This course will explore, through reading, discussion, and direct engagement, an issue associated with sustainability, such as energy, food production, land management, and environmental justice. Using a case study approach to analyzing sustainability initiatives in the local area, students will explore—and eventually practice—the process of advancing a project from inception to launch. This class will involve team-based research projects focused on identifying and analyzing solutions to real sustainability challenges confronted by government, business, or individuals. The course will emphasize training in critical leadership skills, including project management, team building and team leading, persuasive communication, networking, fundraising, conflict resolution, understanding diverse communication styles, human-centered design, and emotional intelligence. Much of your work in this course will take place within small (3-5 students) research teams. 1 Unit (3 semester-hours).

Required Text: Ehrenfeld, John and Hoffman, Andrew. Flourishing: A Frank Conversation about Sustainability, Stanford Business Books, 2013.