Course Description
Ecology students work in teams to address pressing environmental concerns identified by community stakeholders. Skills used include problem identification, research and analysis, report and policy drafting, and public presentation.
Athena Title
Environmental Practicum
Non-Traditional Format
Course includes a service-learning project during the semester that either employs skills or knowledge learned in the course or teaches new skills or knowledge related to course objectives. Students will be involved in the planning and implementation of the project(s) and may spend time outside of the classroom. Students will be engaged in the service-learning component for approximately 25-50% of overall instructional time. This practicum requires students to work on group projects with community stakeholder clients. In addition to the three regular lecture hours, students meet within their groups, often with the instructor and the client, for at least one additional hour per week.
Prerequisite
ECOL 3500-3500L or ECOL 3505H-3505L
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will apply fundamental theories in ecology and environmental policy to help community stakeholders solve real-world environmental challenges. Students will identify and analyze all aspects (social, ecological, and economic) of two or more environmental challenges assigned to them. Students will identify and apply a diverse set of resources (online/written as well as experts) for their analysis. Students will identify two or more potential solutions to the challenges assigned to them, analyze the pros and cons of each, and develop a recommendation or menu of recommendations. Students will develop and implement a work plan to facilitate effective and timely group work. Students will present and defend (orally and in writing) their recommendations to clients.
Topical Outline
Lectures -Ecological Stressors (will be tailored to that semester’s challenges) -Environmental Policy (will be tailored to that semester's challenges) -Environmental Issue Identification and Problem-solving Strategies and Resources for Analysis -Developing a Literature Review -Web-based environmental research -Making effective presentations -Skills for engaging community partners -Work Plan Development -Report and Policy Drafting -Presentation Dress Rehearsals -Final Presentation In-depth group discussions on problem identification and analysis per particular issue Multiple reviews of draft reports
Syllabus