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Sustainable Scandinavia

scandinavia 2009

Faculty: Erik Hansen, Charlotte Rosendahl, and Perry Thomas

Dates: June 1 - June 30, 2010

Credits: 6

Lab fee: $4,000

photos: see http://www.flickr.com/photos/sterlingcollege/sets/72157619416309587/

Course Overview

This 6 credit Sterling College field study program entails travel to Scandinavia in June, 2010, to research environmental and cultural sustainability practices in Iceland, Sweden, and Denmark. Site visits and activities include:

Alternative energy facilities--solar collection, geothermal, bio-mass, wind-farms;
Schools, municipalities, “eco-villages,” and industries practicing and teaching environmental sustainability;
NGOs and government agencies—meeting active members dedicated to improving the environment;
Seminars with international delegates on issues of organic agriculture and forestry;
Solo options: Home stays with families and/or independent travel/research projects.

Course Objectives

To explore cultural, social, and linguistic sustainability in a Scandinavian context;
To adapt and apply “systems thinking” tools of analysis to social conditions and challenges;
To observe differences/similarities in educating for sound ecological practices;
To understand common cultural and historical features and how they account for identifiable traits in lifestyle;
To compare cultural geography and land use practices of the US, Scandinavia and EU;
To explore natural history, fauna and flora of the region as well as agriculture and food production.

Course Premise

The UN Commission on Environment and Development put the concept of “sustainable development” on the international agenda at The Rio Conference of 1992 and again at Johannesburg in 2002. These gatherings emphasized the need for a “Local Agenda 21,” a coordinated global effort to address pressing environmental challenges of the 21st Century. We at Sterling College believe fostering a responsible attitude toward sustaining our planet is an essential outcome as we engage in educating the next generation of student leaders. The Scandinavian countries have developed striking examples of local and national "systems thinking" practices that help protect the environment. We can benefit by studying these examples as models for improving our own North American ecological practices.

Estimated AIR FARE, TRAVEL, LODGING FIELD COSTS: $4,000*
*Air fare, travel, and lodging field costs are estimates and subject to change.
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