2007-2008 Academic Catalog
 
 
 
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Self-Designed
Conservation Ecology
Circumpolar Studies
Outdoor Education & Leadership
Sustainable Agriculture

Description of Majors

Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree must complete an approved major. Required courses are offered on campus and through Global Field Studies. Students may meet additional elective credit requirements through Sterling College courses and independent study undertaken with a faculty member. Students may also individually design a semester (typically the spring of the Junior year) related to their major, especially in support of the Senior Applied Research Project, through exchanges at colleges and universities, participation in Global Field Studies, or even a second internship.


Self-Designed

The self-designed major is a student-centered option for those who wish to explore an area outside of currently offered majors or to integrate coursework from existing major areas. Students work closely with faculty to develop a high-quality academic program that both fulfills students’ educational goals and is within the realm of faculty expertise.

Examples of self-designed majors include: Sustainable Systems, Natural History, and Human Ecology, among others (see more comprehensive list below).

Self-designed major proposals include the following:

  1. Name of proposed major
  2. Narrative of rationale for proposed major and how it is consistent with the Sterling College mission.
  3. Name of faculty advisor and narrative of how the advisor’s expertise and interests support the major
  4. Details of studies that support the major, including:
    • Preliminary description of a Senior Applied Research Project that integrates the various aspects of the self-designed major
    • Details of any independent study, special-topic course, or self-designed semester plans.
  5. Resources supporting the proposed major, including personal contacts, organizations, sources of funding, equipment, etc.
  6. Required courses
    • *NS323 or SS323: Quantitative or Qualitative Research Methods -- 1.0 credit
    • *NS439 or SS439: Senior Applied Research Project I -- 3.0 credits
    • *NS440 or SS440: Senior Applied Research Project II -- 9.0 credits
    • *HM445 Senior Applied Research Project Presentation -- 3.0 credits
  7. Courses that support the major (in addition to required courses) and an explanation of course progression. They should include:
    • 3 credits of Applied Science electives
    • 8 credits of Natural Science electives
    • 3 credits of Social Science electives
    • 3 credits of Humanities electives
    • 6 credits of 300- and 400-level courses supporting the self-designed major, including one capstone course.
      • A capstone course is a three-credit, upper-level course that builds upon all previous courses in the major. It requires students to integrate concepts from courses within the major, allowing for greater, more universal comprehension. It should result in a synthesis of the components of the major to give the student greater insight and the ability to address controversial issues that will arise.
      • Examples of capstone courses are:
        • NS415: Senior Seminar in Natural History
        • NS425: International Forestry and Wildlife Issues
        • SS425: Education and Culture
        • NS435: Global Agriculture
        • HM/SS/NS455: Circumpolar Studies Senior Seminar.
      • An example of an approved capstone course for a self-designed major in Human Ecology:
        • A base of one existing capstone course (from list above) plus one credit independent study in Human Ecology.
Timeline

Proposals, signed by both student and advisor, are due to the Curriculum Committee by the end of the first semester of Junior year. Amendments are due by the end of the second semester of Junior year.

Examples of recent self-designed majors include:
  • Environmental Education & the Media
  • Wildlife Ecology and Management
  • Sustainable Development/Agricultural Practices
  • Circumpolar Studies and Education
  • Sustainable Agriculture/Equine Science
  • Agroecology
  • Environmental Justice
  • Human Ecology
  • Agroforestry
  • Aquatic Ecology
  • Conservation Education and Circumpolar Studies

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Conservation Ecology

Conservation Ecology is the study of the relationships of living things to the environment, how those relationships change through time, and how human activities augment or impair those relationships. Maintaining or restoring habitats to support natural patterns in biodiversity is an important practical application in this field. As humans continue to alter biodiversity in the environment, the need grows for well-rounded individuals who can present solutions to an increasing number of environmental problems.

Sterling’s Conservation Ecology major prepares students to be not only scientists but also artists and poets—that is, people who are able to study and understand the world from diverse points of view and use a variety of methods to create and communicate viable solutions to pressing problems. Students gain a strong understanding of ecological and evolutionary principles, as well as skills in effecting change. Through coursework, internships, and Senior Applied Research Projects, students develop confidence in their abilities to solve environmental problems.

