The aim of this paper is to explore the major issues involved in introducing sustainability concepts into university curricula in an interdisciplinary manner, through Systems Thinking. It is generally accepted that a ...The aim of this paper is to explore the major issues involved in introducing sustainability concepts into university curricula in an interdisciplinary manner, through Systems Thinking. It is generally accepted that a holistic approach is essential in sustainability studies, but teaching such a new and complex topic to a diverse student population is by no means easy. In this study, sustainability is viewed in the context of Systems Thinking, particularly in Complexity Management domain. A general framework is proposed with the intension of guiding potential instructors who are planning to teach sustainability through Systems Thinking. The framework includes only the suggested systems-oriented material and a review of some system methodologies; it does not cover sustainability issues. Methodologies known as System Dynamics and Soft Cybernetics are explored and emphasized particularly in the paper due to their importance. The framework is kept general enough so that it appeals to students and instructors with a variety of background.展开更多
文摘The aim of this paper is to explore the major issues involved in introducing sustainability concepts into university curricula in an interdisciplinary manner, through Systems Thinking. It is generally accepted that a holistic approach is essential in sustainability studies, but teaching such a new and complex topic to a diverse student population is by no means easy. In this study, sustainability is viewed in the context of Systems Thinking, particularly in Complexity Management domain. A general framework is proposed with the intension of guiding potential instructors who are planning to teach sustainability through Systems Thinking. The framework includes only the suggested systems-oriented material and a review of some system methodologies; it does not cover sustainability issues. Methodologies known as System Dynamics and Soft Cybernetics are explored and emphasized particularly in the paper due to their importance. The framework is kept general enough so that it appeals to students and instructors with a variety of background.
