Sustainability Studies

Introductory Message Sustainability Degree Programs Program Faculty Program Recognition Course Descriptions Welcome to the Center for Sustainability Studies! Akamai University is dedicated to betterment of the human condition and sustainability of the planet. Our mission is founded on the premise that amelioration of world problems and the creation of sustainable lifestyles and global practices are the hallmarks of responsible individual and corporate world citizenship. Sustainability of the human community depends upon many factors which are under human control. However, we are able to make meaningful advances to our patterns of living and improve our commitment to cooperation and responsibility across the global community only if we have the will to change and take the necessary actions in a timely manner. Roughly 1.3 billion people live in absolute poverty with nearly 25 million being added to their numbers each year. Hundreds of millions of people have no running water to drink or bathe themselves. One hundred million people do not have homes to live in and must spend their lives on the streets and pavements, their children never knowing the security of a suitable shelter. (World Bank and the United Nations) Already, more than ten percent of the earth's vegetated surface has been degraded, an area larger than India and China combined. This desertification, caused by overgrazing domestic animals, over-cultivation, salinization, and deforestation, has already begun to impact over 35 percent of the land surface of the Earth and the situation is worsening (United Nations Environmental Program). The children of many nations suffer appalling abuses at the hands of their own countrymen and represent a huge and voiceless population seldom represented in the international human rights arena. Street children are frequently abused by police, or imprisoned in inhumane conditions. Because of their vulnerable condition, young people are often used as soldiers, and bonded laborers. Governments are known to perpetrate or acquiesce in systematic human rights violations against women, citing customs and rigid concepts of privacy as justifications for the subordination of women. (Human Rights Watch) Human culture now has the potential to inflict irreversible damage on the environment and on its life sustaining systems and resources. Already, critical stress suffered by our environment is clearly manifest in the air, water, and soil, our climate, and plant and animal species. Should this deterioration be allowed to continue, we can expect to alter the living world to the extent that it will be unable to sustain life, as we know it. (Union of Concerned Scientists) More than half the world population lacks access to the badly needed essential drugs. More than 150 million children are born every year worldwide and approximately 10% of these will never see their fifth birthday. One child dies every other second, due to malnutrition, hunger and poverty. It is estimated that one quarter of the World population is subject to chronic intestinal parasitic infections, which have insidious effects on growth, malnutrition, and cognitive functions. (World Health Organization, World Health Report) It is no small aspiration to strive for a world filled with greater peace, balance, cooperation, and the promise of an evolved human fellowship. These are noble foundation stones upon which to establish the fundamentals of sustainable human culture. They are spiritual principles that demand a worthy mission, and although the tasks and goals before us seem immense, they are attainable with adequate understanding of the problems and solutions, and the full commitment and participation of the global community. Sustainability must be more than a goal, it must be a way of life, if we are to sustain a future for our human community. To assure maximum applicability, Akamai’s Sustainability Studies Program is interdisciplinary and individualized, permitting participants to pursue studies and research that cross the fields of applied psychology and human services, business and economic development, ecological and environmental studies, education and literacy, health and wellness, peace, diplomacy and international studies, and transpersonal and consciousness studies. Students are also asked to apply their studies as a required element of their program, selecting a field site, which supports their studies and research. Kind regards, Douglass Capogrossi, Ph.D. Center Director, Sustainability Studies Return to Top SUSTAINABILITY DEGREE PROGRAMS Master of Science in Sustainability Studies Master of Science in Peace, Diplomacy and International Studies Doctor of Philosophy by Dissertation MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY STUDIES Entry Requirements Degree Requirements Program Faculty Program Recognition Course Descriptions ENTRY REQUIREMENTS As prerequisites for acceptance to the