Course Information
Throughout
its curriculum, Merry Lea’s graduate program in environmental education
integrates ecological learning and pedagogical skills. You will study the
ecology of the southern Great Lakes region and then refine your skills
to transfer that knowledge to students of all ages. Education is by nature,
interdisciplinary, integrating many fields. Environmental education adds
the natural sciences by incorporating ecology, biology, chemistry, and
physical/outdoor education into curricula. The program at Merry Lea will
challenge you every day and we trust that the reward is a renewed sense
of wonder and confidence in your ability to bring people across the globe
closer to the natural world.
The degree is built around four major components: six core courses, an
immersion in ecosystem studies, an extensive practicum, and a multi-faceted
final project. A variety of seminars and integrative sessions
supplement these experiences.The core courses provide content and the fundamental
skills to understand, preserve and manage natural resources. You will also
develop your interpersonal skills enabling you to be an effective leader
and create challenging, safe and fun learning environments.
Six Core Courses
ENED
510 Natural History of So. Great Lakes ..............................................
3
A study of the plants and animals of this region and the ecosystems
in which they are found. Emphasis on 1) interrelationships in ecosystems,
2) the function of ecosystems, both how they operate and how they impact
surrounding systems and humans, and 3) identity of the organisms that
comprise the ecological community. Students will investigate the ecological
relationships of the organisms identified as well as behaviors and life
cycles. on (3
credits)
((Professor - Lisa Zinn, Environmental
Education)).
ENED
515 Research Methods and Measurements ......................................
3
A laboratory class designed to give students an overview of designing,
implementing, and reporting a scientific study including the use of environmental
monitoring equipment to collect data and the basic statistics needed to
analyze them. The class will address both ecological and educational research.
Students will investigate the different ecosystems in the area using standard
ecological data collection methods. Students will also learn standard methods
for evaluating learning in environmental educational programs.
ENED 520 Principles of Environmental Educ ..............................................
3
A study of distinctive concepts and skills needed for delivering quality
environmental education programs. The following themes-within the context
of natural history-will be part of the course: field-based and experiential
education, inquiry, questioning, interpretation, settings, responsive
instruction, program design, assessment and evaluation, and learner outcomes. (Team of Instructors – Paul
Steury, Environmental Education: David Ostergren, Director MAEE)
ENED
525 Environmental Issues & History ............................................
3
A study of current environmental issues facing society. Topics include
ethics, citizenry, environmental justice, theological implications, and
organizations addressing issues. The various facets of the history of environmental
education and outdoor education will be reviewed. A study of important
literature relevant to all topics will be included. (Team of Instructors – Paul
Steury, Environmental Education: David Ostergren, Director MAEE)
ENED
530 Leadership & Admin for EE.... ..........................................
3
This is a survey course on the essential skills and practices in leadership
and administration of non-profit organizations. Topics include personnel
management, strategic planning, personality styles, financial and resource
management, budget preparation, board utilization, fundraising and capital
campaign, day-to-day functioning of a nature center, and team development. (Professor – Luke
Gascho, Executive Director of Merry Lea ELC)
ENED
535 Land Management for Env Education ........................................
3
This is a study of both the theory and practice of managing the "place" for
various ecological functions and human values that enhance an environmental
education experience. Includes how land management practices need to reflect
the economic/social/spiritual values of humans, and the biological functions
of the ecosystems it encompasses. (William Minter,
Professor)
ENED 550 Creation Care, Peace and Justice..................................................1
Environmental quality and care for creation are emerging as important components
to faith, peace and justice across the globe. Creation care provides that
we should build on spiritual and theological foundations to care for God’s
creation. Environmental justice is the equitable distribution of costs
and benefits from utilizing resources to all people regardless of class,
generation, ethnic origin or gender. This seminar is a survey course of
these topics. (Professor - David Ostergren, Director MAEE)
ENED
580 Practicum in Environmental Educ .....................................
3 (1-3)
Being part of the delivery of Merry Lea's K-12 onsite and outreach programs
in environmental education will fulfill the practicum in three major programming
time blocks giving students experience in multiple programs. Student will
also have opportunities in specialty programs, such as summer camps and
public programs. Assessment of student performance will occur after each
of the three programming time blocks and as part of the final evaluation.
ENED 570 Professional Portfolio ..............................................................
3 (1-3)
Portfolio expectations will be assigned to students during each of the first
three semesters. These will include ecological observations, photography, and
nature writing. Students will participate in six topical seminars, which will
be offered throughout the year, and write a response paper to each seminar.
(Nature Photography, Writing in Nature, Exploration of Faith and Spirituality,
Sustainability, Wilderness First Responder, and Public Presentation Skills)
ENED 560 Creative Project and Paper ...........................................................
3
The project paper will be based on one of the following themes: a) environmental
issue investigation b) ecological data based investigation, or c) pedagogical
data based investigation. Project statement, literature review, critical investigation,
application, conclusion, and professional formatting will all be expectations.
Students will develop age-appropriate instructional materials based on the
project themes.
Seminars
Occasional short-term experiences round out your education and contribute to the portfolio you create. Among these are a two-day Wilderness First Aid workshop, a Nature Photography Workshop, Merry Lea's annual Autumn Hope Conference and a Nature Writing Workshop. The links below will give you a sense of what one such seminar was like: