Curriculum
We believe that the next generation of leaders need training that facilitates a holistic understanding of conservation and society, transcending traditional disciplinary-based pedagogical approaches used in higher education.
We believe an integrated curriculum spans multiple disciplines as well as multiple learning environments. Subjects are co-taught, problem-based and integrated throughout the CLTL coursework. While the traditional classroom setting may be appropriate for some lessons, we believe many lessons must be learned in the field. Field-based experiences lead to a richer understanding of complex ecological and social issues related to conservation.
The CLTL curriculum is based on innovative courses from three areas: Natural & Physical Science, Social Science, and Management & Leadership.The curriculum as a whole will adapt to local and international field sites to address their particular conservation challenges. Below is outlined the CLTL curriculum from the 1st 2 cohorts. This curriculum was designed to integrate the three main disciplines. As CLTL continues to evolve each cohort, you should expect some curricular adaptations each cohort.
Conservation Leadership Through Learning (Sample Curriculum from previous cohorts)Begin coursework on CSU campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. Field visits to conservation project sites will be woven into coursework. Project site visits may include federal, state, local or private conservation efforts and will be drawn from Colorado's diverse portfolio of conservation sites. Coursework includes:
- NR 540 Environmental Issues:
A. Water Resources
B. Biological Diversity
C. Ecological Reconciliation
D. Ecosystem Services
- NR 541 Conservation Policy, Finance, and Governance
- NR 542 Global Change and Conservation
- NR 543 Catalyzing Change: A. Conflict and Conservation
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NR 549 Conservation Leadership and Systems Thinking
Coursework continues at CSU. Additional program components include intensive language training and first aid training. Preparations are made for the group departure to Mexico. Coursework includes:
- NR 544 Conservation Methods:
A. Watershed Sciences
B. Ecological Sciences
C. Social Sciences
D. Spatial Information
E. Integrative Field Work
- NR 543 Catalyzing Change: B. Collaborative Conservation
- NR 545 Multi-level Views of Society and Conservation
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NR 549 Conservation Leadership and Systems Thinking
Upon completion of coursework on campus at CSU, students will participate in additional coursework in the field. This format for this coursework will vary depending on participation in CLTL Global or CLTL Mexico.
- NR 546 Human Ecosystem Context
- NR 547 Poverty and Sustainable Development
- NR 548 Conservation Planning and Management
- NR 549 Conservation Leadership and Systems Thinking
- NRRT 698 Research - optional
Teams will be based in the field at conservation project sites. Student teams will be formed to carryout conservation assessments that lead to project implementation. Faculty, local partner practitioners, and local communities will be involved throughout the process. Coursework includes:
- NRRT 698 Research - optional
During the final semester, student teams work to finalize and defend their project. Deliverables include the formal project paper and specifically designed deliverables for local partners and communities. Optional coursework includes:
- NRRT 698 Research - optional
- NRRT 695 A-D Independent Study - option
