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Current as of June 2023
The Sustainability major at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ equips students to apply a systems approach toÌýaddress complex ecological, economic and social problems in ways that transcend the conventional disciplinary mindset. Increasingly, businesses, governmental agencies, non-profits, media and community groups recognize the need for individuals with expertise in a systems approach to the triple bottom line that integrates society, ecology and economy. The Sustainability major combines theory with projects and experiential learning to provide students Ìýwith depth in Sustainability thinking and practice, which can be applied to any field.Ìý
Students who complete the Sustainability major are equipped to apply integrative skill sets to their careers in ways that promote social, economic and ecological well-being. The major also Ìýempowers students to incorporate civic engagement, social justice and personal transformationÌý into their lives.Ìý
The BA in Sustainability consists of thirteen courses – 52 credits (up to 56 credits for studentsÌýwho take one of the science-based Disciplinary Clusters). Three Foundational Courses focus on sustainability from socio-cultural, business, and ecological perspectives, which lead to a writing Ìýintensive Integrative Seminar in Sustainability. Students also take two required core courses and Ìýchoose two out of five electives within the major that ground students in the practice ofÌýsustainability by focusing on themes such as leadership, methods in sustainability, environmental Ìýpolicy, environmental literature, environmental law, and climate change, as well as areas such asÌý food, water and energy. For students to gain depth in a particular area of interest where sustainability may be applied, three courses are drawn from one of the following Disciplinary Clusters: Environmental Science, (Business) Management, Law and Society, EnvironmentalÌý Studies, Earth Science, Food Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Contemplative Studies, andÌýPhilosophy.Ìý
The two fourth-year capstone courses focus on independent student projects that highlight practice-based, process-oriented approaches to address the pressing social, ecological and economic issues.
Students are encouraged to use their nine free electives to also complete a minor or, in some Ìýcases with one or two summer or winter courses, a second major. (Talk to your advisor aboutÌý this possibility early in your first year.)Ìý
Goal 1: Students will acquire the knowledge to foster a sustainable world, with Ìýparticular attention to a systems approach.Ìý
Outcome 1: Students will gain an understanding of the complex relationships that exist in ecological, economic, and community systems.Ìý
Outcome 2: ÌýStudents will develop foundational knowledge of theories of sustainability and their discourses, from the vantage of a systems approach to solving problems of sustainability.
Goal 2: Students will engage in the methods and practices of sustainability.
Outcome 1: Students will learn the technique of conducting multi-method research design.Ìý
Outcome 2: Students will learn to implement appropriate practices for achieving sustainability.Ìý
Goal 3: Students will demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate and communicate concepts related to sustainability so as to facilitate informed decision making.
Outcome 1: Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills within the field of sustainability.Ìý
Outcome 2: Learn to effectively communicate concepts, recommendations and outcomes related to sustainability in oral and written forms.Ìý
Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation.
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