Master's program, participants should have completed the equivalent of a recognized baccalaureate degree in an appropriate field of study and several years of meaningful experience with fields that inform studies in sustainability. Participants are expected to be proficient in collegiate English language skills. Those that are second language English applicants should submit records of TOEFL examination with scores of 550 minimum. Participants must have access to a computer, email and the Internet and library resources for the full extent of their program. Return to Top DEGREE REQUIREMENTS Participants in the Master of Science program in Sustainability Studies complete a minimum of 40 credits above the baccalaureate degree, including a thesis and final review. The coursework requirements include the academic major, academic minor and research preparation coursework, and additional electives, as needed, to satisfy the minimum credit requirements. Participants also complete a comprehensive examination at the conclusion of the academic coursework, prepare a formal thesis proposal, complete the thesis project, and prepare the manuscript for faculty review. They then complete an oral review of thesis at the conclusion of the research review. Core Academic Requirements (Required: 18 credits minimum) Major Concentration (Required: 9 credits minimum) Research Preparation (Required: 3 credits minimum) Comprehensive Examination (Required: 2 credits) Thesis Proposal (Required: 2 credits) Thesis Project (Required: 4 credits) Oral Review of Thesis (Required: 2 credits) Core Academic Requirements Participants complete an academic core for the major comprised eighteen credits of interdisciplinary coursework, as outlined below. Core Requirements (Required: 18 credits) SUS 501: Psychological Elements of Global Citizenship (3 credits) SUS 502: Identifying, Implementing, and Assessing Social System Changes (3 credits) SUS 503: Emerging Diseases and the Environment (3 credits) SUS 504: Assessment, Planning, and Implementation of Service Programs (3 credits) SUS 505: Economics of Sustainable Development (3 credits) SUS 506: Sustainability Field Studies (3 credits) Major Concentrations (Required: 9 credits) Participants select courses comprising a nine-credit major concentration appropriate to their focus in sustainability research, including: Applied Psychology and Human Services Business Administration and Economic Development Ecological and Environmental Studies Educational and Literacy Studies Health and Wellness Peace, Diplomacy and International Studies Transpersonal and Consciousness Studies Applied Psychology and Human Services SUS 510: Developing Programs and Using Resources for Community Services (3 credits) SUS 511: Working with Community Leaders, NGOs, and Volunteer Agencies (3 credits) SUS 512: Helping Skills and Relationships (3 credits) SUS 513: Prevention, Targeted Intervention, and Joint Problem-Solving (3 credits) Business and Economic Development SUS 520: Growth in Underdeveloped Countries (3 credits) SUS 521: Poverty Reduction Models (3 credits) SUS 522: Facilitating Development Projects (3 credits) SUS 523: NGO's and Development (3 credits) SUS 524: Agriculture in Third-World Development (3 credits) Ecological and Environmental Studies SUS 503: Global Environmental Issues and Solutions (3 credits) SUS 522: Effective Environmental Stewardship (3 credits) SUS 589: Alternative and Sustainable Energy (3 credits) SUS 511: Global Ecology (3 credits) SUS 511: Applied Ecology and Conservation (3 credits) SUS 538: The Ecology of World Hunger (3 credits) Return to Top Educational and Literacy Studies SUS 530: Developing Leadership Skills in Education (3 credits) SUS 531: Leadership and Team Building in Education (3 credits) SUS 532: Literacy in the Developing World (3 credits) SUS 533: International Literacy Campaigns (3 credits) Health and Wellness SUS 540: Disease Prevention and Management (3 credits) SUS 541: Preventative Medicine (3 credits) SUS 542: Disease Prevention and Human Nutrition (3 credits) SUS 543: Spiritual Health and Healing (3 credits) Peace, Diplomacy and International Studies SUS 550: Encountering Cultures (3 credits) SUS 551: The Art of Diplomacy (3 credits) SUS 552: Non-Violent Political Alternatives (3 credits) SUS 553: Human Rights in the International Community (3 credits) SUS 554: International Dispute Resolution (3 credits) Transpersonal and Consciousness Studies TCS 528: Systemic Integration (3 credits) TCS 544: Developing Empathy (3 credits) TCS 588: Interview Techniques (3 credits) TCS 594: Professional Consultation Skills (3 credits) TCS 595: Integrative Psychology (3 credits) Return to Top Research Preparation Master's students must pursue study providing advanced research knowledge necessary for success in their final projects (thesis). At least three semester credits of research preparation coursework is required. T and this might focus upon quantitative and