From:
Demers, Dr. Nora [mailto:ndemers@fgcu.edu]
Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2008 11:56 AM
To: 'crn50074@eagle.fgcu.edu'
Subject: laws guide actions
Hi Demers Colloquium Summer A students!
I am sorry that you were attacked by mosquitoes at ECHO today- talk about mis-educative!
(Mosquitoes usually stay within feet of where the eggs are deposited. Was there a lot of standing water in the farm?)
Anyway, the reason for the subject line being what it is is two-fold.
This example will illustrate my point.
Accrediting bodies and state law mandate how many contact hours are required for each credit hour of class.
Today the field trip was done by 10:15- I must assume that all of you were taking that additional hour of class time to work with your groups on the assignments for next week, and or other class tasks. ;-)
Many of you are mentioning how difficult it is to find local examples of effective sustainable strategies. This is precisely why I keep mentioning laws, lobbyists etc. (just as the law mandates how many hours per credit hour) so too do laws mandate our society’s minimum acceptable standards-
My observation is that since capitalism has take the forefront in America, things either need to be cost-effective, incentivized or legislated for change to occur- ask yourself WHY are Germany, Denmark, Japan and Sweden leaders in these issues? Some of the answer is the different governance system (some are socialist). Even in democracy (German and US) we have found ways to effect positive change- California is becoming a leader, as are select other states.
That is why I ask you to look at each “level” (Local, state, national and globally). Not every example will be “positive” in the most effective model- but each level will offer you a better understanding of how things work (or don’t work)!
Well, if you stayed with me this far in the note, I thank you.
You’ve got lots to do before Tuesday, and it is a holiday weekend- so don’t’ forget to remember on Memorial day-
Feel free to call or write if you have questions to help you prepare for the presentations Tuesday.
Thanks!
Dr D
Nora Egan Demers
Associate Professor of Biology and Interdisciplinary
Studies
Florida Gulf Coast University
Ft. Myers, FL 33965
(239) 590-7211 FAX (239) 590-7200
e-mail
ndemers@fgcu.edu
http://faculty.fgcu.edu/ndemers/demers.html
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