Putting Sustainability into Existing Courses

Henry W. Bullamore, Department of GeographyPaul Bernhardt, Department of PsychologyKara Rogers Thomas, Department of SociologyFrostburg State University, Frostburg, MD

Challenge: In developing a new Minor in Sustainability Studies, Frostburg State University needed to utilize existing courses, but with enhanced consideration of sustainability.

Geography of the Suburbs is an upper level on-line only course for social science majors and sustainability students. It provides sustainability students with an opportunity to explore the impact of urban form on sustainable living. With redesign students:

1. Compare auto use of city and suburban residents

2. Explore reasons for suburban living, and options for change

3. Examine census materials on urban and suburban densities

4. Complete field work on sustainable living in the suburbs

Summary: Course revision proved to be an opportunity for effective course redesign for all students completing the courses. Enhancing treatment of sustainability in upper level courses was accomplished by:1.Restructuring the Field Observation/Activity element2.Modest reorganization of topics to expand treatment of sustainability3.Using sustainability as an organizing concept4.Encouraging students to complete an independent projects with a sustainability theme

Environmental Psychology PSYC 488

Environmental Psychology examines how humans are influenced in their thinking and behavior by environments, and how humans affect those environments. Traditionally, it is allied with architecture and park management, but it also has a rich history in the study of environmentalist attitudes and behaviors. Including sustainability concepts means additional focus on tragedy of the commons issues and exploration of perceptions of justice/equity. Specific changes were:

1. Semester project presenting to the

university describing and demonstrating the tragedy of the commons as a type of cognitive "social trap"

2. Reframing of social trap concepts in terms of how sustainability is affected

3. Introspective examination of student attitudes and behaviors related to sustainability

4. Study of methods of persuasion to sway opinion about sustainability issues

Sociology of the EnvironmentSOCI 345

Sociology of the Environment engages students in the environment of their local communities. Building upon the Smithsonian’s exhibit, “Between Fences”, students explored metaphorical fences and topics of division. Students also created displays exploring issues and opinions associated with energy extraction in Appalachia.

With enhanced consideration of sustainability, students also:1. Examined ambivalent relationships between

human society and the natural world.2. Addressed a specific sustainability issues through

project based research and activism3. Explored sensitive and controversial issues by

presenting multiple perspectives.