Furman develops online learning module for sustainability science and full cost analysis

GREENVILLE, SC—In keeping with its mission “to promote interdisciplinary research and teaching in support of sustainability on campus and in the greater community,” the David E. Shi Center for Sustainability at Furman University has launched a free, open-source, online learning module for undergraduate and introductory graduate-level courses.

The online learning module explores Sustainability Science and Full Cost Analysis (FCA), a method of problem solving which uses systems thinking to account for the economic, societal, and environmental costs of a problem.

The learning module is the result of two years’ development by the Shi Center with generous multi-year support from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.

The materials are designed to be easily incorporated into preexisting course syllabi or as the foundation for new courses, and can be used by anyone for educational purposes.

Content for the learning module includes:

• A video primer on Sustainability Science and Full Cost Analysis
• Six five-minute case study video documentaries, which spotlight sustainability initiatives at Furman and in the Greenville community such as Furman’s lake restoration project and wastewater treatment, and the Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail, for example
• Worksheets for each video documentary to facilitate course dialogues and student understanding
• Assignments for developing case studies on campuses and in communities
• Additional readings and links to online resources

The free, publicly available online resource can be accessed at this link: http://scholarexchange.furman.edu/fca/. Or for further information, contact Shi Center for Sustainability Program Coordinator Kelly Grant Purvis at (864) 294-2517, or [email protected].