Coursework allows students to build a working knowledge of resource policy, environmental monitoring, watershed management, and leadership techniques. Electives allow students to focus study on different areas such as forestry, wildlife management, natural interpretation, or environmental education. In all courses, study of the human relationship to nature is important. Electives in the humanities allow students to look at this in depth. Internships promote further development and application of critical skills. The Senior Applied Research Project entails working with an organization to identify a problem, propose solutions, and take at least one significant step toward solving the problem.

Our Conservation Ecology major is designed to prepare students for continuing study or careers in resource conservation. Graduates have found employment with government agencies, research stations, and nonprofit conservation organizations such as the United States Forest Service, Padre Island National Seashore, The Wilderness Society, and Chester County Conservation District.

Conservation Ecology Course Requirements
  • Humanities
    • HM445: Senior Applied Research Project Presentation -- 3.0 credits
  • Natural Sciences
    • NS323 or SS323: Quantitative or Qualitative Research Methods -- 1.0 credit
      • Prereq: Critical Science & Mathematics
    • NS330: Conservation Biology -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: Ecology
    • SS308: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: Critical Science & Mathematics
    • NS439 or SS439 Senior Applied Research Project I -- 3.0 credits
    • NS440 or SS440: Senior Applied Research Project II -- 9.0 credits
    • Either: NS225: Wildlife Management -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: Critical Science and Mathematics
    • Or: NS328: Vertebrate Natural History of the North and Lab -- 4.0 credits
      • Prereq: Ecology
      • Post: Participation in Field Study in the Circumpolar North (strongly recommended)
    • Either: NS240: Forestry -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: Critical Science & Mathematics
    • Or: NS346: Plant Science and Lab -- 4.0 credits
      • Prereq: Integrated Chemistry and Physics
      • Recommended: Soil Science and Lab
    • Either: NS245: Soil Science and Lab -- 4.0 credits
      • Prereq: Integrated Chemistry and Physics
    • Or: NS260: Geology and Lab -- 4.0 credits
    • Either: NS301: Field Ecology (expanded to include GPS)and Lab -- 4.0 credits
      • Prereq: Ecology
    • Or: NS360: Winter Ecology and Lab -- 4.0 credits
      • Prereq: Integrated Chemistry and Physics or permission of instructor credits
    • Either NS425: International Forestry & Wildlife Issues -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: All other Conservation Ecology major requirements or permission of instructor
    • Or: NS415: Senior Seminar in Natural History -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: NS207: Ecology, NS235: Natural History of the North Woods,
      • Senior Year or permission of instructor
  • Social Sciences
    • Either: NS/SS370: Wildland Stewardship -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: Environmental Policy and Law
    • Or: SS310: Land Use Planning -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: Environmental Policy and Law and Economics and the Environment. Recommended: Economics
    • Note: *NS320: Statistics is strongly recommended -- 3.0 credits
The Faculty recommends that students choose related electives in the humanities and social sciences—courses that will prepare students to use integrative approaches in their Senior Applied Research Projects and beyond. Students interested in the question of how ecosystems change over time are urged to consider including NS310: Quaternary Studies in their programs of study.

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Circumpolar Studies

The North, a land of boreal forest, arctic tundra, and frozen seas, is a place of extremes. Encompassing Alaska and Canada, Greenland and Scandinavia, vast reaches of northern Russia, and the Japanese island of Hokkaido, northern regions contain a quarter of the land surface on earth, some 15 million square miles, and arctic seas that support some of the richest concentrations of marine life on the planet. Today, the North is home to only one percent of the world's human population but holds resources and wildlands essential to all of humankind.

