University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
AC-2: Learning Outcomes

Geography, Social Justice, Environmental Studies, Biology, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Management

Knowledge of sustainability and its applications is the ability to understand local and global earth systems; the qualities of ecological integrity and the means to restore and preserve it; and the interconnection of ecological integrity, social justice and economic well-being. Sustainability is about working towards a future in which all human beings can enjoy decent quality of life– good health, economic security, membership in strong and inclusive communities, the list goes on– while ensuring that we do not endanger the natural resources and environments upon which we depend. At its core, sustainability is about helping us live up to our fullest potential, as individuals and as a society. Making our way towards sustainability will involve addressing some very big and complicated problems– problems that will not have just single answers, or answers generated by single perspectives. Educating our students about sustainability means presenting them with multiple perspectives and teaching them how to critically evaluate the pros and cons, costs and consequences of the many options that lie before us. Sustainability is not about prescription, or about liberal or conservative points of view; it is about thoughtfully questioning, analyzing, and coming up with creative solutions. And isn’t this exactly what we want our students to be able to do? Specific learning outcomes listed for programs include: First Year Experience: "Gain an understanding of their own role as members of a global community and their responsibility to participate in that community in a way that takes into account sustainability." Environmental Studies: "Students will be able to critically analyze the concept of sustainability and its three pillars (economic security, social equity, ecological responsibility) and the way this concept is applied and used." Social Justice: "[..]critically examine the values that constitute social justice in theory and practice, understand the principles of effective social activism, formulate and evaluate policies that seek to address issues such as racism, violence, literacy, human rights, gender equity, gender expression, poverty, hunger, and conservation of the environment."