The two-quarter capstone sequence is a problem-based, project-oriented course designed for seniors in Environmental Studies and Sciences. This course requires self-initiated, collaborative, interdisciplinary, and integrative student work. Student transdisciplinary teams conduct engaged research to address a wide range of environmental issues, with the goal of providing research of value to a community partner or agency. Topics may include ecology, water resources, sustainable planning, and food, water, and climate justice. Community partners engage and co-mentor students for more than 5 months, while their SCU instructors support their continued development of skills in participatory field research, project management, policy analysis, collaboration, and communication. Students will examine complex issues from diverse perspectives and employ various research methods to create deliverables with community and agency partners. Student teams present their research findings at a poster session, co-author comprehensive reports, and produce an output (e.g., website, presentation, dataset, GIS Storyboard, or Video) requested by their partners.
