Sample Elective Courses
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Permaculture and Sustainable Systems Design
Examine principles and methodologies of restorative and sustainable ecological design and combine various skills in permaculture, urban sustainability, natural building and community development in a holistic approach. Develop the practical skills and knowledge to design and implement restorative and sustainable systems—at home, work and elsewhere—in harmony with the natural world.
The Political Ecology of Food and Eating
Food choices have a significant impact on natural systems, cultural practices and political economic structures. Examine food production, distribution and consumption issues across political, social, cultural and economic dimensions and develop a more sophisticated understanding of the connection between how we eat and how we live.
History and Culture of the Pacific Northwest Environment
Students address an historical and cultural context for the environmental issues facing communities in the Pacific Northwest and gain a richer understanding of how environmental, cultural and social issues are deeply intertwined.
Ethics and Environmental Justice
Investigate the evolution of the environmental justice movement and its impacts on mainstream environmental thought. Develop more inclusive models of environmental practice and identify strategies for multiracial/class coalition building. Students consider the responses of environmental organizations and government to an indigenous people of color environmental agenda.
Sustainable Healthy Communities
Explore qualities that make communities healthy and sustainable including the natural and built environment; social capital and connectedness; cultural and ethnic diversity; vibrant local economies; and participatory, responsive governance. Grounded in appreciative inquiry and using a case study approach, students assess the health and sustainability of their own communities and develop practical strategies for enhancing them.
Philosophical Perspectives on Environment and Community
Become familiar with a variety of contemporary philosophical stances on the relationship between the human community and the more-than-human environment, including environmental ethics, communitarianism, deep ecology, environmental justice, bioregionalism, ecofeminism and earth-based spiritualities.
Experience of Place
Develop greater awareness of how interrelationships with the places people frequent affect health, effectiveness, the quality of designs and the relationship with the more-than-human world. Seattle—an evolving synthesis of its naturally occurring location, conscious and unconscious human design and relationship with its larger environment—is a particular focus.
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