FOUNDATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION

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 413

Understand the theory and practice the skills of effective, scientific, ethical, and legitimate preservation of nature (biodiversity, the atmosphere, water, etc.). Learn from global lessons in how to intervene against threats to nature, and the roles of ethics, law, and research in preserving nature. Gain mastery of terminology and usage so as to communicate professionally about nature preservation.

ENVIRST/ILS 126

Relates principles of environmental science to our daily activities, with an eye to sustainability, conservation, and systems thinking. Introduces science as a process of inquiry and discovery rather than just a pre-established set of facts. Topics relate to energy, water, and land use, and include food, electric power, materials, buildings, transportation, and waste.

ENVIRST 113

What do we really mean when we use the word, environment, in interdisciplinary Environmental Studies, and how important is it to have our environment be meaningful? Considers five popular understandings, while also offering a global perspective on environmental humanities. Introduction to key American texts (Carson, Kimmerer, Leopold, etc.) and key concepts (like sustainability and the Anthropocene), along with core skills from fields like philosophy, ethics, literature, fine arts, history, politics and anthropology. Cases in environmental experience and expression range from Wisconsin to Asia, and across biotic and abiotic environments. Through discussions and assignments, answer fundamental questions about science, nature, environmental problems and crisis, and how to relate to others in our world as human beings.

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.