EFGS - Education for Global Sustainability

Course Descriptions

EFGS 5000 Foundations: Education for Global Sustainability (3)

This course will provide an understanding of Global Sustainability and guide participants in ways to incorporate the information into their classrooms. EFGS 5000 should be taken within the first 9 hours of the program. Content will provide understanding in addressing environmental issues and the relationship between the environment, economy and global community. Crucial for today’s PK12 students, this framework will also provide candidates with the tools to go beyond identifying environmental problems and prepare them to envision the path towards a healthier future for all sentient beings.

EFGS 5200 Independent Study (1-3)

Graduate students with special interests in education for sustainability may request that a member of the faculty supervise an independent study. Together the student and faculty member decide the content of the independent study and the criteria for assessment. In no case can an independent study be set up when an existing course already covers the subject. Prerequisite: Degree-seeking in GR. May be repeated for credit (limit 6 credit hours for certificate).

EFGS 5240 Creating Sustainable Schools (3)

What does a sustainable school look like? What do educators need to know to be highly qualified instructors with an understanding for education for global sustainability? Educators are facing new territory as they try to create facilities, curriculum, and community connections that transform schools into 21st century learning environments. This course will help participants explore strategies for creating a school that can claim education for sustainability.

EFGS 5250 Child as Naturalist (3)

This course examines the phenomena of humanity’s disconnection from nature, how this affects children, the ramification of this global attitude, and ways to reverse the trend. Outdoor education methodology will be included. Through activities and discussions, the instructor will introduce techniques and experiences that encourage a conservation ethic and nurture environmental awareness in children. While a survey of environmental themes will be key, emphasis will be placed on the importance of nature experiences for children.

EFGS 5260 Topics in Education for Global Sustainability (1-3)

This course provides candidates with practical applications of contemporary research and methodology to improve classroom effectiveness while considering the goals and concepts of sustainability. The specific topic of this course will change depending on the instructor, but will always help teachers to better under-stand the relationships between a healthy natural environment, economic stability, and social justice. Different topic designations may be repeated for credit.

EFGS 5270 Exploring Regions (3)

This course introduces students to techniques and resources for learning specifics about the natural history (nature, geography, and indigenous people) of a specific region. After learning these approaches, the group meets in a designated natural environment and spends a week applying the methods to unravel the mysteries and treasures of that region. This is an online course with one week face-to-face in the field.

EFGS 5410 In-Service Topics (1-3)

In-service courses in EFGS are designed to provide students with practical applications of contemporary research and methodology to advance EFGS in P12 schools.

EFGS 5900 Reflections and Next Steps (0)

After 18 hours of a variety of courses, the EFGS emphasis student will be eligible for university certification by taking this final course.