Audubon expedition Institute at Lesley University

Sustainable Human Ecology

July 11-18, 2008

Tired of boring lectures? Get out of the classroom this summer and experience first hand the connection between humans and the environment.

Sustainable Human Ecology is a 3 credit undergraduate course with a focused investigation into practices and issues related to human sustainability based on fundamental ecological principles. Students will investigate the natural history and ecology of coastal Maine and analyze sustainable living practices by visiting people and businesses working toward a more eco-friendly society. Our comparative study of natural and human ecology asks students to think critically about what is or is not a sustainable human system. By visiting people who are actively trying to live within the limits of place the students will gain an insight into their own choices in affecting change necessary for sustainability.

Course Objectives

• To identify ecological principles and the functions of a natural ecosystem
• To apply the principles of sustainability to human food, energy, building, water, and social systems
• To analyze the challenges in attaining sustainability in human systems

Sample Itinerary- subject to change

Day 1

• 4:00 Pickup students and bring to campsite
• 5:30 Supper using local food
• 7:00 Evening welcome and orientation

Day 2

• morning- Introduction to forest ecology
• afternoon- Introduction to small scale organic farming 
• evening- Discussion comparing ecosystem function and principles with human systems

Day 3

• morning-Forest ecology continued
• afternoon- Introduction to small scale green building and alternative energy systems
• evening- Supper consuming knowledge: mealtime as a learning opportunity

Day 4

• morning- Sustainable forestry with a local forester or horse logger
• afternoon-Sustainable practices discussion: people are  part of nature
• evening- Community music night

Day 5

• morning- Introduction to large scale alternative energy and green building systems such as: bio fuels, hydrogen fuel cells, wind power, solar power, etc.
• afternoon- Travel time
• evening- Time for study and critical reflection

Day 6

• morning-Visit with back-to-the-land homesteaders
• afternoon- Reflective processing of shared experiences
• evening- Collaborative group preparation for authentic assessment

Day 7

• morning- Collaborative group preparation for authentic assessment
• afternoon- Community demonstration of learning, a sharing of new knowledge and insights using words, pictures, theater and/or dance
• evening- Bardic circle

Day 8

• morning- Closing circle, course evaluations and departure. Faculty collect journals.

For more information and to apply please contact:

Paige Manning
Audubon Expedition Institute
Assistant Director, Advising and Student Services
29 Everett St.
Cambridge, MA 02138-2790
800.999.1959 ext. 8489
pmanning@lesley.edu