qualitative methods or participatory action research techniques including subject selection, research design, and statistical analysis, as appropriate to each student's proposed project. Through this requirement, students learn to effectively define applied problems or theoretical issues and articulate the rationale for the study. They should learn to present an effective scholarly review of the academic literature and implement quantitative, qualitative or participatory action methods for evaluating academic issues. RES 501: Basic Research Statistics (3 credits) RES 502: Intermediate Research Statistics (3 credits) RES 505: Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits) RES 511/HSS 528: Social Planning and Action Research (3 credits) RES 653 Transpersonal Research (3 credits) RES 699: Research in Complementary Medicine (3 credits) OR: Another research preparation course selected with guidance of the senior faculty. Comprehensive Examination Once you have completed the coursework elements of your degree, you will be asked to schedule the Comprehensive Examination. Your primary mentor and a faculty member representing the secondary academic area conduct both the written and oral components of the examination. The written portion is open book style with selected essay questions requiring creative responses that reach for the higher levels of cognition. Your answers are expected to draw from both the primary and secondary competencies of your program with proper referencing of the scholarly literature. The oral component of the examination is normally completed by telephone conference and is intended to allow detailed investigation of your written responses. Return to Top Thesis Proposal You are expected to prepare a formal proposal related to your concept for research under the direction of your primary mentor and according to University expectations. At a minimum, your research proposal should clarify the thesis statement and methodology (including the data gathering instruments and data analysis techniques) and provide an effective overview of the scholarly literature that sets the foundation for the thesis. Your research proposal should also include a brief manuscript outline that demonstrates how you will present in written form the various elements of the research project. Thesis Project Following approval of your thesis proposal, you will begin your research project. Your thesis may take the form of a traditional research project or it may be a major scholarly project of the type appropriate to the discipline. Whichever approach to the thesis is chosen, the resulting project must demonstrate mastery of a body of knowledge in the major field of study, be your original work and represent a meaningful contribution to the betterment of the human condition or an improvement to the professional field. It is expected that you will pursue research within the general field of your major concentration, although senior faculty may permit a study with a broader focus. Your thesis research may be conducted via quantitative, qualitative, or participatory action research. The body of your thesis manuscript, structured according to a set of approved manuscript guidelines, should exceed 75 double spaced, typewritten pages. If your thesis takes the form of a scholarly project, it must follow the guidelines provided by the University for such projects. Return to Top Oral Review of Thesis Once you have prepared the thesis manuscript, you will be asked to schedule the formal review process. Your primary mentor and a faculty member representing the secondary academic area will conduct both the formal physical review of the thesis manuscript and the oral review of thesis. The physical review of the thesis manuscript usually takes the review committee four to six weeks. Each reviewer will prepare questions and commentary relative to your underlying review of the literature, the thesis methodology, the mechanics of your project, and your presentation of the findings, conclusions and recommendations. The Oral Review of Thesis is conducted under the direction of your primary mentor with the assistance of one qualified member of the faculty. The examination is carried out by telephone conference call and is designed to allow detailed investigation of your thesis. The faculty reviewers explore with you issues related to your thesis including methodology, review of literature and interpretation of the findings. One outcome of the thesis review process is a set of final expectations directing you through the remaining tasks for completing the thesis manuscript. Once your final manuscript is approved, you will submit the formal document to an approved bindery and later ship the bound thesis to the University for permanent archival storage. PROGRAM FACULTY Douglass Capogrossi, Ph.D. Program Director Jim Morningstar, Ph.D. Aplied Psychology and Human Services Daniel L. Huber, Ph.D. Spiritual