In your posts, I am looking for three components. The first is a clear articulation of your thoughts and a coherent prose and composition in your writing. Definitely emphasize quality over quantity. I am looking for 500 words. You are free to write more, but it will be obvious to me if half of the post is merely a repetition of the same line of reasoning. A degree of succinctness is appreciated. Do not simply provide a summary of the events that transpired in the article, we’ve all read them and already know what happens. A tip for this topic is to incorporate the principles and mechanics of ecology and economics into your thinking. For example, think about the different ways a given company can be more sustainable such as through the principles of natural capitalism. Or, how sustainability relates to the properties of biochemical processes within the various spheres of Earth. I will post some videos later this week about these topics to give you food for your thoughts.
The second component is demonstrating a connection of the text you read to the Sustainable Development Goals. Make sure you read what the SDGs are about and establish the link. There can be more than one SDG that is relevant to the week’s topic – make sure to indicate all of them. You won’t have to expand too much on this connection, but you should be able to identify and quickly present it. Also look up case studies, white papers, and reports published by the various Civil Society Organizations to give you an idea of the type of on-the-ground work that is occurring to alleviate the problems being addressed by the SDGs. Here is the weblink to the list of SDGs to remind you: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
And the third component is are your own thoughts on the subject matter being discussed in the articles you’ve read. I want to see your opinions on the matter, but they should be substantiated with evidence. It is important to present your own thoughts on the matter because it provides the audience with an indication as to your currently held position. I am also much more interested in seeing that you can hold a dialectical conversation with your audience by asking questions about the subject matter that seek to enhance your knowledge about it, and not just an argumentation advancing your own viewpoint as you would in a debate. For example when reading an article, ask why does a given scenario constitute a crisis and then explore the mechanics behind that scenario. It’s very easy to state that widespread malnourishment is bad because people should not be going hungry, but why should people not be going hungry in the first place?
Some other remarks. In your discussion posts, you should indicate towards which readings you are discussing. We are looking for references to at least three of the links. Try to match the three readings that are most closely related. We are not requiring formal MLA or APA citations, but a provide a basic description of the reading in question. For example, “The article featured in Scientific American authored by [this author] discusses…” It is also advised that you search for an article not listed in the syllabus that provides an alternative approach to understanding the topic at hand. Be sure to find articles from credible sources. Your best bets are usually Government reports and documents, Civil Service Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, publicly funded news organizations, and the national press outlets such as The New York Times and The Wallstreet Journal.
After you submit your post, remember to respond to one of your colleagues (200 words or more). This is worth two points and they will certainly add up over the course of the semester. Again, you don’t want to debate them. Instead, try to ask questions to help yourself better understand both the topic and your colleague’s point of view.
After we finish this week’s discussion post assignment, I will be able to establish a baseline for the class and see what areas we will focus on in the future. If anyone has any questions, need suggestions, advice, encouragement, or just wants me to read it for you before you post it on Canvas, just send me an email and we will figure it out.
Rubric:
2pts – Making an attempt (turned in on time)
2pts – Clearly and coherently thought out discussion post
2pts – Connection to SDGs
2pts – Questions you feel are worth exploring further regarding sustainability
2pts – Response to a colleague
here are some links might help
What are the 10 biggest global challenges? World Economic Forum https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/what-are-the-10-biggest-global-challenges/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
*United Nations Sustainable Development Goalshttp://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
United Nations: Global Issues Overview http://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/global-issues-overview/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
This website has a list of 18 Global Issues we face on the planet. There are others, to be sure. Each issue has its own link. Check out some of them.
15 biggest global challenges
includes 15, 1-2 minute videos that discuss each challenge:
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