Synthesis for the Interdisciplinary Environmental Sciences: Integrating Systems Approaches and Service Learning

As our understanding of complex environmental issues increases, institutions of higher education are evolving to develop new learning models that emphasize synthesis across disciplines, concepts, data, and methodologies. To this end, we argue for the implementation of environmental science education at the intersection of systems theory and service learning. A tight coupling of systems theory and service learning provides learners with the knowledge and skills required to tackle contemporary social-environmental challenges. The tangible benefits of a systems theory--service learning (STSL) curriculum occur in two principal learning areas: increased knowledge breadth and depth. Systems theory requires a broad assessment of social and environmental changes, whereas service learning promotes a brand of research and teaching resulting in a deepening of knowledge through field immersion. We present the tangible benefits of this deepening and broadening process along three axes: appreciation, research methods, and communication. (Contains 2 tables and 3 figures.)