Climate Literacy: Designing a Syllabus For a Graduate Level Climate Literacy Foundations Course
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: Climate change is a large and multifaceted topic, connected to science, social studies, economics, politics, and more. It cannot simply be approached through one single lens. Climate literacy acknowledges the interdisciplinary nature of climate change by addressing the scientific process of climate change, the human influence on climate, and the influence of climate on society as well as helping develop pro-environmental behaviors. The syllabus designed for this project focuses on teaching climate literacy to graduate-level students. The approach is based on research about general academic motivation, as well as motivation for pro-environmental behavior. The course involves building strong relationships, creating a connection to the natural world, student choice, the use of culturally relevant assignments, and future-thinking. The goal of the course is for students to build climate literacy, so they better understand the issue of climate change on a global scale, and are equipped to respond. The next step is to propose this project to the appropriate department directors in order to launch it as an elective course. The impact of the course will depend on having detailed organization and proper contingencies in place, as well as ongoing evaluation of the course in order to provide the most relevant content possible.
Author: Jana Graczyk
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3137454240