Ecological literacy requires interdisciplinary understanding of both nature and humanity. This includes scientific examination of the interactions between and within the systems and cycles of the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere, which together provide the basis for life on Earth. Ecological literacy also includes awareness and understanding of the many continuing impacts that human beings have had on natural environments, at scales ranging from the local to the global, and how those impacts are linked to the sustainability of social, cultural, and political-economic systems. Any course whose content focuses primarily on one or more of three areas will be considered for the Ecological Literacy category.
- Conceptual foundations of our environmental attitudes, values and challenges from a variety of cultural perspectives.
- Scientific understanding of Earth’s natural systems and cycles, emphasizing humanity’s role as the planet’s ecologically dominant species and how that affects the continuing viability of habitats for life on Earth.
- Analysis of human activity and its impact on Earth’s natural environments, both local and global, and the shorter-and longer-term implications for the planet’s livability and sustainability.
- ANTHRO 2, Cultural Anthropology
- ANTHRO 19, The Culture of Food
- BIOL 9, Environmental Biology
- BIOL 10, Applied Ecology & Conservation Biology
- ECON 4, Environmental Economics
- ENVRN 4, Environmental Economics
- ENVRN 7, Intro to Environmental Studies
- ENVRN 14, U.S. Environmental History
- ENVRN 20, Environmental Ethics
- ENVRN 22, Env. Politics & Policies
- ENVRN 32, Global Environmental History
- ENVRN 40, Environmental Psychology
- GEOG 7, Intro to Environmental Studies
- HIST 14, U.S. Environmental History
- HIST 32, Global Environmental History
- POL SC 22, Env. Politics & Policies
- PHILOS 20, Environmental Ethics
- PSYCH 40, Environmental Psychology
- RRM 1, Intro to Recycling & Resource Management
See a full list of courses that meet the Global Citizenship Graduation Requirement.
A student meeting the Global Citizenship AA requirement would develop an awareness of the diversity of cultures within the United States and/or an appreciation for the interconnectedness of cultural, ecological, economic, political, social and technological systems of the contemporary world. This prepares the student to make a responsible contribution to a rapidly changing global society. The student must take a minimum of three units in one of the following areas: American Cultures, Ecological Literacy, Global Studies, Service Learning or a Santa Monica College Study Abroad Experience.
The Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC) serves as the Senate's and the College's resource and recommending body on academic and professional matters related to the environment, ecological literacy and greening the curriculum.
Meetings
The committee meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at the Sustainability
Center (1744 Pearl Street) from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and by Zoom. Membership: Faculty and Administrators (2:1 ratio)
Functions
- Support the Sustainability Center.
- Support the continued development and growth of ecological literacy and the continued Greening of the Curriculum at the College.
- Support efforts to enhance the College's sustainability.
- Facilitate partnerships to enhance and develop College environmental programs.
- Work with the Associated Students, the District Planning and Advisory Council, and other College committees to address environmental concerns at the College.
- Sponsor environmentally relevant activities and programs at the college.
Sustainability is a core value at SMC. It is one of five institutional learning outcomes and states that Santa Monica College students will, “assume responsibility for their own impact on the earth by living a sustainable and ethical lifestyle.”