Course Description: This course is an introduction to environmental challenges and opportunities which emphasizes that humans are part of ecosystems within interdependent cycles which involve other organisms, air, water, chemicals, and energy. The course examines the relationships of humans to their environment from historical, economic, scientific, aesthetic, and ethical perspectives.
As we progress through this course you become more environmentally aware: more aware of your own actions and the impact they have on the environment, more aware of human actions and the impact on the environment and more aware of the need for human activity to shift on a global scale to sustain our Earth and all of its inhabitants.
Throughout this course you will have an opportunity to explore your ethics, values, and morals as they pertain to your role as a human on Earth. What does living sustainably mean to you? Do you make sustainable choices pertaining to food, transportation, your purchases? What is your energy use? Where do you want to grow your sustainability practices and how?
Many assignments throughout the course scaffolded for you to examine and reflect upon the choices you make from an environmental awareness perspective, culminating in a final essay.
There are weekly discussions to explore content deeply and engage with peers. Discussions include town hall speeches, debates, negotiations, and responses to learning materials. Each week you will post and then respond to others. Initial posts are typically due by 11:59pm ET Saturdays and response posts to one or more peers are typically due by 11:59pm ET on Tuesday, the last day of the week. There are some exceptions where more posts are required, you can refer to weekly checklists, discussion instructions, and announcements for more information.
In addition to weekly discussions, you will have at least one assignment or reflective journal to submit. Many of these are related to the course project for you to examine and reflect upon your own choices and perspectives of different environmental topics. Assignments and reflective journal entries must be submitted by 11:59pm ET on Tuesday, the last day of the week, unless otherwise noted.
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
| Learning Activity | Points |
|---|---|
| Academic Integrity Agreement Quiz | 1 |
| Week 1 Discussion: Getting to Know You | 2 |
| Weekly Assignments (6 assignments, 5 points each) | 30 |
| Weekly Discussions (7 discussions, 5 points each) | 35 |
| Reflective Journals (3 entries, 4 points each) | 12 |
| Final Project: Personal Sustainability Essay | 20 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Week 1: Jan 14 – Jan 20
Week 2: Jan 21 – Jan 27
Week 3: Jan 28 – Feb 3
Week 4: Feb 4 – Feb 10
Week 5: Feb 11 – Feb 17
Week 6: Feb 18 – Feb 24
Week 7: Feb 25 – Mar 3
Week 8: Mar 4 – Mar 10
| Week | Assignments and Discussions | Due Dates (by 11:59pm ET) and Looking Ahead |
| Week 1: Intro to Environmental Science, Earth History and the Anthropocene |
Discussion: Getting to Know You Assignment: Anatomy of an Environmental Issue |
Discussion
Assignment due Tuesday |
| Week 2: Climate Change, Systems Thinking & Wicked Problems |
Discussion: Six Americas and Camp Ellis Assignment: Systems Mapping |
Discussion
Assignment due Tuesday |
| Week 3: Environmental Worldview & Relationship with Nature |
Discussion: Environmental Worldview Reflective Journal: Relationship with Nature |
Discussion
Reflective Journal due Tuesday |
| Week 4: Environmental Justice & Traditional Ecological Knowledge |
Discussion: Traditional Ecological Knowledge Documentaries Reflective Journal: Environmental Justice |
Discussion
Reflective Journal due Tuesday Looking ahead: Begin to think about Final Project: Personal Sustainability Essay |
| Week 5: Adapting to Change & Stewarding Healthy Ecosystems |
Discussion: Environmental Issue Lightning Talk Assignment: Isle Royale Predator-Prey Management |
Discussion
Assignment due Tuesday |
| Week 6: Life Cycle Assessments & Ecological Footprint |
Discussion: Land Stewardship Assignment: Life Cycle Assessment Reflective Journal: Ecological Footprint |
Discussion
Assignment due Tuesday Reflective Journal due Tuesday |
| Week 7: Human Health & Food Systems |
Discussion: Genetically Modified Foods – For Better or for Worse? Assignment: Diet and FoodPrint |
Discussion
Assignment due Tuesday Looking ahead: Begin research for Week 8 Discussion |
| Week 8: Participatory Democracy, The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) & Personal Sustainability |
Discussion: World Climate Convention Assignment: Participatory Democracy Final Project: Personal Sustainability Essay |
Discussion
Assignment due Sunday Final Project due Tuesday |
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies. Questions? Email: prehealth@une.edu.
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.
Your student service advisor monitors course progression and provides assistance or guidance when needed. They can assist questions regarding ordering course materials, University policies, billing, navigating the course in Brightspace, and more.
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!
The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies. Questions? Email: prehealth@une.edu.
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.
Your student service advisor monitors course progression and provides assistance or guidance when needed. They can assist questions regarding ordering course materials, University policies, billing, navigating the course in Brightspace, and more.
Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.
Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted. Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3-point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded. Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Your course may have proctored exams. Please see your course for full details, access, testing requirements, and guidelines.
Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback on exam questions.
Students will receive two attempts at all proctored examinations. The higher score of the two attempts will be calculated into the final grade.
All students are encouraged to use a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.
Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements
A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus.
Courses in the program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 6 or 8 weeks.
Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact PreHealth@une.edu with any questions.
Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. Contact support with any questions.
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.
Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.
Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted. Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3-point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded. Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Your course may have proctored exams. Please see your course for full details, access, testing requirements, and guidelines.
Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback on exam questions.
Students will receive two attempts at all proctored examinations. The higher score of the two attempts will be calculated into the final grade.
All students are encouraged to use a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.
Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements
A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus.
Courses in the program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 6 or 8 weeks.
Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact PreHealth@une.edu with any questions.
Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. Contact support with any questions.
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.
6- to 8-week courses: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
10+ -week courses: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
Please contact your Enrollment and Retention Counselor if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. Tuition charges may still apply. Students are strongly urged to consult with Student Financial Services, as course withdrawals may affect financial aid or Veterans benefits.
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.