Laurie Joy Anderson
B CUSP 119
Evaluates progress at the conclusion of the first year through the construction of a portfolio and offers an experiential learning opportunity, either on- or off-campus. Prerequisite: either B CUSP 115, B CUSP 116, or B CUSP 117; may not be repeated. Offered: Sp.
BCUSP 119C Learning from Nature in the City: Through a series of exercises and homework, videos, discussions, and readings, students will gain new and varied perspectives about themselves in relationship with nature. Nature will be examined as manicured settings (like parks), as landscapes with wild edges (nature with wild edges), at its worst (e.g., water runoff, floods, hurricanes, tornados), in preconceived settings (e.g., zoo, aquarium), and as a practice for life (e.g., sustainability, wilderness preserves). The primary goal is for students to re-identify with nature. In conjunction with this work, students will be led in various exercises through reflective introspection and faculty assessment to help them assess and complete their final Student Portfolio.
Student learning goals
• Look at nature in new ways: as a reality, as an idea, and as an ideal
• Locate yourselves (individually and together) in nature’s landscape (through discussion and experiences)
• Learn from nature in your own neighborhood by creating a backyard field guide
• Share that learning with others and get feedback on your experiences
• Examine what a practice of including nature and the wild into your lives might look like
• Complete your e-Portfolio experience demonstrating your first year of learning at UWB
General method of instruction
Class will consist of group and individual exercises (videos, discussions, exercises, quizzes) to explore nature in varied ways. Grading is based on participation, e-portfolio, and backyard field guide.
Come prepared to be inspired, to reflect honestly, and to participate in all work. One can only learn by doing.
Class assignments and grading
Homework will consist of reading and reflective thinking and writing. the bulk of your grade will be the e-Portfolio and your backyard field guide.
1) e-Portfolio, 2) backyard file guide and 3) class participation, discussions, homework, in-class work, group work, quizzes