SD 2400 – PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

This course is the foundation course for students interested in pursuing a major or minor in Sustainable Development. The course will introduce students to the concepts and history of "development", the origins of concerns about "sustainability", and the marriage of these two ideas in the contested notion of "sustainable development (SD)." From that basis, the course will then examine the understanding and use of SD principles in and from various disciplinary and multi/interdisciplinary perspectives.

SD 3000 - SCIENCE FOR SUSTAINABILITY

This course is an introductory interdisciplinary study of the natural sciences as they can be applied to the concepts of sustainability. The basic principles of science studied include: energy; matter; ecology; population growth; carrying capacity; decreasing biodiversity; resource depletion; meteorology; climate change; and chemical pollution of air, water, and soils. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours.

SD 3100 - PRINCIPLES OF AGROECOLOGY

This course will focus attention on agricultural systems from an ecological perspective and how such systems can contribute to a more sustainable society. Topics covered in the class will include basic ecological concepts (i.e., the biological, chemical, and physical factors and their interactions) and their application to agricultural systems, production and consumption aspects of food systems, and will address ways to facilitate the promotion of sustainable agriculture. The lab, required to be taken in conjunction with this course, provides an opportunity to practice the agroecological principles discussed in the lectures in hands-on activities. Lab activities include (but are not limited to) growing fruits and vegetables, keeping farm records, and gathering biophysical and ecological data necessary to start and run a garden based on sustainable principles. Working both individually and in small groups, students will study various gardening as well as gathering techniques and methods. Field trips to area farms may be included as part of the lab. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.

SD 3150 - SOIL & SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT

In sustainable agriculture, soil health and quality are recognized as key to producing bountiful and nutritious food. A thorough understanding of the nature, properties, and ecology of soil are therefore necessary to the design and management of agroecosystems in which the long-term fertility and productive capacity of the soil is maintained, or even improved. This understanding begins with knowledge of how soil is formed and includes integration of all biological, chemical and physical factors, as well as components that determine soil quality and contribute to the structure and function of the entire soil ecosystem. From this foundation, students will then study how to assess soil quality and how to develop appropriate soil and soil fertility management plans using organic production methods. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.

SD 3200 - AGROFOREST & FARM FOREST SYST

Agroforestry has been defined by the World Agroforestry Center (2000) as "a dynamic ecologically based management practice that integrates trees and other tall woody plants in the agricultural landscape to diversify production for increased social, economic and environmental benefits." This course will focus on how the principles, complexity and diversity of agroforestry systems enhance land productivity and sustainability. The social and economic benefits of such systems for farmers, communities and society will also be discussed. Emphasis will be on temperate zone agroforestry systems, in particular those suitable for, or having potential for, northwest North Carolina. As these systems are much more extensive in (sub) tropical areas, agroforestry systems in those areas will also be briefly reviewed. The main emphasis of the course will be plant (crop) and soil aspects and component interactions, both above and below ground and from spatial and temporal perspectives. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.

SD 3250 - LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION & MGMT

This course is a survey of the livestock industry, the supply of animal products, and their uses. A special emphasis is placed on the origin, characteristics, adaptation and contributions of farm animals to sustainable agriculture, managing productivity, and minimizing ecological impact of agricultural systems. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.

SD 3300 - FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

This course introduces students to the principles and tools of managerial analysis and decision-making for the profitable operations of farms and farm-related businesses. Emphasis is given to planning, implementing, directing, organizing and controlling a farm business. Topics include financial statements; business analysis; budgeting; acquisition; organization and management of capital, labor land buildings and machinery; investment analysis of business-related improvements; and tax implications for management. Through case studies and real-world examples, students will learn to apply micro-economic and agricultural production theories, optimize allocation of resources and products, analyze resource shifts in agricultural production, as well as understand pricing and marketing issues of farm products. Economic concepts useful for management decisions will be reviewed and applied.

SD 3350 - CONTEMP ISSUES AGRICULT FOOD

This course will analyze, reflect on, and evaluate current agricultural issues. Examples of probable issues include the industrialization of the agriculture/food system, water rights, sustainable/local/organic agriculture, world hunger and food aid, saving the family farm, food safety, foreign agricultural assistance, the future of farming and food systems, genetic engineering and others. Alternative perspectives on the issues and policy implications will be discussed. Barring duplication of content, a student may repeat the course for a total of six credit hours.

SD 3400 - DEVELOPMENT & UNDERDEVELOPMENT

This course provides an overview of major contemporary perspectives on development and underdevelopment, examined through the critical lens of sustainability. Applications to particular topics and alternative models are considered in terms of their effects on people and environment.

SD 3450 - FARMWORKERS

An interdisciplinary survey of the forces shaping contemporary farmwork and the lives of farmworkers in the United States, with particular attention to North Carolina. Topics include demographics, historical context, labor markets, agricultural structure and agribusiness, the global economy, immigration, health and occupational safety, legal issues, education, working conditions, and community and labor organizing.

SD 3530-3550 - SELECTED TOPICS

An opportunity to study a special topic or a combination of topics not otherwise provided for in the sustainable development curriculum. May be repeated for credit when content does not duplicate.

SD 3800 - CLASSICS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

An exploration of landmark texts in the field of sustainable development; whole books will be examined in their biographical, socio-historical, and critical contexts in order to deepen knowledge of significant voices in the discourse of sustainability.

