January 03, 2007
Courses Taught
Here are brief course descriptions of several classes I currently teach. As you can see, I have a wide range of interests including environmental science education, the digital frontier, experiential education and outdoor leadership, and environmental technology. I've included some PDF files of basic course data, but extensive additional course materials can be found on-line at the related WebCT site for each course. Current courses are at the top.
ENSP 305L -- COMPUTER-AIDED COMMUNICATIONS, SPRING (3)
The objective of this course is to introduce ENSP students to the theory and techniques of computer-aided communications. The fundamentals of this field will be addressed, demonstrated and applied. Central aspects of the course will include: an overview of computer utilization in environmental communications; digital photography; presentation graphics; advanced utilization of the web; and desktop publishing tools and techniques.. If you want to know more about my perspective on this field, read Environmental Education Goes High Tech or check out my lecture (as a Quicktime movie) on Interactive Multimedia: Problems and Promises, given at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada in Fall 2002.
ENSP 440 -- EDUCATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT, FALL (4)
This is a survey course designed to provide an introduction to the history and current scope of environmental education; state and national initiatives, contemporary frameworks for learning and teaching; self, site, and audience assessment; and program options for schools and education centers. It includes a required 2-day, overnight field trip.
Course Syllabus, ENSP 440, Education and the Environment
Course Schedule, Fall 2007
Field Trip Logistics
ENSP 444 -- OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP, FALL (3)
Check out this 3 minute video/slideshow overview of the outdoor leadership course.
The goal of this course is to respond to a growing market and to improve the quality of outdoor leadership. While primarily a survey course, it combines theory and practice to address both soft and hard skills of outdoor leadership. Central course topics include: safety and first aid, planning and leading trips, business models, and hard skills such as leading ropes courses, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, maps/compass/GPS, and rock climbing. Course fee and overnite field trip. Cr/NC
Course Syllabus, ENSP 444, Outdoor Leadership
Outside Hours Course Requirement
Link to SSU Adventure Programs
ENSP 442 -- METHODS AND MODELS, SPRING (3)
This is an advanced course in environmental education to build upon the fundamental theory and techniques presented in the Fall course, ENSP 440. The focus is on exemplary programs, delivery techniques, tools, and technologies. Many class sessions are field trips to model local centers, schools and facilities. Cr/NC
ENSP 303 -- ENERGY, TECNOLOGY AND SOCIETY -- FALL 2007
From escalating oil prices to regional nuclear power disputes to global climate change, the global connections between energy choices and human well-being have never been more apparent and critical. While projections for increasing energy consumption are often startling and sometimes bleak, emerging technologies and new ways of thinking about the role of energy in developed and developing countries offer hope for the future. This interdisciplinary course explores the pivotal role of energy supply, use, and technology in economic development, geopolitics, and environmental futures. We will draw upon insights from a variety of disciplines, including history, environmental science, ethics, physics, political science, and economics to investigate energy and technology issues.
Course Syllabus and Schedule, Fall 2007
ENSP 430 -- ENERGY FORUM, SPRING (2)
This is a guest lecture and field trip course focusing on the latest issues and technologies surrounding sustainable energy (such as energy efficiency and renewable sources). The Forum varies each semester but always features a few alumni from our Energy Management and Design Program. Click on the following titles to view digital streaming video of two of my favorite Forum speakers.
Jay Baldwin Whole Systems Thinking
Don Aitken Buildings, Energy and Climate