Required Texts/Textbook: Students will receive a free activist toolkit containing materials on how to run a campaign. Additional readings will be sent the week before every class. Course Requirements: Attend class and campaign meeting each week (1 hr for each), complete all required readings and campaign assignments before class (~1-2 hrs), complete all assignments before class (~1-2 hrs), and attend the weekly core meeting (1hr). No prerequisites required. Computers are allowed during meetings and class. Course Description: Students will learn the material through a mix of readings, assignments, and thought provoking discussion with other classmates. The ultimate goal of the Activist Class is to provide students the experience, support, and knowledge to become a more effective activist and organizer in environmental and public interest fields. Students choose which area of environmental or public interest focus he/she would like to explore for the duration of the semester. The "campaign" possibilities are: renewable energy, zero waste, pollinator conservation, and basic needs. Students will develop grassroots organizing skills, effective communication and storytelling, how to work with the media, etc. See weekly content for all skills. The Activist Class fits the goals of the College of Natural Resources department by giving students a deeper understanding of how to influence environmental legislation and offers a scope of the opportunities available to raise awareness about the issues facing our society from climate change to scarcity of food resources and more. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in an unpaid, voluntary internship if they want to take on more leadership. Volunteering/interning with the organization is NOT a requirement of the Activist Class.
Evaluation: Students will be evaluated for Pass / No Pass through attendance of the class, participation in discussions, and completion of readings and assignments (e.g. small writing samples, analysis of campaign target, and writing a press advisory). Students are allowed two excused absences for the activist class. In order to pass the class, students must get a minimum grade of a C- (70%). There will be no curve for this class.
Grading Breakdown:
-Attendance: 40%
-Participation: 25%
-Assignments: 30% (2% per assignment)
-Final Evaluation/Exam- 5%