SOW 2200 - Sustainability and Community: An Environmental Justice Perspective

Sustainability is often depicted as intersecting circles representing its social, economic, physical (environmental), and spiritual/ethical components. Following an overview, this course focuses on social sustainability in theory and practice. Social sustainability includes the development of trust, reciprocity norms, equity, and other conditions that permit coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit. With environmental justice as a lens, many aspects of sustainability and community will be considered. Over thirty percent of the grade is earned through service-learning projects, which will include an immersive rural experience and a local urban experience. The service-learning component will feature hands-on activities out of the classroom, work with community partners, and reflection, all with the goal of applying critical thinking to integrate course concepts. This course is open to all students with no prerequisites. It can be applied as elective credit to the Environmental Studies major/minor as well as the Diversity and Social Welfare minor.
Lecture
Credits: 4
Offered in the Spring Semester