ENVS*3000 - Nature Interpretation

Course Description

A group of people hiking in a forest with the sun shining through

This course explores communication and experiential learning theories and their application to natural history interpretation and environmental education program design and delivery. Students will develop interpretive materials, plan an interpretive walk and deliver the interpretive walk to a community group.
Note: This course can be taken individually or as a part of a certificate program.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the learner should be able to:

1. Summarize interpretive theory in relation to the environment

2. Describe a diversity of approaches to environmental interpretation

3. Explain the role of environmental interpretation in conservation and sustainability

4. Develop a strong skillset related to audience assessment, the delivery of program objectives, and effective planning, communication, and debrief

5. Communicate interpretive experiences in the field through a variety of approaches

Course Topics

Interpretation Fundamentals
How to Engage
Values and Interpretation
Risk Versus Reward
Defining your Objectives; Assessing your Audience
Interpretive Planning
How to Plan for “all” scenarios
Interpretive Writing
How to Write what you Experience
Interpretive Presenting
How to Present what you Interpret
How to Debrief
Sense-Making of Environmental Interpretation
Interpretation's Role in Environmental Sustainability
How to Communicate your Skills to a Wider Audience/How to Actually get a Job

Additional Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL*2060

Equate(s): ENVB*3000

Assessment

Assessment Item	Weight	Learning Outcomes
Interpretive Blog - Initial submission (posts due weekly)	15%	1, 2, 3, 4
Interpretive Blog - Peer Evaluation	10%	1, 2, 3, 4
Interpretive Blog - Final Submission	25%	1, 2, 3, 4
Interpretive Podcast - For Children	20%	3, 4, 5
Interpretive Podcast - Personal Reflection on 1st Podcast	10%	3, 4, 5
Interpretive Podcast - For Adults	20%	3, 4, 5
Total	100%	1 - 5

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

Certificate in Environmental Citizenship : Electives
Certificate in Environmental Conservation : Electives

Technical Requirements

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*Course details are subject to change.