APIEL compulsory course: Environmental challenges and leadership in Asia

Abstract

APIEL compulsory course, Environmental Challenges and Leadership in Asia (ECLA) discuss the human sustainability on earth by looking into the critical environmental issues in Asia and defines Environmental Leadership along with the environmental literacy and skills which are highly required in developing a sustainable society. Since many countries in Asia are densely populated and undergoing various development stages, Asia stands as the core region when considering our future global sustainability. The feature of this course is the combination of lectures and case studies including interactive dialogues between teachers and students, group discussion and presentation in the classroom. Case studies were provided to understand discourses on industrialization (Minamata disease case), globalization (China's air pollution case) and recent urbanization (Korea's reclamation case). Students experientially learn communication, facilitation, and leadership skills by resolving tension between students from different academic fields. Therefore, this course provides platform for the field exercises where students can practice what they learn in the class.