California State University, Chico
ER-5: Sustainability Course Identification

"Our sustainable curriculum introduces students to the question of how to balance the needs of current generations against those of future generations. The complex matter of balancing the limits of the natural world with human needs, and the need to create just political, economic, and social systems are explored from the perspective of multiple disciplines. Students learn about the limits of Earth's ecosystems and their ability to support current economic, political, and social practices, as well as the impact of such factors as population growth. Questions of what it means to live a quality life and how to meet the needs of diverse global populations will be raised. Students will have the opportunity to develop insight into barriers to change, as well as explore the ways in which we can deal now and in the future with the challenges we face as global citizens. The ultimate goal of this approach is to help students create their own futures and develop vital economic, social, and environment systems."

Those classes on CSU, Chico's Green Course List (designated in the catalog by an oak leaf) were identified based on course description by the department chairs in an effort that was spearheaded by the Provost and the Director of the Institute for Sustainable Development. The process of dividing all of the classes on the Green Course List into the categories of Sustainability-Focused and Sustainability-Related Courses was conducted by the Sustainability Education & Research Committee based on the following criteria: If a course met 1 of the 12 Sustainability Learning Outcomes listed under ER-9 it was classified as a Sustainability-Related Course; if a course met 3 or more of the 12 SLO's it was classified as a Sustainability-Focused Course.