Building a Sustainable World

Printer Friendly Version

Certificate Program Director: John Adams Ph.D.

Sustainability is the global issue of the 21st century: as our planet faces unprecedented ecological threats our cultures are being asked to change in potentially difficult ways. Whether in the boardrooms of a corporation, the offices of a community organization, or a plot in a rural family farm, learn how to act with conviction and clarity to alleviate suffering of today and ensure the viability of tomorrow.

Certificate Description

The certificate in Building a Sustainable World consists of four three-credit courses, a three-credit practicum, and a onecredit integrative paper. Required courses: STR 7077, ORG 7078, and two approved electives.

Practicum

A practicum equivalent to one month of full-time effort is required. While each learner is responsible for creating his or her own practicum, the Saybrook faculty members are available to provide ideas and guidance. The practicum must be directly involved with enhancing sustainability.

Integrative Paper or Project

The final activity in the certificate program is the writing of a culminating paper that integrates and advances the learning gained from the four courses and the practicum.

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this certificate, you will:

• Understand the breadth and depth of contemporary global challenges to a sustainable world
• Be able to critically evaluate existing theories and models of sustainability
• Be able to work with some of the tools, techniques, and practices now available
• Have an enhanced capacity to guide successful change efforts
• Be more skilled and knowledgeable about your chosen approach for making your contributions to a sustainable world
• Appreciate the cultural, ethical, and psychological aspects of transformation and be able to apply your work with compassion and respect.

Learning/Teaching Approach

The student may complete the Building a Sustainable World certificate in a cohort of learners who work together on the various aspects of the certificate (the preferred method) or in an indepdent study format (Saybrook's traditional approach).

Cohort Format

Learners in the cohort format complete the two core courses together in a virtual classroom, web-based approach. For each core course, this entails reading the assigned texts, spending an hour per week online adding to the cohort conversation, and writing and posting a minimum of one paper for other cohort members to comment on.

Independent Study Format

Learners in the independent study format download a syllabus, complete the assigned reading, and write three essays for each course.

Learners then come together at a Saybrook Residential Conference to create a "think and do" tank. As part of this Residential Conference, students meet in smaller groups with those faculty and students who share similar interests. These interests might include educating consumers, permaculture, sustainability in corporations, international environmental policy, or health care delivery. Together this smaller group of students begins the second series of content-specific courses.

The next section of the certificate, the practicum, is planned with an advisor. The practicum is tailored to the professional needs of the student. For example, a seasoned professional in the area might design his or her practicum to build cross-institutional or international program affiliations; a mid-career learner might implement the first phase of a program or provide consultation/accompaniment to an existing program; an entry-level learner might assess the suitability of a particular area of practice based upon his or her learning in the program and personal skill set.

The final part of the certificate is an integrative paper. The purpose of this culminating assignment is to give the learner an opportunity to draw together and integrate the most important aspects of the four courses and the practicum experience, to assess strengths and identify further learning needs, and then to develop a specific plan for continuing personal and professional development in the area of sustainability.

The Practical Value of Sustainability Studies

Making the transition from an environmentally destructive society to a sustainable one is the most important challenge facing the world today. Training in environmental psychology, organizational systems, and social transformation can help professionals in various fields play a key role in this transition.

Professionals with specialized training in sustainability might hold the following jobs: executive director of an environmental non-profit; transportation coordinator for city or county; pastor for green congregation; vice president for environment in corporation; psychotherapist leading vision quests; consultant for change project; land use mediator; environmental educator; researcher for government department.