Required Courses

ESTU 571: Environmental Education Foundations (4 credits)
The emphasis of this course is the theoretical foundations of the broad field of environmental education. Topics will include the history of environmental education, its goals and objectives, its broad literature, the scope of its methodologies and broad trends in the field. The course process will involve reading and discussion, exposure to practitioners and critical analysis of EE theory. An in-depth investigation of a theoretical topic will be required.

ESTU 575: Assessment, Evaluation and Research in EE (4 credits)
Assessment of learning, evaluation of programming and research concerning causes, processes and impacts are discussed in this course. The bulk of students’ work will focus on the challenges and techniques of evaluation of programming in the nonprofit EE sector. Attention will be paid to making evaluation a habitual and iterative process in organizations, and to making it useful to stakeholders. Designing and conducting evaluations will be examined in principle, by case studies and by undertaking a group project. Study and practice of techniques for all steps in evaluation will be balanced with broader discussion of evaluation guiding questions and methodological concepts. Sample syllabus

ESTU 587: Conservation Psychology (4 credits)
Critical examination of the psychological and educational research bases for environmental education. Introduction to research methods used to investigate environmental behavior change, learning about the environment, development of environmental responsibility, and the formation of ecological ethics, across the lifespan. Course employs lecture, discussion, student presentation, and research practicum. Sample syllabus

ESTU 588: Language and Discourse of the Environment (4 credits)
Using the metaphorical nature of language (Lakoff & Johnson) as a critical lens, this course offers students the opportunity to analyze various strands of environmental discourse and environmental literature. Sample syllabus

ESTU 589: Curriculum in Environmental Education (5 credits)
The course examines all aspects of curriculum for environmental education, especially in the non-formal setting of environmental learning centers, nature centers, and outdoor schools. Curriculum theory and methodology appropriate to these settings are studied, as are processes of curriculum design. Current programs and materials in environmental and place-based education are reviewed and critiqued. Students will apply theoretical knowledge to problems of curriculum design and implementation and practice development of learning materials appropriate to field-based educational situations.