Mission Statement
The mission of the Environmental Studies Department at De Anza College is to provide students with an environmental stewardship foundation, knowledge of ecological, social and economic concepts, and an awareness of their roles within a sustainable society. Environmental studies and the environmental sciences integrate ecological, sustainability, ethical, socioeconomic and political principles, employing formal and non-formal methods of teaching as an effective means of education.
A 20/20 Working College Model
Our 20/20 working college model includes 20 hours of coursework and community service and 20 hours of stewardship work and civic engagement for our students. Help us encourage our students to stay in school, learn workplace and life skills, and make a difference in their community. Would you consider sponsoring a student for a quarter, so our students can be trained as mentors and community leaders while taking classes and working with our leadership team?
Curriculum Overview
De Anza College's Environmental Studies Department integrates physical, biological, human, socioeconomic and political principles. Formal and informal methods of teaching help students acquire the basics of this field. These include a scientific foundation, an understanding of social and economic concepts, and an awareness of the behaviors that protect or damage the earth and its resources.
Students in this department are trained for exciting career opportunities in some of the fastest growing fields in the country. Participants range from entry-level students to already trained professionals. Highly qualified faculty and experienced students make this a rich learning opportunity.
An Environmental Studies student should graduate with . . .
- An understanding of how our behavior, including our use of energy and natural resources, affects the environment
- A knowledge of ecological and sustainability principles as a foundation upon which to base decisions
- An understanding of the complexity of biodiversity (species, genetic, ecological and functional) and the role of the evolutionary process; as well as opportunities to help preserve this legacy
- An understanding of human history, our relationship to the environment and how that role has evolved over time
- A strong knowledge and understanding of environmental laws and regulations, their development, implementation and enforcement
- An understanding of leadership techniques used in political participation, including a consensus-based decision-making model, at the local, state, and federal levels, whether they be in the business, nonprofit or governmental sector
- The ability to participate in and influence the decision making process
- A familiarity with information gathering techniques
- Experience, participation and exposure to actual, career-related opportunities