Sustainability, Energy and the Environment

The Sustainability, Energy, and the Environment ILLC is for honors students of any major.  You’re invited to think critically about the myriad approaches to sustainability, energy, and the environment by integrating material from several different disciplines throughout two semesters.  Humanities Commons courses will share readings and attend events together, and students and faculty in all of the courses will interact and integrate activities.  The first-year seminar features guest lecturers from across the University and also includes community leaders, giving you the opportunity to explore sustainability, energy, and environmental themes from different points of view and to contribute your own ideas through projects and student-initiated events.  The SEE ILLC is part of UD’s Sustainability, Energy, and the Environment Initiative. 

Students: Open to honors students unless restricted by major

ILLC Coordinator: Leanne Jablonski

ILLC Faculty: Daniel Fouke, Victoria Hathaway, Viorel Paslaru, Rebecca Potter

Residence: Stuart Complex

Shared Courses: PHL 103 (Introduction to Philosophy) or ENG 200H (Honors Writing Seminar) during the Fall 2012 semester, and an interdisciplinary First-Year Seminar during the Spring 2013 semester.

Graduation Requirements: These courses meet graduation requirements.

Community Activities:

Teach-Ins on current environmental issues (e.g. Gulf Oil Spill, Land Stewardship & Energy Use, Tsunami Impacts, Resource Extraction Choices)

Guest speakers who are environmental leaders from different majors and programs, including UD students, staff, and faculty, plus Dayton community members and experts such as authors Doug Fine and David Suzuki

Field trip to nearby Yellow Springs for a guided hike of the Glen Helen and Clifton Gorge nature preserves and a tour of the historic town, straw bale homes, and Young’s Dairy

Tour a local landfill, urban gardens, and farm to learn about sustainability from a different perspective

Service-learning, nature hike, and retreat opportunities at the 100 acre Marianist Environmental Education Center land restoration site

Discover the Miami Conservancy District and the history of Dayton’s relationship with the Great Miami River

Interact with student environmental organizations and student leaders on campus (eg. Sustainability Club, Rivers Institute Stewards, ETHOS) through educational discussions, socials, and service projects)

Participate in Environmental Sustainability Week events such as ‘Dorm Blackout Competition,’ Local and Organic Foods Dinners, and film viewings about the environment such as Carbon Nation and Gasland

Share your sustainability ideas through the SEE ILLC Writing Project in the fall and team projects and presentations on Creating a Sustainable UD at the April Stander Symposium Day of Alternative Learning