Summer Course Description
Introduction
Human relations with the planet, and with each other, are defined by an inter-related set of crises. From climate change to biodiversity loss, from disparities in wealth to the persistence of war, our society is often characterized by disharmony and destructive tendencies, in which much life suffers. Recognizing the role of education in addressing these crises and the inadequacies of our present universities in meeting this responsibility, the New University Cooperative was born with a vision for transformative education, grounded in an ethos of ecological sustainability and social justice. This is education for action: a critical and diverse learning experience that gives graduates the skills and understanding necessary to be involved in a movement for a truly sustainable and socially just future. While warfare, social injustice, and ecological degradation are often treated as separate problems, the New University tackles the roots and intersections of these issues in a variety of ways. The connections between rural livelihoods and ecology may be glimpsed by taking part in farm work, and talking to farmer organizations, or the connections between one’s ecological footprint and career choice can be identified by critically examining one’s education and lifestyle. Understanding can emerge in surprising ways: by reading and discussing a book, by helping to repair a wetland, or hearing first hand stories from elders. The New University tries to stimulate a multi-dimensional education, from practical, hands-on skills, to more theoretical discussions of world affairs. Understanding is a necessary part of change and is crucial to inform action. Just as there area many avenues to understanding, action too is multifaceted. People try to bring about a better world by changing their lifestyles, by building community, by developing themselves spiritually and psychologically, by building activist campaigns around particular issues, and by building new social institutions such as cooperative businesses and free schools. A New University education tries to recognize and link together the “personal” and the “political” and the professional.
Course Content
The world’s problems are large but so too are the possibilities. The goal of the course is to move towards an integrated understanding of these problems so that the areas one addresses are envisioned as part of larger solutions. The course is organized around 4 themes. Each theme connects problems and actions and is explored through a variety of means: readings and discussions; talks from activists and educators in the region; hands-on skill building; practices of personal transformation; research and writing. Students will complete group projects by the end of the month. Projects may include research for an NGO or social movement, a business plan for a new cooperative business, an essay or documentary about an issue of concern.
Course Objectives
The objectives of the summer program are as follows:
- To experiment with different learning techniques and styles
- To engage at the abstract and applied dimensions with the subjects of sustainability and social justice
- To be accessible to all regardless of financial ability
- To draw upon the local resources of knowledge and expertise
- To create an empowering and humanized environment for the students
- To further enable the development of the New University
Learning Outcomes
The following are the expected learning outcomes:
- To learn about various interdisciplinary theoretical perspectives pertaining to issues of ecological sustainability and social justice, this would include material from the social and physical sciences
- To learn about and critique ways of knowing and understanding
- To practice various communication skills, both verbal and written
- To practice cooperative living and minimizing one’s ecological footprint
- To learn and practice various survival strategies, e.g. growing food, building shelters
- To engage in community service
- To develop a business plan for the New University Cooperative
Teaching and Learning Pedagogy
A critical educational pedagogy will be employed, and this will include applied/practical elements, theoretical components, and reflective inquiry.
Course Structure
Two foundational courses, each lasting two weeks, will run throughout the month along with smaller short courses and/or workshops.
Open space process will be undertaken at the beginning of the program so students will direct some of their own and collective learning.
Assessment
A number of different assessment strategies will be employed to gage the progress of the student’s learning. This will include written assignments of various types as well as public presentations, based on their activities.
Each student will undertake an individual creative project that they will take away to represent their time at this program and their personal development and learning.
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