Psychology Teresa Borja, Ph.D. Human Sexuality Stefan J. Kasian, Ph.D. Applied Psychology, Human Sexuality John L. Laughlin, Ph.D. Applied Psychology, Men’s Studies David L. Johnson, Ph.D. Applied Psychology and Human Services Premkumar Rajagopal, Ph.D. Business and Economic Development Harvey Menden, Ph.D. Organizational Behavior Seamus Phan, Ph.D. Community and Economic Development Mirjana Radovic, Ph.D. Entrepreneurship for Women Daniel Joseph O'Shea, JD International Business Law Niranjan Ray, Ph.D. Information Technology, eCommerce Anthony R. Maranto, Ph.D. Environmental Studies Michael J. Cohen, Ed.D. Applied Ecopsychology LaWanna L. Blount, Ph.D. Education and Literacy Pam Twee, Ph.D. Literacy, Educational Leadership Donald F. Logsdon, Jr., Ph.D. Educational Leadership Penny S. Billman, Ph.D Educational Leadership James Wear, Ph.D. Public Health Administration Arif Hussain Shah, Ph.D. Disease Prevention Henry Zeidan, Ph.D. Disease Prevention Mary Jo Bulbrook, EdD, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Energy Medicine James L. Oschman, Ph.D. Energy Medicine Nick Arrizza, MD Community Health and Wellness Lisa Mertz, Ph.D. Community Health and Wellness Corina Güthlin, Ph.D. Community Health and Wellness Claudine Jeanrenaud, Ph.D. Transpersonal and Consciousness Studies Joann S. Bakula, Ph.D. Consciousness Studies Peggy A. Thayer, Ph.D. Transpersonal Studies Return to Top PROGRAM RECOGNITION American Council of United Nations University Institute for Global Education World Peace Society Regency of Lomar International Vocational Education and Training Association The Institute of Management Specialists International States Parliament for Safety and Peace American Council of United Nations University American Council of United Nations University (AC/UNU)provides an international capacity for early warning and analysis of global long-range issues, opportunities, and strategies. AC/UNU initiated the Millennium Project in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution, The Futures Group International, and the United Nations University. The project is not a one-time study of the future, but provides an on going capacity as a geographically and institutionally dispersed think tank. Akamai University was granted institutional affiliation with the AC/UNU Maui headquarters on 2 January 2003. ACUNA Website Institute for Global Education The Institute for Global Education is a special NGO consultant to the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Its goal is to educate those who desire to participate in a world where peace is a way of life. Educating and Counseling With Nature: The Institute of Global Education Department of Integrated Ecology conducts Project NatureConnect with online programs in Applied Ecopsychology and Integrated Ecology. Institute Website World Peace Society World Peace Society is a dynamic miltinational institution dedicated to advancing world peace by non-violent means. Akamai University was offered affiliation with the Places of Peace Program and World Peace School on 3 May 2004. Please be encouraged to make contact with this essential group. World Peace Website Regency of Lomar The Regency of Lomar (ROL), founded in 1997, is a non-governmental organization (NGO) providing medical and humanitarian aid, educational assistance, and documentation aid to refugees and other unrepresented and deprived people. The organization also serves local and rural development, healthcare, sustainable economy, ecology and energy. ROL has a team of volunteer diplomats representing 85 nations, with established missions and registered offices in more than a dozen countries worldwide. Akamai University serves as exclusive distance learning institution for Regency of Lomar constituents worldwide. Affiliation established 11 February 2005. Regency of Lomar Website International Vocational Education and Training Association [IVETA] IVETA is a membership association and network of vocational skills training organizations, business and industrial firms, vocational educators and other individuals and groups interested or involved in vocational education and training worldwide. IVETA is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of high-quality vocational education and training wherever it exists and wherever it is needed. Akamai University was first admitted to membership on 4 March 2005. IVETA Website The Institute of Management Specialists The Institute of Management Specialists, a British professional awarding body, was founded in 1971 to advance the knowledge, skills and achievements of professional management specialists involved in modern management, computers, technology and systems. Institute of Management Specialists Webpage International Parliament for Safety and Peace The International Parliament for Safety and Peace was founded in 1975 and is recognized by international law. It is parallel to the United Nations, and like the United Nations