The Madison Eco Community

For Students in Any Major Interested in Sustainability and the Environment….

The Madison Eco Community is a residential learning community designed for 20 first-year students who want to explore environmental issues and how to live more sustainably on the planet. Students in the community live in the same residence hall (Hoffman), take several classes together, develop outdoor skills through weekend nature and recreational activities, and participate in community projects and field trips. All majors, including undecided students, are welcome.

 

The goals of the Madison Eco Community are to help its members…

 

1.       Understand and communicate effectively about environmental sustainability through critical thinking, analysis, writing, and public speaking.

2.       Develop a personal environmental ethic through formal and informal reading, discussion, introspection, and outdoor recreation.

3.       Engage in meaningful change that reflects more sustainable lifestyle and community practices.

4.       Explore environmental careers based on each individual's interests and major.

5.       Build outdoor skills through such opportunities as camping, canoeing, hiking, orienteering, and geocaching.

6.       Connect to JMU student clubs that are environmentally-focused.

 

In addition, the Eco Community will offer opportunities to have fun with popular culture movies through a regular "Movie Nite" and to build student academic success with special study skills workshops and peer tutoring.

 

The Academic Program

 

In the fall, students enrolled in the Madison Eco Community will take the following General Education courses together, which are integrated by a "sustainability across the curriculum" theme:

 

·         GCOM 123-- Human Communication: Group Presentations

·         GISAT 160--Problem-Solving Approaches in Science and Technology

·         GWRIT 103--Critical Reading and Writing

 

In the spring, students will explore careers and get involved in hands-on sustainability projects through the following courses:

 

IS202--Career and Life Planning

ISAT 280--Projects in Integrated Science and Technology

 

For more information about the Madison Eco Community, contact any of the following professors: Dr. Pete Bsumek at bsumekpk@jmu.edu; Dr. Maria Papadakis at papadamc@jmu.edu; Dr. Julia Sochacki at socha2js@jmu.edu.