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Environmental Studies Learning
Community
Fall Semester, 2002
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Interested in the environment?
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Considering a career in conservation?
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Want to spend a week of the semester
in the field?
Check out the new Environmental
Studies Learning Community at Wayne State College!
About the Program:
Who should participate in the
Environmental Studies Learning Community?
The Learning Community has been
designed for incoming freshmen. Students interested in conservation, natural
resource management, and wildlife biology careers are strongly encouraged
to participate in this Learning Community. Also, the Learning Community
is open to students of any major, or undeclared students, who have an interest
in the outdoors and environmental issues.
Why should I participate in the
Learning Community?
Several unique opportunities
are available to students involved in the Environmental Studies Learning
Community. Because the Learning Community is limited to 25 students, students
will readily get to know other community members. Only Learning Community
members will be taking the specified block of courses. All of the core
courses in the Environmental Studies Learning Community will meet the General
Education requirements of all Wayne State College majors. Students in the
Learning Community will spend a
week doing field studies
at the 56,000 acre Niobrara Valley Preserve near Valentine, NE. This preserve
is recognized as one of the premiere biological reserves in the Great Plains.
It encompasses pine-clad canyons, extensive prairies, and a 25-mile stretch
of the Niobrara River. On Fridays, many of the BIO 104 labs
will involve field experiences
at locations such as the unchannelized portions of the Missouri River,
the Desoto National Wildlife Refuge, or unique tallgrass prairie sites
near Wayne. Students have the option of being housed in a special `green'
dorm (Morey Hall) with other students in the Learning Community which will
facilitate collaborative academic and social activities among community
members.
What happens after the fall semester?
After the Fall 2002 semester,
students in the Learning Community will continue in studies specific to
their major. General Education courses with an environmental emphasis will
be offered in subsequent semesters. Students have the option of completing
an Environmental Science minor, no matter what their major is. Students
can also remain a part of the environmental community at WSC bystaying
in the `green' dorm and by joining environmentally active student organizations
on campus.
What will I learn in the Environmental
Studies Learning Community?
All courses in the learning community
will focus on environmental issues. All courses will also be a component
of a central collaborative project. Student groups will work on this project
using resources gained from other learning community classes. Potential
topics for projects include global climate change, ecoystem restoration,
and stream ecological monitoring.
Courses for the Fall 2002 Environmental
Studies Learning Community
Environmental Concerns (BIO
104)
This course will provide
an introduction to ecological principles, and examine the environmental
impacts of human activity both locally and globally. Labs will take place
indoors and out in the field. (This course fulfills a WSC General Education
requirement,
and is a required course
of the Environmental Science minor.)
Composition Skills (ENG
102)
This course will emphasize
reading and writing essays and stories about nature and the degradation
of nature through human intervention. Students will be expected to write
a research paper based on experiences, projects and reading in this class
as well as other classes in the Learning Community. (A WSC General Education
requirement.)
World Regional Geography
(GEO 120)
This course will explain
cultural behaviors and attitudes in different world regions using analyses
of: 1) how those cultures affect, and are affected by, the structure and
condition of their respective environments; 2) why those cultures are motivated
to behave as they do in their respective environments; and 3) what those
cultures do to distinguish themselves from others in different times and
different places. Students will learn where things are, why they
are there, and why that matters
to us here. (Fulfills a WSC General ducation requirement.)
Lifestyle Assessment (PED
103)
This course is designed to
assess the many areas of lifestyle to include the cardiovascular system,
flexibility and strength, nutrition, stress, health risk factors, alcohol,
drugs and tobacco. Students in this environmental section will become aware
of the impact that their lifestyles have on the environment and the impact
of the environment on their lifestyles. Students will also participate
in outdoor recreation activities. (A WSC General Education
requirement.)
Introduction to Sociology
(SOC 101)
This course will introduce
students to the basic concepts and areas of study within sociology by examining
the relationship between social system development and resource development.
The intent is for students to leave the course with an understanding of
the
reciprocal relationship between
human society and ecosystems and their place within this complex web. (Fulfills
a WSC General Education requirement.)
For more information or to register
for the Fall 2002 Environmental
Studies Learning Community, contact:
Mark Hammer
Associate Professor
Department of Life Sciences
Wayne State College
Wayne, NE 68787
402-375-7043
mahamme1@wsc.edu
or
Lin Brummels
Director of Counseling
103 Student Center
WayneState College
Wayne, NE 68787
402-375-7321
librumm1@wsc.edu
Department
of Life Sciences
(402) 375-7329
Updated 6/5/02
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