Introduction to Sustainability and Business

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. Saturday meeting dates and times are as follows: Saturday, January 28 9AM-12PM PST; Saturday, February 11 9AM-12PM PST; Saturday February 25 9AM-12PM; & Saturday, March 11 9AM-12PM PST.

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.