Earth Ethics Institute

Global Sustainability and Earth Literacy Studies (GSELS)

The Global Sustainability and Earth Literacy Studies (GSELS) learning network provides inclusive educational opportunities for the Miami Dade College community to explore global citizenship, ecological sustainability, and civic engagement, through understanding planetary challenges and limits and by developing values, skills, and behaviors that promote prosperity and communities of well-being.

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GSELS for Students

GSELS for Faculty

MDC Learning Outcomes

The Global Sustainability and Earth Literacy Studies (GSELS) learning network is a curriculum enhancement supporting the following Miami Dade College (MDC) Learning Outcomes:

#3—Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning
#5—Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives
#6—Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities
#7—Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society
#10—Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment

Guiding Philosophy and the Eight Characteristics of a 21st Century Engaged Global Citizen

GSELS draws on several important documents, including UNESCO’s the four pillars of life-long learning, The Earth Charter, and Thomas Berry’s “12 Principles of Understanding the Universe and the Role of the Human in the Universe Process.” GSELS is grounded in environmental sustainability and global education concepts, as well as ecological principles. GSELS course criteria foster the acquisition of the knowledge and skills needed to be 21st century engaged citizens, including these eight guiding principles of global citizenship (Sustainable Education, Sterling, S. 2001):

1. Looking at problems in a global context
2. Working cooperatively and responsibly
3. Accepting cultural differences
4. Thinking in a critical and systemic way
5. Solving conflicts non-violently
6. Changing lifestyles to protect the environment
7. Defending human rights
8. Participating in political process

GSELS Criteria for Inclusion

Faculty will include a minimum of three GSELS Criteria for Inclusion in each GSELS class section. These criteria serve as GSELS learning outcomes or objectives.

1. Explain the principles and ethical implications of the Earth Charter.
2. Describe the roles of personal and social responsibility in securing Earth’s resources and beauty for present and future generations.
3. Defend the rights to dignity and health of all living beings and/or the ecosystems in which they are embedded.
4. Explain how respect for Earth and biodiversity is essential for human and ecological health.
5. Explain how cultural diversity, inclusion, compassion, nonviolence and peace are critical for global sustainability.
6. Outline the history of Earth, the evolution of life, and humanity’s place in this timeline.
7. Analyze situations and issues from a holistic systems thinking perspective.
8. Explain how biomimicry can inform resilient, sustainable solutions.
9. Consider how access to education, healthcare and economic prosperity are import for global sustainability.
10. Illustrate how uncontaminated air, water, and soil are fundamental to healthy ecosystems.
11. Analyze the interdependence of society, cultural diversity, the economy, and the environment.
12. Describe how ethics influences poverty, the environment, and health in society.
13. Compare the impact of different human actions and attitudes on global sustainability and ecosystems.
14. Contrast business practices and economic models and their impact on global sustainability.
15. Explain the precautionary principle and how it can prevent unintended consequences on human and ecological systems.
16. Examine democratic principles that promote peace and global sustainability.
17. Apply knowledge and skills to engage in behavior that fosters global sustainability.
18. Participate in Service-Learning or other civic actions that model sustainability and resilience.