Environmental Sustainability in Germany
- Spend 4 weeks studying environmental policy in Europe's "greenest" city.
- Educational excursions to the Black Forest, European Parliament, a photovoltaic soccer stadium, and more.
- Experience first-hand the European approach to sustainable living.
The Environmental Studies of Europe summer program is designed to provide students with first-hand exposure to the environmental issues facing Europe, with a focus on the European Union community and the policies being implemented to address these issues. The program is held in Freiburg, Germany, arguably the “greenest” city in Europe. Consistent with this status, Freiburg offers excellent examples of sustainable living: (1) extensive, reliable, and inexpensive public transportation, (2) prevalent use of solar panels, (3) high-profile wind turbines, (4) comprehensive curb-side recycling, and (5) access to extensive open space. Freiburg also serves as the western gateway to the Black Forest. Class field trips explore all of these amenities. In addition to classroom discussion and local field trips, students visit the European Parliament in order to better appreciate the formulation of environmental protection policies.
Freiburg is a picturesque university and medieval cathedral town with a rich educational heritage. Now a modern cosmopolitan city of 200,000 people, Freiburg’s skyline is still dominated by the famous Gothic Münster (cathedral) and small streams (Bächle) dating from the Middle Ages still flow along the narrow streets in the city center. Though small enough that almost everything is within easy walking or biking distance, Freiburg is also large enough to offer a rich cultural life.
Located on the edge of the scenic Black Forest and an hour from towering Alpine mountains, Freiburg is a year-round recreation center. Close to France, Switzerland, and many interesting regions of Germany, Freiburg offers an ideal jumping off point for exploring Europe.
Six hours of upper level undergraduate or graduate credit are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program.
EVRN 550/ECON 550: Environmental Economics: Research Methods and Analytical Approaches
This course provides an overview of the theory, analytical approaches, and research methods, especially empirical research methods, of economic analysis as it applies to environmental issues.
EVRN 420/720: Environmental Sustainability in Europe’s Green Communities
This course investigates how European cities, particularly Freiburg, are striving to implement principles of sustainability. Students analyze different aspects of “green” cities, making comparisons to U.S. cities, as appropriate.
Students are housed in single or double occupancy rooms in co-ed university residences. Housing is suite-style with a shared kitchen and bath and private study/living areas.
Students will be able to prepare their own meals in the residence hall or purchase inexpensive meals in student cafeterias. A welcome dinner and farewell dinner are included in the program fee.
During the program, students will participate in several excursions that illustrate concepts learned in the classroom and provide exposure to different facets of life in Germany. Planned excursions include a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France; a tour at a local bakery to view its sustainability practices; exploration of Freiburg's solar-powered soccer stadium; and hiking in the Black Forest. Students will also be introduced to the German language through basic lessons in survival German.
Open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from any accredited U.S. college or university. It is recommended that participants will have completed EVRN 148: Principles of Environmental Studies (or equivalent) and ECON 142: Principles of Microeconomics (or equivalent) prior to departure. Minimum 2.5 GPA required, but exceptions considered after submission of a petition.
This program is conducted in conjunction with IES Abroad. View an IES Abroad video about Freiburg here or visit their Freiburg photo gallery here.
For more information, contact:
Dietrich Earnhart
Department of Economics
435 Snow Hall
phone: 785-864-2866
e-mail: earnhart@ku.edu
Stacey White
Urban Planning
216 Snow Hall
phone: 785-864-3530
e-mail: sswhite@ku.edu
Dietrich Earnhart is a Professor in the Department of Economics and is affiliated with the Environmental Studies Program, Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, and the Center for Latin American Studies. In addition, he serves as the director of the Center for Environmental Policy within the Institute for Policy and Social Research (IPSR). He has previously taught study abroad courses in Germany, Costa Rica, and Italy and frequently teaches two levels of environmental economic courses on campus in Lawrence.
Stacey Swearingen White is Professor and Director of the Urban Planning Program, and a faculty affiliate of the Environmental Studies Program. She previously served as Director of Academic Programs for the KU Center for Sustainability. Her teaching includes an undergraduate course in sustainability, and two graduate courses in urban planning.
