Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Co-requisites
None
Prerequisites
none
Barred Combinations
None
Description for 2025/26
In this module you will explore sustainability within Staffordshire (Keele’s local area). Topics include environmental issues, renewable energy, and community-led conservation efforts. You will examine regional case studies, engage with local sustainability initiatives and learn about these activities build on Staffordshire's rich geology, geography and history. Through interactive learning on and off campus, you will develop your knowledge of sustainability practices and identify strategies to enhance Staffordshire's ecological resilience and community well-being, and how these can be implemented beyond Staffordshire.
Aims
This module explores the principles of sustainability with a focus on the county of Staffordshire. Students will analyze environmental, economic, and social challenges faced by the region and local efforts toward sustainable development. Students will investigate sustainable practices, local policies, and initiatives that aim to create a more resilient and environmentally-friendly Staffordshire. Students will also analyze how the county's history, geology and geography are relevant for its sustainable future.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Explain the core principles of sustainability and their relevance to Staffordshire's environmental, geological, social, and economic contexts.: 1,2
Evaluate local sustainability policies and practices implemented by regional authorities, businesses, and community groups.: 1
Identify key challenges Staffordshire faces regarding sustainability and propose viable solutions for local environmental and social issues.: 2
Describe how the region's geography and geology influenced economic development in the past and their relevance for the region's future.: 2
Be able to work as a team in preparing a group presentation for a non-specialist audience of a case study of sustainability in Staffordshire: 1
Study hours
Active learning:
9 * 2 hour teaching sessions = 18
Self guided field trip in Stoke = 4
Powerpoint training = 1
Group preparation workshop = 1
1 hour Engagement with online materials on case studies, one per teaching session from week 1 = 9 hours
Independent study hours:
Group project work: 30 hours
Individual project research and write up: 60
Reading and general preparation for assessments: 27
School Rules
None
Description of Module Assessment
1: Group Assessment weighted 40%
Group project on potential sustainable project
Working in groups of 4-6 students will prepare a presentation on a proposed sustainability initiative in Staffordshire. The presentation will be recorded and will be 7 minutes long.
2: Report weighted 60%
Individual report on Sustainability initiative in Staffordshire
Students will write an individual report (up to 2,000 words) on a sustainability challenge in Staffordshire and propose an initiative to address this.