BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES LEARNING CONTRACTS
Autumn color on Raquette Lake Notes:
- These courses will help satisfy SUNY general education requirements; students should consult with their primary mentor regarding those requirements.
- Students will select one course from the listing below. That topic will be the focus for the in-depth individualized study to be carried out over the fall 2008 term. At the residency students will meet three times in small group seminars led by the tutor for their chosen course.
American Environmental History
Tutor: Karen Garner | See a detailed description of the learning contract
This course considers broadly the interaction between humans and nature on the North American continent, from Paleo-Indian cultures crossing the Siberian land bridge in 15,000 BCE, to the contemporary globalized consumer culture inhabiting the United States. This study focuses on the key turning points of U.S. environmental history, identifies the historical forces behind physical transformations of the environment, and contrasts the ideas about the environment held by Native American peoples and Euro-American peoples during the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. This course combines critical reading, writing, and discussion to illuminate the elements of evidence, values, and interpretation in the study of environmental history. This course fully meets the general education requirement in American history.
Climate Change, Globalization and Social Equity
Tutor: Chris Rounds | See a detailed description of the learning contract
This study explores the boundary between concern for the global environment and concern for the welfare of the global poor. It explores the nature and impact of globalization in the context of climate change and the roles both rich and poor play in that process. Students will read two texts and will then explore specific aspects of the issues raised by the authors in the context of a ‘developing’ country or region chosen in consultation with the tutor. This course meets the SUNY general education requirement for Other World Civilizations and Social Science.
Ecopsychology
Tutor: John Eisler | See a detailed description of the learning contract
The relationship between humans and nature has changed dramatically, with important implications for mental health, physical well-being and sustainability of society and the Earth. This study explores the multiple underpinnings of Ecopsychology, which emphasizes our connection with nature, from inner psyche to ecosystem. Topics include evolutionary foundations of the human-environment relationship; cross-species and developmental perspectives; from egocentricity to ecocentricity; mourning and fear to healing and celebration; the prevailing beliefs about human roles; spirituality and nature; and Deep Ecology. This course meets the general education requirement for social sciences.
Ethics, Environment and Economics
Tutors: Duncan RyanMann and Wayne Ouderkirk | See a detailed description of the learning contract
Is environmental sustainability possible without economic disaster? Is business a critical agent in achieving sustainablility? Is concern for the environment any concern of business? Is business the environmental problem? What is the role of public policies in aligning business goals and the environment? This study examines competing paradigms of economics and business to identify their strengths and weaknesses in the effort to create a sustainable society. The course will argue in favor of the model proposed by ecological economics. Our perspective will be interdisciplinary, with elements of philosophy (ethics), economics and business all contributing. This course meets the SUNY general education Humanities requirement.
Iroquois Cultural Botany
Tutor: Drew Monthie | See a detailed description of the learning contract
Indigenous peoples relied heavily upon plants for food, medicine and spiritual practices. This interdisciplinary study looks at the cultural botanical practices of the Iroquois peoples who inhabit New York state. Many of the plants used by the Iroquois also have uses in modern medicine, due to the presence of compounds such as alkaloids and terpenes that may interact significantly with human body chemistry. We will explore Iroquois cultural use of plants and historical plant medicine, and the implications for modern culture and medicine. This course meets the SUNY general education requirement for Natural Science and Other World Civilizations.
Looking at Nature Through Digital Photography
Tutor: Alan Stankiewicz | See a detailed description of the learning contract
A visual “voice” is an important tool in interpreting your environment; a photograph can transform the everyday. Combined, they can inspire and educate. This course utilizes principles and concepts of digital photography while looking at the beauty of nature. Students will learn to compose a strong photograph and explore trends in environmental photography and nature documentaries. We will apply the skills and concepts to the Adirondack landscape and in the final, required nature portfolio. No previous photographic experience needed; access to a digital camera required. This course meets the SUNY general education requirement for the Arts.
Root, Word and Ritual: The Power of Nature, Traditions and Storytelling
Tutor: Elaine Handley | See a detailed description of the learning contract
Through the ages, peoples’ inner lives—their hopes, fears beliefs and sense of identity—were translated into words and ritual, usually in relation to the natural world. In this course, students will learn further about this powerful conjunction of nature, ritual and story, in Native American cultures and rediscovered traditions. Students will reflect on their own lives in terms of these three elements and observe the ways our present culture uses or rejects traditions having to do with nature, stories, and rituals. Texts will include fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. This course meets the SUNY general education humanities requirement.
The Science of Global Environmental Change
Tutor: Marlene (Chris) Evans | See a detailed description of the learning contract
This study explores our amazing but dangerous planet, examining processes and impacts that threaten human habitats. Attention is given to relationships between terrestrial and oceanic processes and global climate change; the science of violent weather events (e.g., hurricanes); tectonic processes that produce earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and tsunamis. Other topics include physical and social impacts of climate change; ozone depletion; flood impacts on coastal settlements; glacial melting; changes in ocean processes; and global fresh water resources. Rooted in earth and atmospheric sciences, this course helps the student develop an understanding of nature’s threats. This 4 credit lower level course meets the general education requirements for Natural Science.
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