NRES
679--China:
Environmental Studies of
China
is a one graduate credit
web-based course offered through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
This online course will provide an overview of the sociological and
ecological factors that impact the sustainability of the natural environment
in China. Major
theme areas include: Geography History, People and Culture, Biodiversity and
Conservation, Environmental Issues, Politics, Economy, and Environmental
Movements.
Background
In 2003,
the WCEE conducted a survey of over 200 teachers enrolled in, or who have
completed the Extended Masters Program in Environmental Education to
determine how to improve the graduate program. A significant number of
teachers indicated they would like to have an overseas course option. In
responses to this interest, the Global Environmental Teachings Program (GET)
was formed.
GET is a
collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education (WCEE)
and the Global Environmental Management Education Center (GEM) located
in the College of Natural Resources at the University of
Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Base funding for the GET Project was provided by a
GEM cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture
-- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The GET
Program has offered courses in China,
Puerto Rico, South
Africa, and
Wisconsin. This originally developed as a
preparatory course for teachers traveling to China for a
short-term study focused on environmental education.
However, the course is also developed to generally serve the
interests of teachers who would like to learn about China and expand
their worldview on environmental issues.
Goals of the Course
-
To
help participants develop a better overall understanding of
China
-
To help students understand how global development impacts the
environmental sustainability of
China at
both local and national levels
Objectives
After completing this web-based course, students will be able to:
1)
express
a basic understanding of China
2)
understand the status of biological diversity in China with examples in Yunnan Province
and Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China
3)
identify
the major environmental problems in China
4) link
societal changes in China
to its environmental problems and identify potential solutions.
Syllabus
Click here to open
syllabus
Computer Requirement for
Discussion
All the
course participants are required to post their discussion and reflections
Click here to see the
details of computer requirement
