Washington & Jefferson College

Students seeking teaching certification in Environmental Education K-12 must complete a major course of study at the College. Additionally, students must meet the admission/course requirements from the Education Department, including successful completion of the courses shown below. 

From the Environmental Studies Program:

 

This course introduces students to the science behind historical and contemporary topics associated with the environment. Pervasive environmental questions are addressed within the context of the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and arts. Through lectures, discussions, and complementary field experiences students become familiar with major theories and practices in environmental studies. The goal/process of sustainable development is introduced, stressing individual and community actions. Guest speakers from within and outside the College community introduce diverse perspectives and provide insight into career opportunities. Weekly labs include field trips that provide practical experience in collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data from aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

 

This course makes in-depth examinations of environmental issues from socioeconomic, political, economical, and ecological perspectives. Topics to be covered include causes and effects of inappropriate land-use practices, poverty, urbanization, loss of biodiversity, and adoption/enforcement of international environmental protocols. Students will examine case studies from various countries and search databases of various international development organizations (Prerequisite: EVS 101 or permission of instructor)

 

This course will introduce students to the physical, biological, and ecological processes that influence hydrology. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the complexity of the hydrologic cycle and how it affects regional and global water supplies. Some attention is given to legal and economic aspects of managing fresh water as a renewable, but limited resource. Primary attention will be given to the effects of land-use practices on hydrologic processes on urban, forest, and range landscapes. Labs will consist of classroom exercises to develop relevant cartographic and computational skills as well as field experiences to physically parameterize and assess the condition of local watersheds. (Prerequisites: EVS/BIO 130 or BIO 320 or permission of instructor)

 

A study of the interrelations between organisms and the integration of organisms with their natural environments. Aspects of energy flow, nutrient cycling, population growth and regulation, and community organization and dynamics are considered in the context of the ecosystem. Laboratories include field work and emphasize techniques for collecting data and testing hypotheses. 

 

This course will examine both natural resource and environmental issues from the uniquely economic perspective. Students will become familiar with how economic tools and concepts such as: property rights, externalities, market failure, cost-benefit analysis, discounting, optimality and sustainability can be used to analyze issues surrounding depletable and renewable resources. The economic perspective on environmental pollution and pollution control will also be analyzed using these tools and concepts. (Prerequisite: ECN 101)

 

This course examines the social causes of the environmental problems the world faces today by focusing on the industrial revolution; social structures, ideologies and values; population growth and distribution; urbanization; poverty; the status of women; environmental law and criminal activity; and public policy in economic and social realms as it relates to environmental issues. The course is offered at the 200- and 300-levels.

 

This course is an introduction to environmental policy. Topics covered include a history of environmental policy, identification of major policy actors (both inside and outside of government), the conflict between environmental policy and natural resource policy, and alternatives to the regulatory approach.

 

An examination of ethical issues that are encountered as people interact with their environment, as well as an examination of the various ethical frameworks that are brought to bear in examining those issues.

 

 

Emphasis is placed upon its history, philosophy, cultural context, organizational patterns and current events in American Education. This course is recommended as the initial course for those considering teacher certification. This course requires a weekly internship at a local school. Classes meet Mon., Wed., Fri.

 

(Prerequisite: Psychology 101)

The theorists, theories and practices of psychology within an educational context. Motivation and learning, growth and development, and gender equity in the classroom will receive primary consideration. This course requires a weekly internship at a local school. Classes meet Mon., Wed., Fri.

 

Theory and practice in the effective instruction and assessment of the Exceptional Learner. Social and cognitive development and school and classroom accommodations for both gifted and handicapped students will be researched and examined in classroom and school settings. National and state laws and school district guidelines pertaining to the treatment and teaching of the non-traditional learner will also be studied. Weekly school internships required.

 

 

This course allows students to analyze, systemize, and evaluate information learned during their Child Development and Education major or Teacher Education Secondary Certification Program. Students will design curricular materials related to a particular subject area or age group. Topics include curricular research, instructional activities and methodologies to evaluate all aspects of the classroom experience. Students will develop and present an educational portfolio. This class may meet on campus the two full days prior to the official beginning of the spring term. Weekly seminars will be held throughout the term. Education 406 must be taken in conjunction with Education 407 or Education 408.

 

A laboratory course (Exact time and place to be announced.)

Observation and teaching in assigned secondary and elementary schools under the guidance and supervision of secondary or elementary school personnel. Students taking this course as part of the capstone experience for the Child Development and Education Major will be observed by members of both the Education and Psychology Departments. Education 407 is credited as three courses.