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From Vision to Implementation: Developing an Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Urban Sustainability. Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Conference Donald Strauss, M.F.A. and Andrea Richards, Ph.D. October 10, 2011. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Conference
Donald Strauss, M.F.A. and Andrea Richards, Ph.D.October 10, 2011
From Vision to Implementation:
Developing an Interdisciplinary
Graduate Program inUrban Sustainability
A Curricular Response to the Global Climate Crisis
l An Urban Ecosystem Perspectivel Emphasis on Environmental and Social Justicel Sustainability Beyond Traditional Economic and
Environmental ConcernsTo Make the Livable City of the Future
Why an MA in Urban Sustainability?
Mission of Antioch Universityl Social justicel Community engagement
Undergraduate concentration in Urban Community & Environment
Why at Antioch?
n Looking for adaptive leaders who can Solve problems Work across disciplinary silos Facilitate conversations among stakeholders
Developed in Dialog with the Community
l Systems Thinking Orientationl Environmental Literacyl Practitioner Skillsl Social Justice Perspective
The Competencies
Interdisciplinary curriculum Fieldwork in 3 of 4 semesters Low residency model
l 4-6 day Los Angeles residenciesl Project periods of online work
Faculty mentorship Required capstone experience Strong emphasis of scholar-practitioner model
Program Elements
Analyze and critique urban systems Comprehend and evaluate sustainable urban design and its potential
effects on human and ecological health, social and economic justice Develop and articulate appropriate perspectives for planning, policy,
and regulation of sustainable practice Utilize writing, research and presentation skills in the service of
change Analyze and critique the theoretical literature Identify and apply a theoretical lens to the analysis of urban systems
and field-based practice Assess leadership needs and adopt leadership practices that promote
more sustainable environmental and social processes and conditions Engage in collaborative problem solving and facilitation of social
change processes
Program Learning Outcomes
Challenges of a low-residency modelCurriculum development as an ongoing
projectAssessment of student learningFieldwork placementsCommunity responses
Reflections on the First Year
