Raw materials are the physical bases of economic activities. Both non-renewable and renewable raw materials are limited on a global scale. Limits to the availability of raw materials are not just bio- and geophysical boundaries but also social constraints as well as the legal framework and the geopolitical context. Moreover, the availability of energy restricts the extraction, processing and purification of raw materials.

Extracting and using raw materials has energetic as well as social and ecological impacts on regional, national, international and global levels. Whereas, the human-induced climate change, its impacts and feedback effects set further limits to the availability of raw materials. “Drill, baby drill” or “Dig-deeper” or even the exploration of raw materials from unconventional sources are questioned to be appropriate to deal with the issues mentioned above.

Reuse, repair, remanufacturing and recycling together with increasing the resources efficiency seems to open upentirely new opportunities to supplying raw materials to the economy. However, for example the complexity of technical compounds limits the availability to extract raw materials from secondary sources. Moreover, efficiency gains can be offset by the rebound effect and planned obsolescence or consumer behaviour can restrict the active usage time of an item.

This course deals with these issues related to the availability and the usage of raw materials. Theoretical input together with reading assignments forms the bases for discussing controversially the availability and the usage of raw materials in different social, ecological, political and economic contexts. The students are invited to question economic paradigms (such as for example growth or efficiency) from various and different perspectives.

Among other topics, core issues ofthe course will deal with (a) boundaries and limitation to the availability of raw materials; (b) raw materials conflicts; (c) stories of stuff; (d) the end-of-life-phase and (e) raw materials policies.

In teams of four to five, students conduct a case study, on scientific bases, dealing with an environmental, social orpolitical conflicts related to the availability or usage of raw materials. The case studies are based on a comprehensive literature review. In class, the students will be provided some time for designing the research proposal of the case study. The case will be presented towards the end ofthe course. The presentation comprises (1) the description of the case and its emerging issue(s) (2) the research question and research target, (3)  objects, indices, measures etc. (4) the findings and conclusions and (6) alternatives to deal with these issues on various scales and from different perspectives. Moreover, an interactive discussion with the instructor and the rest of the class are part of the presentation. A term paper comprises the topic and the content of the presentation as well as additional findings and remarks.

After completing a ZuWi II course students are aware of the wider context of business activities, which encompasses economic, environmental, ethical, political,sociological and technological factors, and understand the effects business has on these dimensions and vice versa. Throughout the course, students learn to take into account the impact of their later actions as business professionals on society and the natural environment as well as their responsibility and contribution with regards to a long-term sustainable development. Hence,students develop the ability to consider ethical, social and environmental issues implied in their business decisions.

Throughout the course students are especially encouraged to:

· familiarize with the bases of the availability of raw materials;

· familiarize with selected issues related to the boundaries and limitations on their availability;

· recognize raw materials as the physical bases of the economy;

· explore economic activities as dependent on the availability of raw materials andinterlinked to society and ecosystems;

· understand and address ethical, political and legal issues related to the availability andusage of raw materials;

· develop and deepen their understanding on the ecological, social, political and legalimpacts of the availability and usage of raw materials from a variety of disciplinary perspectives;

· critically reflect on their role as consumers and future business professionals;

· discuss issues based on facts and to voice their opinions based on facts;

· provide constructive feedback to the work of fellow students;

· have fun on a journey to a new topic.

The course provides both theoretical bases and a space for critically reflecting and discusing issues and problems related to the availability and usage of raw materials. Students continuously share their reflections on these issues in class discussions and exchange constructive feedback with each other. Teams ofstudents present a term paper towards the end of the semester. They show the acquired theoretical knowledge on the availability and usage of raw materials and related issues on sustainability. Among others, teaching and learning methods comprise

· Presentations and talks

· Class discussions

· Discussionson the assigned reading materials

· Team work

· Role play

- Group presentation and feedback-discussions in class

The evaluation of students in courses with immanent examinations does not result on the basis of a single examination at the end of the course but is based on the regular written and oral contributions of the students, along with the continual observation and verification of the fulfilment of any prescribed attendance requirements.

ClassParticipation (20%): Positive class participation comprises regular attendance and punctual arrival in class. Moreover, the students are asked to participate in class discussions and discussion of the reading assignments as well as to provide constructive feedback on the work of fellow students. In case of missing more than one class, students will be asked to compensate their absence by providing a paper of minimum 1,500 words. Subject of the topic will be decided together with the instructor. In case of missing more than two units, students will be unsubscribed from the course. Class participation will accountfor 20% of the final grade.

ReadingAssignments (25%): For five sessions, assigned reading material got to be preparedin advance and handed in via email, at noon of the day before class. The writtenreading assignments will account for 20% of the final grade.

TeamPresentation (20%): The final term presentation (in teams of five) comprises the presentation of findings and conclusions on an investigated research problem, reflections on encountered difficulties in the course of the process aswell as an interactive element with the rest of the class. All presentations have to be made available three days before the presentation date. Even when presenting as a team, students will be evaluated on basis of their individual performance. The final team presentation will account for 20% of the finalgrade.

Term paper(35%): The term paper comprises the content of the team presentation. Students will be graded for their individual contribution to the investigated researchproblem. Therefore, each student got to provide at least one chapter of the paper, each chapter of minimum 2,000 words and comprising a separate list of references. The term paper will account for 35% of thefinal grade.

· Reading skills for preparing assigned texts and for commenting on them in class discussions;

· Skills for discussing in English on economic, ecological, social and political issues and issues from natural sciences;

· Awareness of minimum standards of and skills for academic research and writting at a university. 

Within this course students are constantly encouraged to participate in class discussions and to answer questions as well as to participate in interactive

sessions. These activities are integrated elements of the course design and form some of the bases of grading the students.