NASHVILLE (AP) — Vanderbilt University students will explore the theme of sustainability this academic year through classroom curriculum, a speaker series, documentary film series and field trips.

The university said in a news release that the goal is to create a dialogue during the 2011-2012 academic year on the theme of environmental, social and economic sustainability. More than 30 classes will incorporate the theme in cooperation with the American Studies program.

A speaker series kicks off in September, along with a "green bag" luncheon series for the Vanderbilt community. Documentaries focusing on sustainability issues will be shown at the Sarratt Cinema, and faculty and students will participate in field trips to learn about environmental issues in Middle Tennessee.