Ecoliteracy: First principles for radical change

25th Oct – 5th Nov 2010 12:04

Special EAUC Member rates available.

One and two week options

Teachers include:
Fritjof Capra (by videolink), Gustavo Esteva (by videolink), Stephan Harding, Philip Franses, Satish Kumar, Emily Ryan (course facilitator) Oliver Greenfield, Toni Spencer, Anne Miller

Transforming the way we live on the planet is vital, and to do that we need a whole new set of skills that enable us to act effectively in a complex world. Fundamental to this is the ability to understand ecosystems, society and people in a holistic context which mirrors the interdependence found in the natural world.

Ecoliteracy: First Principles for Radical Change will enable students to appreciate and understand what an ecological world view is and how it can be applied in their lives and work.

This course offers an opportunity for those wanting to make a real difference in their lives and work through a deep understanding of theory and practice in this area. In the first week participants will explore the elements of an ecological world view focusing on key concepts such as self-organisation, resilience, connectivity and adaptation, and placing these in the context of the global challenges we face. In the second week, they will look at how these concepts can be applied in areas such as design, social activism, energy and food production to support the transition to an ecoliterate future.

For full course details and biographies of course teachers, click here.

This course is intended for:

Everyone who wants to engage with ecoliteracy and a deep understanding of why and how it can help transform our way of living and working. This course acts as a stand-alone programme, but is also an exciting introduction to any other Schumacher course in specialist areas such as new economics, business, design and science. Through this course, those new to Schumacher College can gain a foundation in the central themes of the college.

What is Ecoliteracy?

Fritjof Capra The great challenge of our time is to build and nurture sustainable communities …The first step in this endeavor is to understand the principles of organisation that ecosystems have developed to sustain the web of life. This understanding is what we call ecological literacy. Teaching this ecological knowledge will be the most important role of education in this century.

Oliver Greenfield I see ecoliteracy as the understanding of the interactions between natural systems and human systems. This understanding is important so that we can change the human systems of specifically economy, finance, food, housing, transport and energy, in order that we can live sustainably and well, whilst at the same time maintaining and improving the health of natural systems and the diversity of life.

Satish Kumar These days children know and recognise logos and brand names of big companies such as Coca Cola, McDonalds, Nike, Adidas but how many children can recognise trees and differentiate between oak, elm and ash? How many children can recognise and differentiate between wheat, barley and oats? There is a great lack of knowledge about the natural world, if you don’t know nature how are we going to love nature and if we don’t love nature how are we going to respect her and protect her? Therefore knowledge of the eco system is an imperative for a sustainable future. In my talk I will explore how important and significant nature studies are in schools and universities.

“An excellent balance between theory and practice, learning, living and doing.”
Course participant, Ecoliteracy: First principles for radical change, October 2009

This is a one or two week residential course. All course fees include accommodation, food, field trips and all teaching sessions.

Normal rate One week £750, two weeks £1,450

20% EAUC discount – One week £600, two weeks £1,160

Please note that the reduced rates offered below are exclusive to EAUC Members - please quote ‘EAUC 20%’ when booking.

To book:
• Click here to access out online booking system
• Or contact e: [email protected]
t: +44 (0) 1803 865934

For more details about the course please click here

To find out more about Schumacher College, please go to: www.schumachercollege.org.uk




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