Curriculum

The NEW UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE seeks to provide an innovative education that blends practical, theoretical and experiential learning with rigorous academics. This education will incorporate and respect different forms of knowledge and different styles of learning. The broad framework of the curriculum for the New University is defined by the living principles. How this translates into a learning plan is currently being defined.

Research is being completed by members of the New University Cooperative to see what kind of characteristics are shared by programs or courses with a profound ecological focus, based on the list of models. This research determined several shared characteristics which could be used as part of the New University Cooperative curriculum for an undergraduate or masters degree.

Characteristics of Innovative ecological education...

>>> Courses with a service based focus, as well arts, crafts, academia, and music are a part of the students education

>>>Experiential learning as well as academic based learning

>>>Self-designed and interdisciplinary programs

>>>There are several models of Masters programs which draw from short courses (not degrees) already offered at the institution

>>>Credit is given to students for other programs such as internships, courses at other universities, or volunteering (such as working at a homeless shelter)

>>>Sliding scale in terms of costs of program

>>>Collective-based learning structure

>>>University-based cottage industries such as organic farming or woodworking combines with student education/experience

>>>Visiting scholars and core faculty

>>>The focus is on a well-balanced student