Spring Break
Sustainability class to commence next spring
Victoria Puente
Issue date: 11/28/07 Section: News
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A new "super course" will consist of several experts from different disciplines providing a well-rounded understanding of a broad topic called "sustainability."
The course takes a unique team-learning approach coupled with undergraduate research, said Keith Whitworth, professor of sociology.
Whitworth will utilize his new course model in "Sustainability is Sexy: Social Justice and Environmental Sustainability Across the Global Economy" this spring. The course is concerned with environmental stewardship, economic development and social justice issues, he said.
Experts in eight disciplines: anthropology, business, criminal justice, environmental science, history, interior design, political science and sociology, will provide insight into sustainability from their fields of study, Whitworth said.
"It is set up on a team-based learning approach where the students will be in teams all semester long and those teams range from six to eight students - research indicates it is very effective," said Whitworth, who has been trying out the approach in two of his courses this semester.
The teams will each conduct research with the assistance of the National Wildlife Federation to determine the environmental impact of TCU's campus. At the end of the semester the teams will present their findings at the Spring Undergraduate Research Festival, Whitworth said.
"What they'll be doing is working on different components of a greenhouse gas emissions audit," Whitworth said. "In other words, they will measure the environmental footprint of the university."
Whitworth said he would like there to be four or five other super courses so students can have the option to minor in undergraduate research.
Sarah Warner, senior sociology major, has taken three courses with Whitworth and participated in his Purple Bike Program and said she would like to take the course next semester, however, she already understands the topic from her previous classes with Whitworth.
The course takes a unique team-learning approach coupled with undergraduate research, said Keith Whitworth, professor of sociology.
Whitworth will utilize his new course model in "Sustainability is Sexy: Social Justice and Environmental Sustainability Across the Global Economy" this spring. The course is concerned with environmental stewardship, economic development and social justice issues, he said.
Experts in eight disciplines: anthropology, business, criminal justice, environmental science, history, interior design, political science and sociology, will provide insight into sustainability from their fields of study, Whitworth said.
"It is set up on a team-based learning approach where the students will be in teams all semester long and those teams range from six to eight students - research indicates it is very effective," said Whitworth, who has been trying out the approach in two of his courses this semester.
The teams will each conduct research with the assistance of the National Wildlife Federation to determine the environmental impact of TCU's campus. At the end of the semester the teams will present their findings at the Spring Undergraduate Research Festival, Whitworth said.
"What they'll be doing is working on different components of a greenhouse gas emissions audit," Whitworth said. "In other words, they will measure the environmental footprint of the university."
Whitworth said he would like there to be four or five other super courses so students can have the option to minor in undergraduate research.
Sarah Warner, senior sociology major, has taken three courses with Whitworth and participated in his Purple Bike Program and said she would like to take the course next semester, however, she already understands the topic from her previous classes with Whitworth.
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