Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action

Coursework

The interdisciplinary coursework in Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action focuses on sustainability efforts in diverse environments of Australia. Students examine the impact of human activity on the environment and ways governments, industry, and citizens are working to protect and conserve natural resources. Students participate in a variety of research and cultural activities and interact with academics, conservationists, community members, and host families. During the final five weeks of the semester, students leverage their field study experience and research skills to complete an Independent Study Project.

The Australia: Sustainability and Environmental Action program offers the following courses. These course descriptions can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Learn more about credit transfer.

Sustainability and Environmental Action Seminar - syllabus
(ENVI 3000 / 8 credits / 120 class hours)
An interdisciplinary course focusing on an analysis of efforts to pursue sustainability in Australia. The course is designed to empower students to make a positive contribution to making societies more sustainable. Resources utilized in the delivery of course content may include Sustainable Futures Australia, ERDA Institute, and Aboriginal elders.

Field Study Seminar - syllabus
(ENVI 3500 / 2 credits / 30 class hours)
A course in the concepts of learning across cultures and from field experience. Introduction to the Independent Study Project. Material includes cross-cultural adaptation and skills building; project selection and refinement; appropriate methodologies; field study ethics and the World Learning/SIT Human Subjects Review Policy; developing contacts and finding resources; developing skills in observation and interviewing; gathering, organizing, and communicating data; maintaining a work journal.

Independent Study Project - syllabus
(ISPR 3000 / 6 credits / 180 class hours)
Conducted in northern New South Wales or in another approved location appropriate to the project. Sample topic areas: effect of dolphin feeding on environmental perceptions of tourists; permaculture as an alternative to traditional agriculture; ethics of scientific research on Aboriginal land; creating effective urban community gardens; effect of human disturbance on endangered fauna; sustainable housing; why farmers choose to convert to organic agriculture; the role of art in promoting sustainability; conceptions of wilderness in Tasmania.

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research