and interpret data, with a focus on historical and contemporary case studies. Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in a graduate program at SFU. Students with credit for DEVS 801 cannot take SD 801 for further credit.

SD 802 - Selected Topics in Sustainable Development (5)

Intensive analysis or a particular topic in the fields of development and sustainability, intended for advanced students in the DEVS Graduate Certificate program. Prerequisite: To be in good standing in DEVS Certificate program. Students are expected to have completed SD 801, or may be taking it concurrently. Students with credit for DEVS 802 cannot take SD 802 for further credit.

SD 803 - Directed Studies in Sustainable Development (5)

Independent reading, research and/or field placement in the fields of development and sustainability, defined in consultation with a supervising instructor, and the Director of the program. This course is intended for advanced students in the DEVS Graduate Certificate program. Prerequisite: To be in good standing in DEVS Certificate program. Students are expected to have completed SD 801, or may be taking it concurrently. Students with credit for DEVS 803 cannot take SD 803 for further credit.