has representative ambassadors from all nations. The work of the delegates and ministers of ISPSP toward peace and the enforcement of the respect of life and human rights includes rendering help and support to all people of the world, observing the right of safety and peace in all aspects; moral, political, diplomatic, cultural, religious, economic and social. After looking for concurrence from all nations in the world, through their representative governments, the Parliament counts with 400 senators, 800 deputies, ambassadors and ministers, who contribute voluntarily to the cause of peace. International Parliament Website Return to Top COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Core Academic Requirements Applied Psychology and Human Services Business Administration and Economic Development Ecological and Environmental Studies Educational and Literacy Studies Health and Wellness Peace, Diplomacy and International Studies Transpersonal and Consciousness Studies CORE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS SUS 501: Psychological Elements of Global Citizenship (3 credits) Students discover how our excessive separation from nature stresses our sensuous inner nature and initiates our personal and global troubles. Students learn to reverse this destructive process by mastering thoughtful sensory nature reconnecting activities that dissolve stress by satisfying our deepest natural loves, wants, and spirit. This hands-on course teaches lasting leadership, education, counseling, and mental health skills that feelingly tap the "higher power" wisdom of Earth's creation process. The email and telephone contacts of the course empower students to let nature help them nurture warm interpersonal relationships, wellness, and responsibility on personal and global levels. Students relate the course methods and materials to their fields of interest in order to integrate these areas with the global ecosystem. They become familiar with the Natural Systems Thinking Process and improve their Globally Balanced Thinking Score. (Textbook: Web of Life Imperative) SUS 502: Identifying, Implementing, and Assessing Social System Changes (3 credits) The course focuses on applied research methods for identifying parameters of social organizations, assess system issues, use appropriate methods, and document problem areas which includes analysis, action proposals, interpretations, reports, and suggested alternatives to help communities understand needed system changes. Models of intervention focus on community participants and agencies, collaborative relationships with leaders, resources, and ongoing support entities. SUS 503: Emerging Diseases and the Environment (3 credits) This course will focus on the public health and environmental influences of emerging infectious diseases. Readings and course assignments will explore to the future of domestic and international public health practice as well as examine the role of societal incursion and modern transportation in the spread of previously isolate diseases and disease vectors. Students will review a wide spectrum of current research into such diseases as Pfiesteria, West Nile Virus, Avian Vacuolar Myelinopathy, and others, as well as resurgent/resistant strains of malaria, dengue, cholera, and tuberculosis. Course assignments will be individualized to the research interests of the student. Students should have completed ELS562 or have permission from the instructor prior to enrolling in this course.. SUS 504: Assessment, Planning, and Implementation of Service Programs (3 credits) This course studies assessment methods, planning strategies, and effective implementation of new services, evolving programs, work and support relationships. Model case studies and promising research designs and service findings are included. SUS 505/DEV 504: Economics of Sustainable Development (3 credits) This course addresses the sustainability of current development paths. Topics evaluate the importance of natural resources, social-cultural influences, new technologies, and policy directions for sustainable development. Students examine mathematical growth models, fundamental principles of development, policy issues relative to the growth performance in developing countries. SUS 506: Sustainability Field Studies (3 credits) The goal of the field study is to investigate core aspects of the discipline within the professional environment through close contact with practitioners and "real world" situations. Student participation should cover a minimum of 50 hours of contact with the subject matter. The field placement is expected to afford students appropriate practical hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of sustainability studies in an area of concentration. Students complete a daily journal and prepare a scholarly paper summarizing their findings for the field study. Prerequisites: Students must first complete core subjects. Return to Top