Center for Rural Partnerships

Environment and Society (Undergraduate) SO3390 – Spring 2011

A study of the relationships between social organization, culture and the environment. Current environmental problems and policy issues are debated, and their connections with society and culture are a focus. The meanings of nature and wilderness are also discussed. Other topics include: environmental justice, the history and workings of the environmental movement, greenwashing, public attitudes towards the environment and the idea of sustainability.

For more information contact Ben Amsdem at blamsden@plymouth.edu or 535-3274

Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Policy and Management (Undergraduate)

Throughout the world, natural resources such as forests, parks, wilderness areas, public lands, and water resources reflect the values of the people who create, use, manage and support them. As a result, these dynamic socio-biological systems evolve and change in response to human needs, societal values and political forces. This course is designed to help students articulate and evaluate the management process and the role of policy in attempting to balance human needs with the sustainability of a variety of natural resources.  In addition, the course will have a strong international and cross-cultural component with examples from each of the continents. Throughout the course, the intent is to help students develop an understanding of the linkages between policy, planning and management. Variations in how the major U.S. resource management agencies approach their policy, planning and management functions will be examined. Other conceptual pieces will include ecosystem management, sustainability and the role of tourism.

For more information contact Ben Amsdem at blamsden@plymouth.edu or 535-3274

First Year Seminar: Can Play Survive Growing Up? (Undergraduate) IS-1111.07 – Fall 2010

‘Play’, or the simple act of engaging in an activity for its own sake, is a fundamental part of childhood and arguably an important ingredient in a balanced, happy, and fulfilling life. However, the transition from adolescent to college student means that play is often set aside at the expense of schedules, deadlines, and the structured responsibilities of adulthood. While children integrate play into their daily activities, often at great benefit to their development and well-being, many adults instead view play as mutually exclusive to the rest of their lives. Is this necessary? Does being grown-up mean that we can no longer play? This seminar will examine the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of leisure, recreation, and play, their role in our lives, and whether or not adults have lost the ability to play. Students will think critically about play in their own lives, the social and cultural obstacles to play, the variety of ways in which adults play, and the variety of cultural perspectives informing play and leisure.

For more information contact Ben Amsdem at blamsden@plymouth.edu or 535-3274

The Rural Cultural Environment: Architecture and Landscape (Graduate) HPR-5200.OL HS-5560.OL – Summer 2010

This course examines the rural cultural landscape, tracing the impact of natural, cultural, economic, and technological forces on the “built” environment. Specifically, we will discuss the evolution of buildings and their settings, with emphasis on settlement and rural industrialization. An additional intention of the course is to understand the dominant frameworks though which the built environment can be examined and interpreted in relationship to natural resources, local cultures, and social systems. To this end, we will consider the built environment in terms of gender, race, and sense of place, and community – core theories that can help answer a variety of questions, including: Why are buildings constructed the way they are? What does the architecture of a particular place mean to certain people? How do buildings, both old and new, contribute to perceptions of human roles and interactions? This course is interdisciplinary by design, providing access to alternative theoretical perspectives from the fields of historic preservation, rural sociology, natural resources, recreation/tourism, and agricultural systems.

For more information contact Ben Amsdem at blamsden@plymouth.edu or 535-3274

Rural Sociology (Graduate) SO-5140.OL HS-5560.ON – Summer 2010

The rich tapestries of people, places, and perspectives that define rural America and rural New Hampshire are tightly woven from the threads of social institutions, natural environments, conflicts, and change. However, these processes are poorly understood by decision-makers and members of the public throughout rural, urban, and suburban America.  Therefore, the purpose of this course is to survey the functioning of rural society, untangling the interrelationships between the concepts of community, education, social capital, population change, tourism, and the environment. Rural sociology is useful for this purpose because it is an applied field, based upon research, problem-solving, and cooperative extension.  To this end, we will explore the fundamental concepts and methods of rural sociology, focusing oncommunity, agricultural, and natural resource contexts. We will critically examine questions such as: What do we mean by “rural”? Who lives in rural places? What are the issues facing rural people, their schools, and their economies?

For more information contact Ben Amsdem at blamsden@plymouth.edu or 535-3274

Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy (BU 3080-F1)

Semester: Fall 2010

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00-4:15pm

Lamson Library, Room 125

Frances M. Belcher, Ed.M. Instructor

fmbelcher@plymouth.edu

Course Description

The average American benefits from an array of nonprofit organizations that support causes as diverse as social services, healthcare, education, the arts, historical preservation and scientific research.  How did the civic sector evolve and how do non-profit organizations function within a democratic society?  What is the role of charitable foundations, government and individual donors in sponsoring research, advocating for public policy and building livable communities?  This course examines the history, culture and governance of nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations in the United States.  Each session will offer opportunities for exploration of the historical context and modern landscape of the nonprofit sector through the use of discussion, research, and skill development in non profit operations.