More than ever, skilled professionals are needed to monitor, protect, and care for this fragile part of the planet. Circumpolar Studies provides an ideal discipline for rigorous research in a pristine but also imperiled environment. Often called the last frontier, where wolves run with undulating herds of caribou, the region is being stripped of its mineral resources, and irresponsible development threatens to further this destruction. Indigenous people and traditional folkways face the pressures of industrial society and tourism. Although the polar regions have been exploited for hundreds of years, it is only recently that a general recognition of the potential economic significance has come about. Now, major discoveries and development in northern regions increasingly impact the economy of the industrialized nations of the world.

Sterling’s Circumpolar Studies major combines research in all aspects of the circumpolar North while promoting a broad understanding of the diverse people, cultures, and history of the region. Courses in Polar Fauna and Flora, Winter Ecology, Long-Term Past and Future Climate Change, Indigenous Peoples, and Literature and Film of the North combine to build a solid basis for evaluating further development of the North.

Senior Applied Research Projects in Circumpolar Studies are usually designed to introduce students to the special features of northern (usually wilderness) field research. We also encourage students to begin to interact with the international community of northern scholars, with the anticipation that students may take advantage of the many opportunities for graduate study at institutions throughout the Circumpolar North.

Graduates in Circumpolar Studies may work for the National Park Service protecting habitat, non-governmental organizations advocating for native peoples, or educational organizations informing the public about northern issues. Through internships in remote areas ranging from Alaska to Mongolia, students gain first-hand knowledge of and inclusion into a community of scholars and activists leading the protection and preservation of the North from ever-encroaching pressures of development by the modern, industrialized world.

Circumpolar Studies Course Requirements

  • Integrated Coursework
    • HM/SS/NS 255: Introduction to the North -- 3.0 credits
    • HM/SS/NS 372 or 373: Field Study in the Circumpolar North -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: HM/SS/NS 255 Introduction to the North or permission of instructor
    • HM/SS/NS 455: Senior Seminar in Circumpolar Studies -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: HM/SS/NS 255 Introduction to the North and permission of instructor
    • NS439 or SS439 Senior Applied Research Project I -- 3.0 credits
    • NS440 or SS440: Senior Applied Research Project II -- 9.0 credits
    • HM445: Senior Applied Research Project Presentation -- 3.0 credits
    • NS323 or SS323: Quantitative or Qualitative Research Methods -- 1.0 credits
      • Prereq: NS145 Critical Science & Mathematics
  • Humanities
    • HM/SS 245: Stories and Storytelling -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: HM/SS/NS 255 Introduction to the North or permission of instructor
    • HM 375: Literature and Film of the North -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: HM/SS/NS 255 Introduction to the North or permission of instructor
  • Natural Sciences (choose a minimum of 2)
    • NS 310: Quaternary Studies: Paleo-environment and Prehistory of the Circumpolar North -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: HM/SS/NS 255 Introduction to the North or permission of instructor
        Recommended: Geology
    • NS 360: Winter Ecology and Lab -- 4.0 credits
      • Prereq: NS135 Integrated Chemistry and Physics or permission of the instructor
    • NS 348: Vascular Flora of the North and Lab -- 4.0 credits
      • Prereq: NS207 Ecology or equivalent, HM/SS/NS255 Introduction to the North, or permission of the instructor . HM/SS/NS372 Field Study in the Circumpolar North recommended.
    • NS 328: Vertebrate Natural History of the North and Lab -- 4.0 credits
      • Prereq: NS207 Ecology or equivalent, HM/SS/NS255 Introduction to the North, or permission of the instructor. HM/SS/NS373 Field Study in the Circumpolar North recommended.
  • Social Sciences (choose a minimum of 2)
    • SS335: Indigenous Cultures of the Circumpolar North -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: HM/SS/NS255 Introduction to the North or permission of instructor.
    • SS375: Community Development in the Circumpolar North -- 3.0 credits
      • Prereq: HM/SS/NS255 Introduction to the North or permission of instructor.
    • SS202: Environmental Policy & Law -- 3.0 credits
    • SS210: Economics & the Environment -- 3.0 credits
The Faculty recommends that students choose related electives in the humanities and social sciences—courses that will prepare students to use integrative approaches in their Senior Applied Research Projects and beyond.

