This content was published: January 13, 2020. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Introducing the Faculty Spotlight!
Posted by raquel.salazar
Sustainability is practiced all throughout PCC, from innovative waste management and learning gardens to solar energy and active transportation. But do you know about the faculty who include sustainability in their classes? Every week on our Sustainability blog and social media accounts we will share a faculty member who integrates sustainability into their course curriculum. PCC faculty have the ability to educate and extend sustainability efforts to students, creating positive change in our communities. Follow our Sustainability Blog and PCC_Sustain on Instagram and Twitter to learn about these inspiring faculty members! If you are a faculty member or know of one practicing sustainability efforts, please email sustainability@pcc.edu to be featured!
Meet Kim Smith! A sociology professor at Sylvania campus teaching Introduction to Environmental Sociology (SOC 228). She explains her course as examining the relationship between society and the environment, with a focus on how industrialization and our increasing demand for natural resources has significantly impacted the planet’s ability to meet the needs of humanity and other species. The course explores the structural and
cultural causes and consequences of production, consumption, pollution, population, development, and environmental justice and how to respond to these issues through policies and actions.
The reason Kim decided to integrate sustainability came from a variety or places. She emphasizes that, “I have been concerned about the environment and social justice since I was a child and discovered the power of sustainability education when I began my graduate work at Indiana University, in 1990. When I was introduced to service-learning at PCC, I knew that I had to transform my teaching, thus leading to my pedagogical motto: Educate ~ Empower ~ Engage.”
Thank you for all you do Kim! If you are interested in taking this course please email kdsmith@pcc.edu for more information on class times and availability.
Look out for more Faculty Spotlights coming your way!