Environmental Studies

This course imparts the relevant knowledge of basic marine science, but also analyzes the marine environment in Taiwan from the perspectives of sea power, resources, ecological environment, climate change and environmental protection, etc., so as to enhance students' understanding of the ocean around Taiwan. The course enhances students' critical thinking and discussion skills on global environmental changes, the occurrence and prevention of natural disasters, and environmental protection.

This course examines current environmental and climate change movements in Europe and the United States, including their background and their significance. At the same time, it utilizes these movements as a lens to understand the politics of climate change and social movements more generally. Specifically, this course investigates the main political ideas driving environmental and climate activism; analyzes the main features, forms, developments, and challenges of environmental and climate activism; discerns their impact and relevance in sustainability politics today; and introduces an understanding of social movements as key drivers of social change. The course provides a thorough understanding of climate and environmental activism: its origins, pathways, and diversity, as well as its relevance for sustainability politics in general. Through an interdisciplinary approach that draws on research and theories of social movement studies and environmental politics from several of the social sciences, there is an empirical focus on Europe and the United States, as well as links with other continents and global politics.

Tuscany is a world-renowned producer of fine quality wine, olive oil, and a wide variety of typical food products. Over the last few years, a growing number of Tuscan food entrepreneurs have embraced the principles of sustainability, through the introduction of business practices designed to minimize the consumption of natural resources, reduce emissions, and, ultimately, protect the environment for future generations. Sustainable productions, alongside iconic rural landscapes, farms, and vineyards, attract visitors from all over the world and thus make a positive contribution to the tourist industry and the local economy as a whole. This course focuses on Tuscany's food industry and its commitment to sustainability, as well as its relationship with tourism. It specifically explores how sustainability has impacted the food supply chain, inbound tourist flows, and food firms' competitiveness. The course analyzes a wide range of academic and managerial issues in connection with real-world business situations, thereby linking theory and practice.

This course examines the current global energy crisis and environmental issues facing society. The history of energy consumption shows the importance of energy in relation to quality of life. With the further development and the increase of the world population, our society is challenged by an unprecedented energy demand in 21st century. At the same time, global warming and climate changes are also causing more and more attentions. The first part of the course addresses our current energy options and their impacts on the environment. The second part of the course explores ways in which we can meet our future energy needs without deteriorating the environment. Possible routes to develop a green society are discussed with a focus on renewable energy resources, smart grid, eco-friendly vehicles, and carbon sequestration and carbon audit. 

The course focuses on selected theories, discourses, and concepts for urban design. It encompasses visions and plans for the morphology of cities, the interplay with social and ecological sustainability, and ideas about the ideal city and good urban life from the 19th century through today. The course concentrates on three main themes of contemporary urban development: pre-modern to post-modern urban design, place making and the role of public space, and sustainable urban development and urban nature. It discusses central paradigms and various approaches to city design and re-design. The contemporary city is used to illustrate how urban design concepts and models have been operationalized and have influenced practice.