Foundations of Environmental Education
ENVS 4610/6610
3 Credit Hours
Spring Semester 2015
INSTRUCTOR:
Andree’ Walker Bravo
, (435) 757-4102 (cell)
Office Hours: gladly by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course includes two main aspects of EE: history of the field, and an understanding of environmental literacy. We will use the history of EE to understand the current issues in the field, distinguish between education and advocacy, and explore regional and national trends that impact environmental education. We will investigate the ecological concepts that underpin environmental literacy through an exploration of the process of science, of ecological processes and systems, and of citizenship skills and responsibilities. This course has no pre-requisites and is designed to complement Applications of Environmental Education course in the fall.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will:
· create an environmental education teaching philosophy influenced by an understanding of foundational documents of EE and emerging trends
· describe national and regional policies related to EE
· distinguish between environmental information and environmental literacy
· investigate concepts that are foundational to environmental literacy including:
o contrasting questioning and analysis skills
o evaluating information sources for accuracy and reliability
o identifying and investigating a regional environmental issue and describing ecological factors, potential solutions, and citizens rights and responsibilities
o describing environmental processes and systems
READINGS
There is no required text to purchase for this course. You will be directed to articles, text excerpts, online books, web links, etc., each week as needed in Canvas.
TEACHING METHODS
The course uses readings, video, reflection, discussion, online research and resources, written assignments and online interaction to achieve the learning objectives.
CONSULTATION
If you need help, by all means ask for it, I will be happy to assist you. I will check Canvas at least every other day excluding weekends so you can always expect a response within 2 days. You may also feel free to call or text me and I will return your call within 24 hours during the business week. If you prefer an in-person meeting, I will be happy to meet with you by appointment.
LATE WORK
Much of our work in this class will be discussion-oriented and in order to maintain a productive learning community must be completed on time. If there are extenuating circumstances and I am made aware of them in advance, we may be able to find a solution. Otherwise, late assignments will be accepted at 50% of their original point value.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Graduate students taking the course at the 6000 level will be required to complete extra research and write additional papers for the course. Additionally, Graduate students will be expected to take leadership in discussion postings.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Students with ADA-documented physical, sensory, emotional or medical impairments may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. Veterans may also be eligible for services. All accommodations are coordinated through the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in Room 101 of the University Inn, (435) 797-2444. Please contact the DRC as early in the semester as possible. Alternate format materials (Braille, large print, digital, or audio) are available with advance notice. http://www.usu.edu/drc/faculty/syllabusstatement/
COURSE SCHEDULE:
Choices for Academic Success in Foundations of Environmental Education
Discussion posts – Each week there will be one or two discussion prompts to which you will need to respond.
These will be due on Fridays by 5pm. You will also need to respond to posts from your classmates. You
will need to complete responses by Sunday evenings…………………………………………………40%
Assignments – Assignments vary each week. Often times you will be asked to read articles or view video clips
and reflect on those. Other assignments make include taking a position on an issue, doing a research project
and compiling your results into 1-3 pages, or completing an impact analysis. These assignments will be
described on Canvas…………………………………………………………………………………40%
Final Assessment Project – This course begins with a self-assessment regarding your comfort level and
understandings regarding EE. Upon completion of the semester, you will be asked to review your initial
assessment and document gains that you have made throughout the course…………………………..20%
Disclaimer
This syllabus has been created as a guide to the class and is as accurate as possible. However, all information is
subject to change as class needs change. Any changes will be documented in writing and posted on Canvas.
Please remember that USU honor code applies to all course work and activity:
SECTION 3. Violations of University Standards (From USU Student Code)
A. The following activities have been found to interfere with University functions or threaten the well-being and
the educational purposes of students and are, therefore, specifically prohibited and make the student subject to
discipline. The following list of violations is not an all-inclusive list; other misconduct may also subject the
student to discipline.
1. Acts of academic dishonesty.
a. Cheating includes intentionally: (1) using or attempting to use or providing others with any unauthorized
assistance in taking quizzes, tests, examinations, or in any other academic exercise or activity; (2)
depending upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing
reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; (3) substituting for another student, or
permitting another student to substitute for oneself, in taking an examination or preparing academic work;
(4) acquiring tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty member, staff member, or another
student without express permission.
b. Falsification includes the intentional and unauthorized altering or inventing of any information or
citation in an academic exercise or activity.
c. Plagiarism includes knowingly representing by paraphrase or direct quotation, the published or
unpublished work of another person as one's own in any academic exercise or activity without full and
clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person
or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.
The penalty for any form of academic dishonesty is an F grade with possible expulsion from the
University