Technology, Globalization, and Sustainable Development

UAP 5424, CRN 95917

Instructor: Dr. Ralph Hall (rphall@vt.edu)

Meets: Thursdays 12:30 to 3:15pm

Location: Architecture Annex 111

This graduate seminar will provide students with a transdisciplinary perspective on sustainable development. It is intended for students interested in planning, policy, economics, business, innovation, environmental studies, and law. The seminar will explore the many dimensions of sustainability and how national, multinational, and international political and legal mechanisms can be used to further sustainable development.

More specifically, we will consider the inter-relationship of global economic changes, employment, worker health and safety, and environment in the context of theories of development, trade, technical and organizational innovation, and employment. Mechanisms for resolving the apparent conflicts between these elements will be explored.

This seminar will use a new textbook entitled Technology, Globalization, and Sustainable Development that draws upon both U.S. and international literature. It is intended to stimulate discussion and critical thinking of the key writings in sustainable development. Students will be evaluated on the basis of their mastery of the materials through (1) written assignments and (2) class participation and attendance. There will be no final examination.