Exams

The purpose of this FINAL is to:
(a) show your understanding of the lectures and assigned readings,
(b) demonstrate your grasp of sustainability issues; and
(c)  recognize interconnections among issues as currently understood on this basis.

Instructions

• Please answer 3 of the 5 questions below - with no less than 3 pages each question and no more than 7 - double space, reasonable margins.
  
  
• Each answer is in essence an essay' on the topics you have selected. It would be useful to outline your answers before actually writing.
  
  
• Since you are requested to demonstrate familiarity with the assigned readings, please feel free to draw from materials across various weeks - as relevant. When doing so, please indicate the specific reference(s).
  
  
• Please note that the questions below are framed in general terms. You are free to take the general question, and answer with respect to a specific case, context or situation - providing that you make that explicit in your answer.

Questions

1. What are the differences, if any, between the concept (and practice) of economic growth, on the one side, versus the concept and practice of sustainable development, on the other? What are the common elements, if any, between these two concepts (and practices)?
   
   
2. Please answer one of the two questions below:
   
   The terms "sustainability" and "sustainable development" are closely connected, and often used interchangeably. In your view, is there a difference? If so, what is it? If not. Why not? 
   
   Or —
   
   What does sustainable production mean? What does sustainable consumption mean? Why are these questions relevant? Please respond with reference so specific examples. Illustrate with respect to literatures or examples.
   
   
3. "The Tragedy of the Commons" is often used as a devise through which to articulate key sustainability dilemmas. What is the 'tragedy'? What are the 'lessons'? What does this representation mean for sustainability conditions within countries? Is the 'tragedy' relevant to actors and units other than the state? If so, how? If not, why not?
   
   
4. Compare and contrast the role and function of the state, on the one hand, with the role and function of the firm (national or multinational), on the other, in potential transitions toward sustainability.
   
   
5. Please write an essay on international institutional responses to environmental and/or sustainability challenges. Please elaborate with reference to specific sets of 'challenges', on the one hand, and of 'responses', on the other.
   

Due date: A week after Lecture 12. Please note that you risk of an Incomplete if you miss the due date.