An introduction to how sustainable communities are built, develop and act. Students will be introduced to the elements of sustainability, the structure and dynamics of communities, and the practice of community engagement. Satisfies SEEDS Political and Civic Life student learning outcome in alignment with Social Justice and Equity value. Equivalent URHS 101 effective through Spring 2026.
In this course, students will learn about the principal environmental, social, and economic challenges facing communities around the world from an interdisciplinary perspective. They will develop a systematic understanding of the interconnected and complex nature of the policy and practical problems confronting communities in their efforts to achieve sustainability by taking a thematic and applied approach. Key issues in sustainability studies will encourage students to think holistically about the drivers of sustainability and how they are impacted by socio-economic and cultural factors.
Prerequisite(s): BSCS 201 or departmental approval. Restriction(s): Building Sustainable Communities majors and minors. This workshop course focuses on a specific community engagement project related to sustainability. Working with a community partner, students will explore the scholarly and policy aspects of the issue the project raises, and then gain direct, first-hand experience in solving a problem, addressing a need, or analyzing an issue of importance to a specific community in the northern New Jersey region. Equivalent course URHS 402 effective through Spring 2026.
Prerequisite(s): BSCS 201 or departmental approval. Restriction(s): Building Sustainable Communities majors and minors. According to their academic preparation, students are placed in cooperating agencies/organizations in order to provide an opportunity to test their acquired theoretical knowledge and to gain disciplined practice in relation to their professional interests. Under faculty guidance and agency supervision, students are to engage in research and/or special projects related to building sustainable communities. Equivalent course URHS 403 effective through Spring 2026.
Prerequisite(s): BSCS 201 or departmental approval. This training course will provide hands-on skills training in software useful in the study and practice of building sustainable communities. Applications that students will be introduced to include spatial data analysis and presentation using GIS, qualitative data analysis, web design software, audio creation and editing, graphic/Image creation and editing, video creation and editing, desktop publishing, web publishing, HTML, and data visualization. Content will consist of training modules providing basic working skills in particular software packages. Equivalent course URHS 404 effective through Spring 2026.