90 likes | 197 Views
From Vision to Implementation: Developing an Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Urban Sustainability. Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Conference Donald Strauss, M.F.A. and Andrea Richards, Ph.D. October 10, 2011.
E N D
From Vision to Implementation: Developing an Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Urban Sustainability Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Conference Donald Strauss, M.F.A. and Andrea Richards, Ph.D. October 10, 2011
A Curricular Response to the Global Climate Crisis • An Urban Ecosystem Perspective • Emphasis on Environmental and Social Justice • Sustainability Beyond Traditional Economic and Environmental Concerns • To Make the Livable City of the Future Why an MA in Urban Sustainability?
Mission of Antioch University • Social justice • Community engagement • Undergraduate concentration in Urban Community & Environment Why at Antioch?
Looking for adaptive leaders who can • Solve problems • Work across disciplinary silos • Facilitate conversations among stakeholders Developed in Dialog with the Community
Systems Thinking Orientation • Environmental Literacy • Practitioner Skills • Social Justice Perspective The Competencies
Interdisciplinary curriculum • Fieldwork in 3 of 4 semesters • Low residency model • 4-6 day Los Angeles residencies • Project periods of online work • Faculty mentorship • Required capstone experience • Strong emphasis of scholar-practitioner model Program Elements
Program Learning Outcomes • Analyze and critique urban systems • Comprehend and evaluate sustainable urban design and its potential effects on human and ecological health, social and economic justice • Develop and articulate appropriate perspectives for planning, policy, and regulation of sustainable practice • Utilize writing, research and presentation skills in the service of change • Analyze and critique the theoretical literature • Identify and apply a theoretical lens to the analysis of urban systems and field-based practice • Assess leadership needs and adopt leadership practices that promote more sustainable environmental and social processes and conditions • Engage in collaborative problem solving and facilitation of social change processes
Challenges of a low-residency model • Curriculum development as an ongoing project • Assessment of student learning • Fieldwork placements • Community responses Reflections on the First Year
Questions? dstrauss@antioch.edu 310-578-1080 x289 arichards@antioch.edu 310-578-1080 x206