17.4.4. SUSTAINABILITY LITERACY
At Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies (TSUOS), sustainability literacy is considered a fundamental competency for all students. The university systematically evaluates and strengthens students’ understanding of sustainability principles, ensuring that every graduate is equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Integration of Sustainability Literacy Across the Curriculum
Sustainability-related content is embedded in both undergraduate and graduate programs across all faculties. Each academic year, TSUOS conducts a curriculum review to align courses with global sustainability priorities. Departments are encouraged to integrate modules on environmental responsibility, ethical governance, sustainable development, and social inclusion into their courses.
Examples include:
- Bachelor’s courses such as Global Governance and SDGs, Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, and Social Responsibility in Business and Politics;
- Master’s courses including Sustainable Economic Growth and National Models of Sustainable Development.
These courses ensure that sustainability literacy is cultivated not only as theoretical knowledge but also as an applied, cross-disciplinary competency.
- Evaluation and Assessment of Sustainability Literacy
TSUOS employs multiple mechanisms to evaluate students’ understanding and retention of sustainability concepts:
- Course-based assessments: Students complete research projects, essays, and presentations that measure their ability to analyze real-world sustainability challenges.
- Capstone and graduation projects: Each program includes final projects where students address sustainability issues within their field, integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
- Surveys and feedback mechanisms: Annual surveys conducted by the Academic Affairs Department collect data on students’ sustainability awareness, attitudes, and practical application of knowledge.
- Participation in sustainability-related events: Student engagement in seminars, SDG workshops, and research circles is also considered a key indicator of sustainability literacy in action.
- SDG and Sustainability Competence Framework
In line with the University’s SDG Action Plan, TSUOS developed a Sustainability Competence Framework that defines key learning outcomes for all students, including:
- Understanding of global and local sustainability challenges;
- Capacity for critical thinking and ethical decision-making;
- Ability to apply sustainable practices in research, business, and governance;
- Commitment to civic responsibility and intercultural dialogue.
These competencies are integrated into learning outcomes and course evaluation rubrics, ensuring that sustainability literacy is both measurable and continuous.
- Co-curricular and Experiential Learning
TSUOS enhances literacy through non-formal education as well. The SDG Center for Sustainable Economic Development, established at the university, organizes open lectures, webinars, and discussions that help students connect classroom theory to real-life practice.
Examples include sessions on climate change adaptation, sustainable tourism, ethical consumption, and inclusive economic growth. Students’ reflections and post-event surveys are analyzed to assess shifts in sustainability understanding.
Furthermore, through volunteer programs and Erasmus+ projects, students participate in activities addressing environmental awareness, waste management, and sustainable lifestyles — reinforcing knowledge through hands-on experience.
- Continuous Improvement
Sustainability literacy outcomes are reviewed annually by the Academic Council and the SDG Center, which use the findings to enhance teaching methodologies, course content, and outreach initiatives. The aim is to ensure that sustainability education remains relevant, evidence-based, and responsive to local and global challenges.
Through its structured curriculum integration, participatory evaluation methods, and research-based assessment of competencies, TSUOS ensures that every student not only learns but also internalizes and applies sustainability principles. This holistic approach guarantees that graduates emerge as informed, responsible, and sustainability-literate global citizens, ready to contribute to national and international sustainable development agendas.
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