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Outdoor Education and Leadership

Increasing numbers of people go into the wilderness for recreation and education, as well as for personal growth and team building. This has created a need for skilled and informed professionals to safely facilitate the interaction between people and the natural environment—both to enhance the individual learning experience and to protect and interpret the wilderness.

Sterling College’s Outdoor Education and Leadership major combines the study of educational and leadership theory and practice with technical outdoor travel and adventure skills. Students explore issues ranging from ethical controversies and risk management to program design and gender dynamics. Appropriate use of technology is taught, ranging from GPS to homemade tin-can stoves. All students at Sterling College gain a solid background in ecology, environmental science, and recreational resource management that forms a foundation for the major.

Coursework includes traditional outdoor topics such as: rock-climbing, flatwater and whitewater canoeing, cross-country and backcountry skiing, logistical planning, map and compass navigation, low-impact backcountry travel and camping in all seasons, wilderness first aid, and ropes course management. More importantly, students learn to lead, teach, and facilitate these activities while modeling and inspiring sustainable environmental practices. Through internships, volunteerism, work experiences, and experiential education courses, students gain experience teaching and leading groups. International field-study courses add cross-cultural understanding as well as first-hand experience in eco-tourism. Both the hands-on nature of our program and our setting in Vermont’s rural Northeast Kingdom create a dynamic and engaging environment for studying Outdoor Education and Leadership.

Graduates majoring in Outdoor Education and Leadership have found employment with a variety of educational and adventure-based programs. Among these are Outward Bound, Project Adventure, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, The Farm School, and Proctor Academy.

Outdoor Education and Leadership Requirements

  • Applied Sciences
    • AS156: Advanced Wilderness First Aid -- 2.0
    • AS256: Wilderness First Responder -- 2.0
      • Prereq: AS156: Advanced Wilderness First Aid
  • Humanities
    • *HM445: Senior Applied Research Project Presentation -- 3.0
  • Natural Sciences
    • Either: NS200: Watershed Ecosystem Analysis -- 3.0
    • Or: NS205: Environmental Science and Lab -- 3.0
    • NS323 or SS323: Quantitative or Qualitative Research Methods -- 1.0
      • Prereq: Critical Science & Mathematics
    • *NS439 or SS439 Senior Applied Research Project I -- 3.0
    • *NS440 or SS440: Senior Applied Research Project II -- 9.0
    • One additional natural science course (excluding NS320) chosen from NS206-435 -- 2.0-4.0
  • Social Sciences
    • SS233: Small Group Dynamics -- 2.0
    • SS320: Group Process for Outdoor Leaders -- 3.0
      • Prereq: SS233 Small Group dynamics and SS241 Foundation of Outdoor Education & Leadership or SS240: Education & Learning Theory or permission of instructor
    • SS330: Experiential Curriculum Design -- 3.0
      • Prereq: SS240 Education & Learning Theory or SS241: Foundations of Outdoor Education & Leadership
    • SS/HM425: Education and Culture -- 3.0
      • Prereq: All other courses in major
    • Either: SS240: Education and Learning Theory -- 2.0
    • Or: SS241: Foundations of Outdoor Education and Leadership -- 3.0
    • Either: SS310: Land Use Planning 3.0
      • Prereq: SS202 Environmental Policy & Law and SS210 Economics and the Environment
    • Or: NS/SS370: Wildland Stewardship -- 3.0
      • Prereq: SS202 Environmental Policy & Law
  • At least two outdoor education and leadership skills courses chosen from:
    • AS190: Introduction to Rock Climbing -- 1.0
    • AS222: Whitewater Canoeing -- 1.0
      • Prereq: SS105 Experiential Education I
    • AS208: Canoe Trip Guiding -- 2.0
    • AS225: Ice Climbing -- 1.0
    • AS230: Rock Climbing Techniques for Outdoor Leaders -- 2.0
      • Prereq: AS190 Introduction to Rock Climbing
    • AS260: Winter Mountaineering (part of the Mountain Cultures Semester) -- 3.0
    • SS307: Challenge Course Instruction -- 3.0
      • Prereq: SS240 Education and Learning Theory or SS241 Foundations of Outdoor Education & Leadership

  • NS206: Human Nutrition is strongly recommended for all students majoring in Outdoor Education and Leadership.
  • SS240: Education and Learning Theory provides preparation for students interested in classroom instruction.

