Environmental Literacy and Engagement in North Mississippi

FAIN: AKA-270024-20

University of Mississippi (University, MS 38677-1848)
Ann Fisher-Wirth (Project Director: September 2019 to May 2024)
Jason Hoeksema (Co Project Director: March 2020 to May 2024)
Laura R. Johnson (Co Project Director: March 2020 to May 2024)
Jay Watson (Co Project Director: July 2021 to May 2024)

Planning for the redesign of a minor in environmental studies.

The proposed project will enhance environmental literacy and engagement in northern Mississippi by accomplishing two major objectives. First, we will replace the two currently required courses for our Environmental Studies minor with an interdisciplinary two-semester sequence, ENVS 101 and 102, which will blend humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences to teach seven major areas of inquiry:1) environmental history, 2) sustainability, 3) biodiversity, 4) environmental justice, 5) food, 6) water, and 7) human-nature connections. Second, we will develop a roster of capstone internships for Environmental Studies minors (ENVS 385) that will allow experiential and service learning opportunities. We intend the internship requirement to serve as a gateway experience out of the minor and into the world beyond the university, giving our students an empowering look at how the application of our curriculum can help build more vibrant ecosystems, communities, and careers.