SD 4100 - AGROECOLOGY PRACT SYST PHILO

This course will provide in-depth exploration of (1) the ethical and philosophical roots of conventional and alternative agriculture; and (2) the biological, economic, and social aspects of different agricultural systems and practices developed in response to perceived shortcomings of conventional modern agriculture. Alternative practices and systems to be compared and contrasted in this course include nature farming, permaculture, biodynamic agriculture, biointensive gardening, and agroforestry (additional systems and practices may be added or substituted based on class interest and consensus). In laboratories, students will have the opportunity to (1) learn about and gather basic data on the biophysical, ecological and social aspects of the Sustainable Development Teaching and Research Farm that are necessary to start and operate a garden based on sustainable principles; (2) combine theory and practice of vegetable, fruit and/or small animal production using a "learning-by- doing" approach; and (3) provide leadership to work teams of students on the farm. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Prerequisite: S D 3100 or permission of the instructor. [Dual-listed with S D 5100]

SD 4200 - ECOLOGICALLY-BASED PEST MGMT

Applied principles of ecologically-based Integrated Pest Management in agricultural, landscape and other environments. Cultural, biological, mechanical/physical, preventive, and organically approved chemical control methods will be featured, with an emphasis on practical ecosystem-based strategies that feature biologically-based controls as the cornerstone of ecological pest management. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.

SD 4400 - SUSTAINABILITY ECON DEVELOP

This course will provide students with the theoretical and practical tools needed to explore economic issues from the perspective of sustainable development. The course introduces basic concepts underlying various approaches to economic analysis; applies these concepts critically to current issues such as globalization, poverty, and environmental degradation; and explores alternatives through critical analysis of their sustainability.

SD 4510 - THESIS/PROJECT

In this course, students will be required to complete a thesis/project that makes use of and integrates the material from the sustainable development core in relation to a significant issue in sustainable development. Students may either write a thesis or conduct a final project, which will be supervised by a member of the sustainable development faculty and read by another Appalachian State University faculty member in a field appropriate to the topic selected by the student. Prerequisite: student must get approval from an advisor of the Sustainable Development program prior to enrolling.

SD 4570 - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPENT IN MODERN WORLD SYSTEM

This course examines the political economy and cultural ecology of global economic development. It assesses the differing social and material impacts for the people of core and peripheral world regions. Students design or assess a sustainable development program in a selected local-regional setting. (Same as ANT 4570.)

SD 4900 - INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM

Supervised work in an appropriate field experience. A critical means to apply theoretical constructs, methods and techniques learned in the classroom to real-world settings. The practicum offers ways of acquiring practical work experience and it provides opportunities to engage in community organizations, non-governmental and governmental organizations, and businesses that seek to advance sustainability in specific ways. The internship/ practicum may occur at the local, regional, state, national, or international levels. The practicum is an important part of the program's commitment to sustainable development in the wider world. Prerequisite: student must get approval from an advisor of the Sustainable Development program prior to enrolling. Graded on an S/U basis.

SD 5050 - FOUNDATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

This course presents a broad foundation in sustainable development. It demonstrates the transdisciplinary and polymethodic character of sustainable development, and provides an introduction to the relevance of a variety of disciplines, such as economics, bio-physical sciences, ethics, appropriate technology, cultural anthropology, and planning to this transdisciplinary nexus. Students will also be introduced to the significance of method in generating knowledge, and to the challenges involved in integrating information generated by means of differing methods. Students will explore the foundations of sustainable development historically, economically, scientifically, and cross-culturally. Students will be introduced to professional opportunities in sustainable development and begin research in internship opportunities.

SD 5100 - AGROECOLOGY PRACT SYST PHILO

This course will provide an in-depth exploration of (1) the ethical and philosophical roots of conventional and alternative agriculture; and (2) the biological, economic, and social aspects of different agricultural systems and practices developed in response to perceived shortcomings of conventional modern agriculture. Alternative practices and systems to be compared and contrasted in this course include nature farming, permaculture, biodynamic agriculture, biointensive gardening, and agroforestry (additional systems and practices may be added or substituted based on class interest and consensus). In laboratories, students will have the opportunity to (1) learn about and gather basic data on the biophysical, ecological and social aspects of the Sustainable Development Teaching and Research Farm that are necessary to start and operate a garden based on sustainable principles; (2) combine theory and practice of vegetable, fruit and/or small animal production using a "learning-by- doing" approach; and (3) provide leadership to work teams of students on the farm. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Prerequisite: S D 3100 (Principles of Agroecology) or permission of the instructor. [Dual-listed with S D 4100.]

SD 5300. Issues in Global Systems Science/(3).S.

This course involves an examination of the nature of science in relation to sustainability, including scientific method and various methods of investigation, data collection, analysis, and presentation;   sic principles of science including time, change, space, and energy; biological issues such as population growth and carrying capacity, deforestation, decreasing biodiversity, and changing ecosystems; geological issues such as coastal flooding associated with global warming, resource depletion, and chemical pollution of water and soils; and meteorological and climatological issues such as ozone depletion, and climate change, including global warming. Prerequisites: a one-year sequence of General Science, Biology, or Chemistry, plus one sophomore or higher level course in environmental science, or the equivalent of these.

SD 5500. Independent Study/(1-3).On Demand.

SD 5530-5549. Selected Topics/(1-4).On Demand.

An opportunity to study a special topic or combination of topics not otherwise provided for the sustainable development curriculum. May be repeated for credit when content does not  duplicate.