INDEPENDENT STUDY: SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

C&ESOC/CURRIC/ENVIRST 405

How can education - for children and adults, in school and out - help to address crucial environmental and social sustainability challenges? What ideas and strategies have guided environmental and sustainability education over the years? What can individual people do to address environmental challenges, and what can only be accomplished by people working together? What does sustainability have to do with justice - and vice versa? Examine the principles behind behavior change and empowerment, community action and whole-scale social reform. Drawing on research and theory from across the social sciences, we will explore the uncertain relationship between education and advocacy, seeking the means by which education can have the greatest impact without compromising the core ideals of a democratic society.

ENVIRST 215

An introduction to the dynamic and emerging transdisciplinary field of sustainability. A broad survey of the global sustainability science challenges and their potential solutions using an integrated social-environmental systems approach. Applies a sustainability and systems thinking lens to various topics, such as complexity, resilience, ecological literacy, global climate change, economics, food systems, energy, sustainable development, and social equity. Facilitates the exploration of complex interrelationships among contemporary environmental, social, and economic problems and the solutions to support more sustainable systems. Focuses on the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to implement sustainable practices and to enact sustainable development through sustainability science and education.

ENVIRST 317

Provides opportunities for students in the Community Environmental Scholars Program to analyze the connections among environmental issues and community engagement. Requires work with community-based environmental and/or sustainability-related organizations. Student cohorts design and lead classes and projects and have opportunities to host guest speakers and environmental leaders. Emphasizes the professional skills needed to work effectively individually, in teams, in internships, and in professional positions.

ENVIRST 691

Independent study for undergraduate students completing a thesis in Environmental Studies.

ENVIRST 399

Independent work in environmental studies overseen by a qualified instructor.