EMSC 240N - Energy and Sustainability in Contemporary Culture
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
This course will guide you through an engaging exploration and critical evaluation of selected media (a few articles, one book, and one film) in contemporary culture on topics related to energy and/or sustainability. All selected media are contemporary (released within the past few years) and are intended for a general audience.
You will consider the subject matter in light of humanistic values, where the science, ideas, and assertions presented in the selected media are critically evaluated relative to the viability of our planet’s ability to support life. Opening lessons cover the foundational science of energy and sustainability, with a global perspective and consideration of the human dimension. The science is presented without technical jargon or advanced mathematics, to promote a genuine and sound understanding of these essential concepts for college-level students of all academic backgrounds. You will also explore commonly used persuasive strategies in order to more easily identify them when critically analyzing content, and will identify legitimate sources of information. The subsequent lessons focus on critical evaluation of the selected media, utilizing the foundational content as a springboard for analysis.
Throughout the course, you will be asked to analyze your own thinking, and how it evolves as you encounter course content. You are strongly encouraged to be open to new ideas and ways of thinking that do not coincide with opinions and knowledge you currently hold. The focus should be on the scientific basis of arguments presented, not rhetorical content, political perspectives, or cultural perspectives.
Objectives
After completing this course, students will:
- possess the foundational science knowledge necessary to evaluate contemporary topics related to energy and sustainability, from the perspective of universal humanity on a planet of finite resources;
- be prepared to develop observations, questions, and opinions on topics related to energy and sustainability and to self-express them, in both written and oral presentations, to others with different backgrounds and points of view;
- be skilled critical readers of energy and sustainability subject matter, knowing how to raise (and answer) questions related to scientific clarity and soundness and how to test assumptions and scope of arguments, especially as related to the inclusion of humanistic values and planetary limits;
- be willing and able to avoid entrenched ideology-based positions on issues related to energy and sustainability, and to develop, instead, a personal position based on science and data with a humanistic perspective;
- know of credible resources and organizations for ongoing research related to energy and sustainability.
Required Materials
The materials listed here represent those that may be included in this course. Students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Text
In addition the info in Canvas, students will be required to one or more required texts. The list differs from semester to semester.
Software
Yellowdig Discussion Platform (fee based)
Video
Interstellar (2014). The movie is available for free to Penn State students.
Prerequisites
None
Expectations
On average, most students spend 8-12 hours per week working on course assignments for a 3 credit course, and this course has been designed to adhere to that standard. Your workload may be more or less depending on your prior experience with online platforms and prior expertise/experience. The workload may vary significantly from week to week as the nature of the course content changes. Note that the course is a little heavier in the first Module (Lessons 1 - 5) than in later modules.
Major Assignments
This course will rely on a variety of methods to assess and evaluate student learning, including:
- Written Content Analysis Reports
- Quizzes
- Discussions
- Final Project
Course Schedule
| Module | Week | Topic | Assignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0. Orientation | 1 | Orientation |
|
| 1. Core Concepts | 2 | Lesson 1: Energy and Sustainability |
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| 1. Core Concepts, cont. | 3 | Lesson 2: Fundamental Sustainability Considerations and Critical Thinking |
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| 1. Core Concepts, cont. | 4 | Lesson 3: Specific Sustainability Issues |
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| 1. Core Concepts, cont. | 5 | Lesson 4: Energy Sources In-Depth |
|
| 1. Core Concepts, cont. | 6 | Lesson 5: Rhetorical Analysis |
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| 2. Critical Analysis of Selected Artifacts | 7 | Lesson 6: Analysis of Artifact |
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| 3. The Sixth Extinction | 8 | Lesson 7: The Sixth Extinction, Part I |
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| 3. The Sixth Extinction, cont. | 9 | Lesson 8: The Sixth Extinction, Part II |
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| 3. The Sixth Extinction, cont. | 10 | Lesson 9: Analysis of Sixth Extinction |
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| 4. Interstellar | 11 | Lesson 10: Interstellar |
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| 5. Final Project | 12 | Final Project Work Period (Week 12) |
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| 5. Final Project, cont. | 13 | Final Project Rough Draft (Week 13) |
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| 5. Final Project, cont. | 14 | Final Project Peer Review (Week 14) |
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| 5. Final Project, cont. | 15 | Final Project Final Draft (Week 15) |
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