Stonehill College
AC-2: Learning Outcomes

Environmental Studies (BA) Environmental Science (BS) Environmental Sciences and Studies (Minor)

Majors in Environmental Science will demonstrate the following: 1. An in-depth understanding of fundamental concepts in the natural sciences & mathematics (biology, chemistry, geology, physics & math), particularly as they pertain to understanding the natural environment. 2. The ability to integrate knowledge across those disciplines, becoming skilled in the use of multiple lenses to analyze complexity. 3. Competence in the collection, analysis and interpretation of environmental science data. 4. Critical & constructive thinking on environmental issues and problems, at both the local and global levels. 5. Valuing the natural world and future humanity, developing/adopting an environmental ethic as part of a broader commitment to social justice, and taking personal and political action in keeping with those values. 6. Effective communication skills (written & oral), for audiences of natural scientists and beyond, into the public arena. Majors in Environmental Studies will demonstrate the following: 1. Relevant disciplinary knowledge in the natural and social sciences as well as in the humanities. 2. The ability to integrate knowledge across those disciplines, becoming skilled in the use of multiple lenses to analyze complexity. 3. Critical & constructive thinking on environmental issues and problems, at both the local and global levels. 4. Valuing the natural world and future humanity, developing/adopting an environmental ethic as part of a broader commitment to social justice, and taking personal and political action in keeping with those values. 5. Effective communication skills (written & oral) for various audiences, including the public. Note well: In our learning outcomes, we chose not to incorporate terms that are either too vague in common usage (e.g., sustainability) or too specialized to convey much information to students (e.g., systems thinking).