Environmental Justice and Sustainability Minor
City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Description
The Environmental Justice minor educates students about the need to provide for human well-being while conserving the natural resources and ecological balance necessary to meet the needs of current and future generations. Using an interdisciplinary framework, the minor introduces students to the interdependent problems of sustainability such as climate change, social, economic and environmental inequalities, pollution and public health concerns that are affecting our city, society, and planet today. Students of the minor will learn the importance of working towards sustainable development and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and harms that constitutes environmental justice. Through the minor’s interdisciplinary approach, students will develop an understanding of the intricate networks that link together people, cultures, societies, and environments. In the process, they will build the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to share their understanding of the complexities of sustainability, to enter the increasing number of careers and graduate programs requiring these multidisciplinary skills, and to become more effective contributors to society.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the basic concepts, issues, and debates surrounding sustainability, sustainable development, and environmental justice. Understand how different academic disciplines approach and contribute knowledge to topics related to Sustainability and Environmental Justice, such as environmental political and economic initiatives, social movements, chemical processes, urban planning, artistic works, and ethical considerations of policies and behaviors. Apply such analytical skills as qualitative and quantitative reasoning and critical thinking to interpret a broad array of problems and conditions effecting the environment and human habitats. Think critically about sustainability and environmental justice issues in society, such as global climate change, pollution, environmental racism, the scarcity of natural resources, and public health concerns resulting from environmental conditions. Analyze best practices and policies for sustainability, reflect on how to use them in their everyday lives, and understand their implications for various communities and groups (racial, ethnic, national, class, gender, etc.).