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Welcome to Sustainable Living On-line Class Sustainable Living introduces you to diverse global perspectives and practical
personal solutions related to environmental, economic and social
sustainability. The course presents a historical, ethical and technical
review of the impact that our daily decisions make on the global
condition. Most important however is we learn to make decisions on a
daily basis related to energy, food, land use, water and air, waste, housing,
personal health, and community. In this class you will create your own
Personal Holistic Goal and learn to make decisions toward that end. You
will be presented with a framework for changing yourself, your community and
the world, and learn to speak effectively about the need for change.
And to get a “flavor” of the class just read this article by Michael Pollan
titled “Why
Bother?”. Course Number: PLSOILIN 185 Dates: January 5 – January 23, 2009 Instructor: John M.
Gerber, UMass Professor of Plant Sciences Office:
308 Bowditch Hall; University of Massachusetts Contact:
(413)545-5301 or jgerber@psis.umass.edu Web:
http://people.umass.edu/jgerber/
Format: This class is a lecture and discussion format delivered in an on-line
environment. You will have access to the instructor via WebCT Vista,
however I will not be available “24/7”. The class is delivered
over a three-week period and while there is some flexibility it is important
to move along with the class completing a unit each week. It is
designed so that you can complete the course successfully by investing
approximately four hours per day over that time. Technology:
To view the PowerPoints with notes, make sure you have the Adobe Acrobat
Reader (which is available free here).
If you have any problems with technology, please contact the UMass Online
Tech Support office for help here. According
to UMass Online, in order to take this course you must: · have access to a personal
computer (Mac or Windows) · be familiar with basic
computer skills · be connected to the internet · have an e-mail program and
account ·have at
least a 56 kbps modem · have a Java capable browser (Netscape or Internet Explorer) NOTE: Explorer seems to work better sometimes! Student
Learning Objectives:
·
To understand global
challenges to sustainability from economic, environmental and social
perspectives. ·
To understand the
impact of personal decisions on local, regional, national and global
sustainability. ·
To increase awareness
of alternatives to current practices that impact long-term
sustainability. ·
To evaluate your
personal life goals and practice decision-making tools to move toward these
goals. ·
To change personal
behavior consistent with your personal life goals. Lesson Plan: the draft
lesson plan is posted here. Required Textbook: The
Sustainability Revolution: Portrait of a Paradigm Shift by Andres R. Edwards is available at local
bookstores, new or used at Amazon (click
here) or other on-line sources. Be sure you have a textbook BEFORE
the class begins. Exams and Grades:
There will be no exams in this class. Your grade will be based on your
successful completion of 4 quizzes, 3 homework assignments, your Personal
Holistic Goal, and participation in online discussions and email.
Grades will be based on: Quizzes = 10 points each x
4 = 40 points Homework * = 10
points each x 3 = 30 points Discussion Participation
= 10 points Email Participation = 10 points Holistic Goal
project
= 10
points * Homework
will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Needs Improvement = 0 points
Meets Expectations = 1 points
Needs Improvement = 0 points
Meets Expectations = 1 points
Exceptional = 2 points
Needs Improvement = 0 points
Meets Expectations = 1 points
Exceptional = 2 points Grades will be given using these ranges:
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@2008 John M. Gerber |
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