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Sep 08, 2024
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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Certificate in Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
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Return to: Programs of Study
The relationship between humanity and the rest of God’s creation is a topic often neglected in the contemporary church. A recent sociological survey (Clements et al., 2014) indicated that, as of 2010, Christians in America are less likely on average to engage in lifestyles or activities that resemble a care for creation than non-Christians. Humanity was made to reflect God in action, in wise and loving stewardship, in delight, and in great interest for the good of what He made. Students are emerging from the academy into a culture that is increasingly separated from the natural world, and divided philosophically as to its value. As the rest of the creation permeates our daily lives, this certificate program serves to affirm the preparation of student participants for:
- Living in the church as sources of interest and wisdom in stewarding creation well
- Serving as leaders in the community with interest/practical knowledge concerning individual and systemic sustainability solutions
- Healing broken relationships between the church and other stakeholders over environmental concerns.
Covenant is uniquely qualified to offer certificates that integrate faith and disciplinary practice, especially in a liberal arts framework. This certificate leverages the breadth of the liberal arts to address a key issue facing our culture and the church. Coursework requires students to explore disciplinary breadth, encouraging consideration for and competence in the multidimensionality of environmental issues. Experiential components require students to seek out opportunities to apply their growing knowledge practically on campus, and in their communities, and these exercises will contribute to their growing professional credentials.
This certificate will affirm a student’s preparation to be leaders in the church and community in environmental stewardship. In addition to meeting minimum standards in course requirements, students will discuss and receive evaluations on their experiential components in an interdisciplinary seminar held each spring (a readings/discussion-based course with contributions from listed faculty). Contact the program coordinator: Dr. Joelle Laing.
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Requirements
- Certificate will be conferred upon completion of a baccalaureate degree
- Minimum 4 semesters participation in Campus Stewardship Committee (CSC). Participation constitutes regular meeting attendance, accomplishing assigned tasks and participation in the food recovery network program as reviewed by the certificate coordinator.
- Completion of a minimum of 40 hours of environmentally-relevant public service in addition to meeting CSC objectives. Additional hours of public service may be substituted for CSC participation upon permission of the certificate program coordinator.
- Completion of at least 1 of the following: (To be completed in the semester when the student is enrolled in seminar. Note: This requirement may be completed in the context of satisfying the public service requirement)
- Complete a public-speaking engagement or similar organized meeting with a local church or the student’s home church to discuss the role of creation care in the local church.
- Organize/lead a reading group/Bible study focused on creation care at your local church
- Organize/lead a sustainability initiative/service project that makes direct connections between a local church and conservation organization
Cultural/Social Perspectives
Choose one of the following:
- BIO 304 International Development and Environmental Sustainability (Au Sable)
- BIO 343 Tropical Agriculture and Missions (Au Sable)
- CDV 345 Agricultural Development 3 hour(s).
Historical Perspective
Choose one of the following:
Scientific Perspective
Choose one of the following:
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