The Faculty recommends that students choose related electives in the humanities and social sciences—courses that will prepare students to use integrative approaches in their Senior Applied Research Projects and beyond.

Work Experience Requirements for Outdoor Education and Leadership Majors

  • Each student is required to complete a minimum of ten weeks of work within the field of Outdoor Education. This requirement may be completed through either the second year Practicum in Environmental Stewardship (internship) or ten weeks of non-credit bearing work experience.
  • Additionally, each student will satisfactorily complete a one-semester Outdoor Education and Leadership work requirement at Sterling College. This could consist of the following options:
    • TA a class, either through completing “College Teaching Experience in…” for course credit or through the Work College;
    • Take an outdoor-education oriented Work College position, such as Climbing Wall/Challenge Course Coordinator, Bounder Room Manager, or Mentor Coordinator.

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Sustainable Agriculture

Practitioners of sustainable agriculture strive to build a food and fiber production system that is economically viable, while protecting or enhancing environmental quality and the quality of life for consumers and farmers. Farmers and other agricultural professionals work to develop innovative farming techniques and vibrant local economies and markets, while protecting natural resources such as soil, water, and wildlife.

Our Sustainable Agriculture major parallels the College’s mission by combining academic study, experiential challenges, and work. The College farm, consisting of solar-powered barns, pasturelands, gardens, fruit trees, a greenhouse, and a diversity of livestock, is a living laboratory for the exploration of sustainable agricultural systems. Working alongside faculty, students become involved in the farm through a college-wide work program, structured skill-building activities, and careful academic inquiry into farming systems.

Students study the principles of science and economics that underlie agricultural systems and learn a variety of agricultural techniques and practices applicable to the small, diversified farm and homestead. Further classes provide additional technical knowledge, explore and assess a range of agricultural models from biodynamic to corporate farms, and examine the human relationship to nature and agro-ecosystems.

Real-life applications again are the key—internships, farm projects, and the culminating Senior Applied Research Project. All prepare students for continuing study or agricultural careers in research and outreach through government agencies, nonprofit organizations, public education, or actual farming. Recent graduates have found employment at Farm and Wilderness Camp, Austin Community Gardens, Revision House Urban Farm, and with the Peace Corps.

In order to graduate from Sterling College with a degree in Sustainable Agriculture it is necessary to demonstrate competency in both plant and animal care. Competencies may be demonstrated in one of two ways:

  1. Taking and passing Organic Vegetable Production and Livestock Systems Management offered in the Sustainable Agriculture Summer Semester.
  2. Creating a portfolio of equivalent experiences that are signed off on by any faculty member in Sustainable Agriculture or by an internship supervisor.

The Sustainable Agriculture Competency Portfolio is an exciting way to document the experiences and skills that you acquire throughout your education in school and on farms. A well written and organized portfolio can be very useful for your own reference and for future job opportunities.

Please write a brief description of how you have met each of the following bulleted competencies (approximately one paragraph per bullet). In the description please include under what circumstances you became competent in this skill: i.e. where did you learn about foraging behavior of grazers, what animals were present, and what was your involvement with the animals?

Competency List

  • Livestock Systems Management
    • Principles of rotational grazing including
      • Foraging behavior of grazers
      • Livestock handling and moving: restraint, herding, separating
      • Pasture layout and fencing: paddocks and fencing systems
      • Basic pasture ecology and forage identification
    • Watering Systems
    • Manure management: storage, composting, application
    • Livestock health monitoring and maintenance
    • Livestock housing needs
  • Organic Vegetable Production
    • Soil fertility: composting, purpose and use of common soil amendments
    • Seed starting and small scale greenhouse management
    • Direct seeding and transplanting
    • Pest management: weed, insect, and disease control techniques
    • Harvesting and storage techniques: harvesting methods, post-harvest handling, root cellaring or processing for sale
    • Garden planning and management
      • Monitoring and record keeping
      • Crop rotation and cover crops

