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Courses
ENV 600
Inner Work for Environmental Leaders I (3)
This course introduces mindfulness training through sitting and walking meditation as a ground for developing wakefulness and trust in ourselves and the phenomenal world; and nature-based ecopsychological practices that explore the relationship between nature, psyche and spirit. Emphasis is on bringing the nonduality of wilderness mind back home and applying it to our daily activities and relationships. Experiencing mind without analysis, reinforcement or rejection clears the way to relate directly with others and develop skills for a new kind of leadership. The course includes an introductory residential weekend. Lab fee. Required for EL MA.
ENV 610
Groups as Living Systems: Matrixworks (3)
This course introduces both the concepts and principles of groups as living systems and an experiential approach to working with groups based on the Matrix Leadership model. The course utilizes emerging new principles in science, spirituality and psychology to conceptualize and support the growth and development of healthy, high functioning groups, while meeting the needs of the individual. Students learn by experientially and analytically engaging the three stages of group life: inclusion, conflict and mutual connection. Students develop a number of key tools for generating and maintaining creative and functional groups that are applicable in any organizational or community setting. Required for EL MA.
ENV 630
Transforming Systems (3)
An introduction to general and living systems theory as an effective paradigm for engaging in change processes at different scales in both biological and social domains. Particular attention is given to how systems of all scales transform into new systems, leading to an exploration of environmental, social and cultural change processes. The course provides interwoven strands of information, theory and application from the sociocultural, ecological, spiritual, political, economic and personal/contemplative spheres. Theory is anchored in lived experience through personal and group work, field learning in the social and natural sciences and problem-solving. Required for EL MA.
ENV 635
Political Ecology for Global Environmental Leadership (3)
Political ecology is an interdisciplinary, nondualistic strategy for ecological justice and facilitating social change. Political ecologists view nature not as a neutral terrain outside of human history and social relations, but as geographically and historically specific; it shapes and is shaped by human desires, interests and actions. The course introduces students to a set of conceptual tools to analyze the political, economic and cultural contexts of natural resource use and management especially in the Third World. The class starts with traditional frameworks of political ecology and works through newer work reflecting engagements with culture, space, place, power, gender and race. Required for EL MA.
ENV 645
The New Science and Its Cultural Applications (3)
In a synthesis of the old and new visions in Western science, this course develops understanding of the new material emerging in science regarding the earth as a living system; examines cosmology and Gaian science, as well as key principles of geophysiology; and explores the significant cultural implications and applications. This material provides key tools and perspectives for environmental leaders, as well as insights useful for working with organizations and communities. Required for EL MA.
ENV 650
Inner Work for Environmental Leaders II (3)
A continuation of Inner Work for Environmental Leaders I. In addition to mindfulness training and nature-based ecopsychological practices, the course introduces specific practices of loving kindness and cultivating compassion in oneself and others (metta and tonglen from the Buddhist tradition) as essential tools for environmental practitioners. Topics include working with strong emotions, transformative approaches to conflict, effective communication with others and caring for the activist. This course includes a nonresidential weekend intensive. Lab fee. Required for EL MA.
ENV 665
Wilderness Solo (3)
This eight-day wilderness camping retreat, which includes a three-day solo, is designed to mark a transition in the student’s program through an integration of learning, connections to land and place, and through a solo experience. In a context of solitude and deep connection with nature, the course seeks to integrate the first year of learning, assisting students in finding a path, clarifying responsibility in reciprocity with the earth, and illuminating the heart of service to the community. Community work and ritual surround and support this important solo experience. Must be taken in the summer between the first and second years of the program. Lab fee. Required for EL MA.
ENV 705
Leadership Skills Seminar (3)
In this seminar, students study and gain hands-on experience in essential, traditional leadership skills. Theory and practical applications of conflict resolution, mediation and other selected skills are presented. Students develop their understanding through case studies and research, and learn and apply these skills in the class. Required for EL MA.
ENV 710
Sustainability: Policy and Practice (3)
Sustainability has emerged as a potentially unifying paradigm for work that simultaneously fosters human and planetary well-being. Students study the historical origins, theoretical frameworks and tools associated with the three-legged view (economy, environment, society) of current sustainability policies and practices, and use case study methodologies to analyze and evaluate how sustainability policies and practices are being designed and implemented in a variety of organizations and communities. Students conduct an experiential exploration of the personal and spiritual dimension of sustainability practice. Required for EL MA.
ENV 725
Applied Environmental Leadership Project (3)
Students are required to take a leadership role in a substantial project that leads to increased sustainability in an organizational or community setting. The project serves as demonstration of competence in the practical application of theory and skills learned in this degree program. This course is designed to support students through this process. Elements of project design and report writing are covered. Classes focus on coaching, feedback, analysis and presentation of the applied leadership projects. Required for EL MA, and restricted to EL MA students.
ENV 785
Environmental Leadership Capstone Seminar (3)
In this capstone course, the student is expected to synthesize and integrate the conceptual and theoretical knowledge and understanding as well as skills acquired in the curriculum through course work, internships, leadership development, research and other learning activities. The emphasis is on the student's demonstrated development and competency of applied environmental leadership skills and written analytic material that can be utilized for individual student assessment and program assessment. Students are assessed on their professional report and formal presentation of their Applied Environmental Leadership Project during this semester. Prerequisite: completion of all other required courses in this major. Corequisite: simultaneous enrollment in MAR 500e. Required for and restricted to EL MA students.
MARPA CENTER FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS (MAR)
MAR 500e
Authentic Leadership (6)
Naropa University’s Authentic Leadership program is a transformative leadership course that integrates ancient wisdom with effective, modern approaches to management. The format encourages deep, personal learning in an environment that makes it possible to assimilate ideas and concepts at an accelerated pace. Executive coaching with experienced professionals is a central component. A wide variety of professionals from around the country attends this course along with Naropa students. Students receive the Certificate in Authentic Leadership from Naropa’s Marpa Center for Business and Economics upon completion. Required for EL MA.
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