Roots and Realities
Program Summary
Join us in discovering how society and nature are deeply interconnected—and how you can be part of shaping the future.
The Roots and Realities First Year Experience (FYE) program offers an immersive exploration of the dynamic relationship between human societies and forest ecosystems. Through the combined study of Social Ecology and Introduction to Forestry, we will examine how cultural values, social structures, and ecological processes intersect to shape the landscapes we see today.
This program goes beyond the classroom, engaging students in hands-on fieldwork, community-based learning, and collaborative projects that deepen both scientific and social understandings of sustainability. Together with expert faculty and a close-knit cohort of peers, you’ll uncover the roots of today’s sustainability issues, analyze real-world case studies, and develop the critical skills needed to navigate—and transform—the realities of a changing world.
SUS 160: Social Ecology (3 SH, GESS)
How do people and societies shape the environment, and how does the environment shape us in return? In this course, we explore the deep connections between nature and human communities, looking at how culture, politics, and economics influence environmental issues like climate change, pollution, and resource management.
Through real-world examples, discussions, and hands-on projects, we’ll examine how different communities view and respond to environmental challenges. We’ll also explore the role of activism and social movements in creating a more sustainable future. This course will help students develop the tools to think critically about the relationship between people and the planet, and to explore ways we can contribute to positive change.
BNR 105: Intro to Forestry (4 SH, GESL)
Forests are complex ecosystems that support biodiversity, provide resources, and shape the landscapes we live in and depend on. This course offers a hands-on introduction to forestry, equipping students with both the scientific knowledge and practical skills necessary to understand and manage forested environments.
Through field-based learning and real-world applications, students will gain expertise in forest inventory methods, ecological data analysis, and sustainable resource management practices. Coursework includes writing forest management plans and harvest prescriptions, identifying tree species, assessing forest health, timber marking and grading, and evaluating conservation strategies. Students will also develop hands-on skills in tree planting, milling, firewood processing, and operating forestry equipment, gaining insight into both traditional and emerging techniques in the field.
GEN 101 RR: ILC Roots and Realities (3 SH)
The Integrated Learning Course is designed to teach students about academic skills such as information literacy, strategies for effective reading, argumentation and writing conventions, and research. We spend time developing college survival skills like time management, effective communication with professors, note taking, and organization.