Customized Syllabus--Instructions and Examples

for ENVS 4950 Integrative Seminar in Environmental Studies

ETSU, Spring 2026, O'Donnell

last update: January 18, 2026

I. Customizing the Course

You will make your own, customized syllabus for this course. You'll submit it by the fifth week of class, to be posted here on the web. You'll modify the basic course plan to match your particular interest in environmental studies, as follows:

1. Service placement: In consultation with me, you'll arrange a service placement that reflects your interests.

2. Additional readings: In consultation with me, you will then select additional readings--generally one additional book, or the equivalent--related to your service placement, and to your particular interests.

Your customized syllabus will include all of the following:

1. Course title, with a clear, descriptive subtitle reflecting your special interest.

2. Brief statement of purpose. Describe, in a paragraph or two, your particular in environmental studies, as reflected in your service placement. Also describe your major, and your career plans, to the extent that you envision them, at this point.

3. Information about your service placement, including name and title of supervisor/ contact person, and a description of the activities you plan on doing.

4. Additional texts. In consultation with me, you'll select additional readings, related to your interests and placement. Types of readings may vary, but in general you'll select one full length books. Include A) full citations--including subtitles, publisher and date; B) number of pages.

II. Examples of Customized Syllabi, and Final Projects

From Spring 2019 --

Sara Mawhinney

- Syllabus: The Environment and Public Education: Educating Individuals to Appreciate Nature, Conservation, and the Land Around Them

- Final project: Recreation and Nature Education at a City-Owned Nature Preserve: Service Placement Experiences at Bays Mountain Park, Spring 2019

Liam Willoughby

- Syllabus: Sustainability on Campus and the Hidden Cost of Energy

From Spring 2018 --

Helena Hunt

- Final project: The Conservational and Economical Benefits of Modern Day Wildlife Manipulation: My Time at the Erwin National Fish Hatchery