Example of Competency Description

  • Garden Planning and Management
    • Monitoring and Record Keeping
      • While working at Lovely Acres Farm in 2002 I was responsible for maintaining field amendment and crop spraying records. I kept detailed accounts of the quantity and frequency of our compost, rock powder, fish emulsion, and insecticide applications. These records were used to ensure adequate soil fertility, safe and effective pest management, as well as compliance with our organic certification.
  1. Note: Any faculty member or work supervisor may sign off on a specific competency. The completed portfolios are filed with Laurie.
  2. Note: Sustainable Agriculture-related Self Designed major students are required to create a competency portfolio that addresses at least one of the two competency groups (plants or animals).

Sustainable Agriculture Course Requirements

  • Humanities
    • HM445: Senior Applied Research Project Presentation -- 3.0
  • Natural Sciences
    • NS200: Watershed Ecosystem Analysis -- 3.0
      • Prereq: NS 205: Environmental Science & Lab or NS 207: Ecology
    • NS206: Human Nutrition -- 3.0
      • Prereq: NS 135: Integrated Chemistry & Physics
    • NS245: Soil Science and Lab -- 4.0
      • Prereq: NS 135: Integrated Chemistry & Physics
    • NS315: Animal Science -- 3.0
      • Prereq: NS 135 – Integrated Chemistry & Physics
    • NS346: Plant Science and Lab -- 4.0
      • Prereq: NS 135: Integrated Chemistry & Physics
        Recommended: NS 245: Soil Science
    • NS435: Global Agriculture --3.0
      • Prereq: All other major requirements
    • NS323 or SS323: Quantitative or Qualitative Research Methods -- 1.0
    • NS439 or SS439 Senior Applied Research Project I -- 3.0
    • NS440 or SS440: Senior Applied Research Project II -- 9.0
  • Social Science
    • SS140: Exploring Alternative Agriculture -- 2.0
    • SS212: Whole Farm Planning -- 2.0
  • The following are strongly recommended:
    • At least one course in Policy. Choose from the following:
      • SS202: Environmental Policy & Law -- 3.0
        • Prereq: NS207: Ecology or NS205: Environmental Science
          HM/SS106: Humans in the Environment
      • SS337: US Agricultural Policy -- 3.0
      • SS310: Land Use Planning -- 3.0
        • Prereq: Environmental Policy & Law Recommended: Economics
    • At least one course in Applied Science. Choose from the following:
      • AS105: Woodlot Practices -- 1.5
      • AS110: Agricultural Techniques I -- 1.5
      • AS111: Agricultural Techniques II -- 1.5
      • AS120: Forestry Techniques -- 1.5
      • AS166: Horse Care: Foundations in Work Horse Management -- 2.0
      • AS174 Draft Horse Management I: Driving Principles -- 2.0
        • Prereq: AS166: Horse Care: Foundations in Work Horse Management
      • AS179 Draft Horse Management II: Work Applications -- 2.0
        • Prereq: AS166: Horse Care: Foundations in Work Horse Management and AS174 Draft Horse Management I: Driving Principles
      • AS361: Livestock or Garden Project -- 1.0
        • Prereq: NS245: Soil Science and AS 110 or AS111: Ag. Tech. I or II
    • Either: SS210: Economics & the Environment -- 3.0
    • Or SS317: Small Business Management -- 3.0
    • NS320: Statistics -- 3.0
    • SS408: Advanced Geographic Information Systems -- 3.0

Sustainable Agriculture students also are required to spend at least 10 weeks working on a farm that employs sustainable practices. This requirement may be fulfilled through the internship experience, Sterling College Summer Farm Session, or other farm work. If students do not participate in the Summer Farm Session, they are required to demonstrate knowledge of Organic Vegetable Production and Grazing Systems Management through a portfolio of responses to prescribed queries.

Faculty recommend students choose related electives in the humanities and social sciences—courses that will prepare students to use integrative approaches in their Senior Applied Research Projects.

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