SySc 510: Systems Ideas & Sustainability

 This course will examine systems-theoretic ideas that bear on sustainability. These ideas come from graph theory, non-linear dynamics, game and decision theory, thermodynamics, theories of complex adaptive systems, and from systems-oriented theories in the earth sciences, ecology, sociology, and history. The ideas shed light on the causes of sustainability problems and on the principles that might guide attempts to solve these problems. A talk introducing these ideas and their relevance to sustainability is at http://www.sysc.pdx.edu/download/papers/sustain07.pdf.  Many of the systems ideas covered in this course are mathematically-based, but the ideas will be presented mainly at a conceptual level (with mathematical details provided as requested).

 Topics will include

• macro-historical perspectives on the sustainability challenge
• world systems and earth systems models
• the classic limits to growth studies, updated
• the Panarchy model of adaptation in ecological & social systems
• the Tragedy of the Commons and its possible solutions
• energy and entropy dimensions of sustainability.

Texts: at SmartCopy, 1915 SW 6th (503-227-6137)

1. Elements and Relations, a manuscript by the instructor that explains the systems paradigm, and synthesizes and provides short introductions to many systems ideas

2. Systems Ideas & Sustainability Reader, a collection of xeroxed articles and book selections about sustainability

 Grades: Based on a term paper (³ 25 double-spaced pages + bibliography); class participation; supplementary short writing assignments

Prerequisites: None, though some background in either systems ideas or sustainability is helpful. This is a graduate course in Systems Science, but undergraduates are also welcome.

[1] This course (SIS) will alternate in the Fall quarter with SySc 521. Systems Philosophy, and SIS will thus not be offered in Fall 2009. In Fall 2010, I will be on sabbatical, so the next time SIS will be offered will probably be Fall 2011.