Thank's for forwarding this, Jim,
GREAT
This would work for the intrdisciplinary proposal on Env. Ethics/Sustainability I have in mind. Any members interested into participating - it does not have to be 7 disciplines, and would nicely fit into the approach to interdisciplinary work by our new president? (see below)
Best
Achim
Course Proposal re. Sustainability through the disciplines: As of discussion between 7 related disciplines:
As part of a new core curriculum, we propose a new course that is interdisciplinary and built on the cooperation of faculty from the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It will have a changing practical issue as foundation, linking the academic teaching to applicable solutions. The work of the "sustainability task force" and Green Team can be integrated in this project.
This course will study the interaction between people and their natural environment from a global and historical perspective, drawing on the expertise of faculty from Geography, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Political Sciences, Chemistry, English and Philosophy (all above mentioned disciplines have volunteered participation).
The course is multidisciplinary and synthesizes valuable insights/paradigms from various disciplines. Topics of study will include the impact of nature on societies and vice e versa; effects of geography and climate on economic development and income inequality. The impact of humans on their environment; environmental local problems - and knowledge necessary for possible solutions; sustainable development will lead the students to a more interdisciplinary view.
Based on an interdisciplinary approach, case studies (different for different students from different fields) enable students to examine the ecological interrelatedness of the environment and the impact of human society on the environment, and the value of management, restoration and control. Each semester, the focus will shift from the assessment of this years theme (example: restoration of the college pond/recycling/composting) or content of environmental studies/sciences. The approach to such studies is discussed from various points of view: moral, sociological, biological, chemical, urban--rural, and world conservation problems. Subject information and teaching notes for the syllabus are developed in four sections: (1) processes and systems of the natural environment and the limits of the resource base, (2) the ecosystem, (3) the interaction of man and the environment, and (4) environmental conflicts and planning: a field study. Criteria for examinations are developed from different disciplines.
Counter-arguments: it is impossible to teach interdisciplinary courses; each subfield has its own perspectives; they are incompatible.
Response: The very nature of work on Sustainability/Conservation/Preservation is interdisciplinary. We are proposing an integrated interdisciplinary approach - with institutional leadership, this could give the college a new, sustainable focus. To achieve this goal, the different contributions for changing disciplines have to allow students to form a whole - their interpretation. This course will allow to define and teach those skills, perspectives and competencies which all graduating students should share.
Programmatic Student Learning Outcomes will vary - from field to field; together, they will help form a core of knowledge needed for a successful environmental assessment. Individual courses throughout the curriculum can be linked to this survey course, furthering knowledge in the different fields. Although contexts will change from semester to semester (different applications) the goals will not. Thus, it will be possible to avoid program redundancies.
Solution: An interdisciplinary course open to all disciplines, faculty and students learn from each other.
"Thoughts without content are empty, intuitions without concepts are blind."
Immanuel Kant, Critique of Pure Reason, "Transcendental Logic," Introduction, # 1
Dr. Achim D. Koeddermann
Associate Prof. of Philosophy
SUNY-Oneonta, NY 13820
"Gedanken ohne Inhalt sind leer, Anschauungen ohne Begriffe sind blind"
________________________________
From: Teaching Breakfast List on behalf of Jim Greenberg
Sent: Mon 11/10/2008 2:14 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: FW: [POD] Important Grant Deadline
This just reached me email. Some on this list might be interested.
Mr. James B. Greenberg
Director Teaching, Learning and Technology Center
Milne Library
SUNY College at Oneonta
Oneonta, New York 13820
blog: The 32nd Square at http://32ndsquare.blogspot.com <http://32ndsquare.blogspot.com/>
wiki: The 32nd Square at http://32ndsquare.wikidot.com <http://32ndsquare.wikidot.com/>
email: [log in to unmask]
phone: 607-436-2701
fax: 607-436-3081
IM: oneontatltc
Twitter: greenbjb
Yammer: https://www.yammer.com/users/greenbjb
Identi.ca: http://identi.ca/jimg/all
Plurk: greenbjb
Myspace: greenbjb
Pownce: greenbjb
Friendfeed: greenbjb
Spoink: greenbjb
orkut:Jim Greenberg
"Ignorance is curable, stupidity lasts forever"
P Think before you print! Please consider the environment before printing this email
\
Subject: New NEH Funding for Courses on Enduring Questions
From: "Mikal, Lindsey" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "Mikal, Lindsey" <[log in to unmask]>
What is the good life? What is friendship? What is good government? Is there a human nature, and, if so, what is it? What are the limits of science? Enduring questions such as these have long held interest to college students and allow for a special, intense dialogue across generations.
The National Endowment for the Humanities has recently launched "Enduring Questions: Pilot Course Grants." This new grant program will support college faculty from any discipline with up to $25,000 to develop and to teach a new undergraduate humanities course that addresses questions like these.
The application deadline is November 13, 2008, and the sponsoring institution must agree to offer the course at least twice. For more information and instructions, please find the grant guidelines at: http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/EnduringQuestions.html .
We encourage you to share information about this new funding opportunity with your members.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 202-606-8317 or [log in to unmask]
Thanks!
Best,
Lindsey
Lindsey Mikal
Assistant Director of Media Relations
National Endowment for the Humanities
Office of Communications
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Room 510
Washington, D.C. 20506
Phone: 202-606-8317 / Fax: 202-606-8240
Mobile: 202-841-1497
[log in to unmask]
|
