• > Request Info
  • > Visit
  • > Apply
  • > Donate
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Alumni
  • Parents
  • Home
  • About Sterling
    • Introduction to Sterling
    • Location
    • Sustainable Sterling
    • Giving to Sterling
    • News & Press
    • Pictures & Publications
    • Mission & History
    • Accreditations & Affiliations
    • Board of Trustees
    • Employment
    • Contact Us
    • Connect
  • Admissions
    • Why Sterling?
    • Visit Sterling College
      • Schedule a Visit
      • Directions
      • Accommodations
      • Open House
      • Tips for Planning a Visit
      • Video Tour
    • Applying for Admission
      • When to Apply
      • Admission Requirements
      • Home-Schooled Applicants
      • Adult Learners
      • Non-Degree Students
      • International Applicants
      • Admission Policies
      • Advanced Placement Policy
      • International Baccalaureate Policy
    • Transfer
    • Tuition and Fees
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarships
    • Net Price Calculator
    • Viewbook
    • Request Info
  • Academics
    • Areas of Study
      • Conservation Ecology
      • Environmental Humanities
      • Food Systems
      • Natural History
      • Outdoor Education and Leadership
      • Sustainable Agriculture
      • Self-designed Majors
    • Continuous Semesters
    • Curriculum
      • Core Curriculum
      • Progression of Study
      • Independent Studies
      • Senior Capstone Projects
      • Degree Requirements
    • Academic Advising
    • Work-Learning-Service
    • Internship Program
    • Global Field Studies
    • Summer Agriculture Program
    • Vermont's Table
    • Academic Calendar
    • Academic Catalog
  • Community
    • Student Life
    • Student Residences
    • Student Profiles
    • Alumni
      • Update Contact Info
      • Transcript Request
      • Career Services
      • Giving to Sterling
      • Alumni Profiles
    • Art on Campus
    • Food and Kitchen
    • Rural Heritage Institute
    • Wildbranch Writing Workshop
    • Event Calendar
  • Resources
    • Library
      • Catalog Search
      • Journal Finder
      • Research Databases
      • Internet Links
    • Career Resource Center
    • Farm, Forests, and Gardens
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Health & Wellness
    • Information Technology
    • Books & Course Materials
    • Gifts & Merchandise
    • Faculty Directory
    • Office Directory
    • Campus Map
  • Campus Blog
Home

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.
For further information, pleae contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 
SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTERS:
FIND STERLING ON :
Facebook Page Flickr Twitter YouTube Blogs
  • Contact Us
  • Office Directory
  • Employment
  • Directions
  • Events Calendar
  • Academic Catalog
  • Accreditation
  • Site Search
  • Site Map
Sterling College · PO Box 72 · Craftsbury Common , VT 05827 · 1-800-648-3591 · (802) 586-7711 · FAX (802) 586-2596