Engaged scholarship is defined as a purposeful integration of teaching, research, and practice with the goal of advancing scholarship and producing a public benefit. Engaged courses address an identifiable need in a significant and sustainable way and demonstrate rigorous scholarship and innovation in the relevant discipline(s).
Institute at Brown for Environment and Society
Engaged Scholars Program
Program Components
Introductory Course
An approved introductory course in engaged research and education, which may be offered through ENVS or another program on campus, or:
- ENVS 0110: Humans, Nature, and the Environment (can also be used as a general “elective” for ENVS curriculum requirements)
- An approved introductory engaged course in another department
Intermediary/ Upper-level Courses
Two intermediate or upper-level courses that incorporate components of engagement. At least ONE course must be designated ENVS (can also be used for concentration requirements). Potential courses include:
- ENVS 1580: Environmental Stewardship and Resilience in Urban Systems
- ENVS 1555: Urban Agriculture
- ENVS 1400: Sustainable Design in the Built Environment
- ENVS 1574: Engaged Climate Policy in the US (by application only)
- An approved intermediate or upper-level engaged course in another department
Interdisciplinary Course
Students must enroll in required ESP interdisciplinary course (Theory and Practice of Engaged Scholarship) and participate in an interdisciplinary community of undergraduate scholars that meets regularly for workshops, lectures, and other programming.
Practicum
A 150-250 hour ESP practicum (overseen by the Engaged Scholar Program), defined by significant experiential work with community partners and non-academic stakeholders and completed as a volunteer, a paid internship (paid by the partner organization or via Brown funding such as a LINK award), or through an ESP-approved internship course.
Capstone
A senior capstone (overseen by an ENVS Advisor) that will take the form of a one semester practicum* (ENVS 1970) or year long thesis (ENVS 1970 and 1971). This will also fulfill the ENVS senior capstone requirement.
* In addition to the ESP practicum (if you choose a practicum as your senior capstone).
Capstone Requirement
An engaged capstone may include independent research and/or collaboration with a community-based organization, such as those sponsored by the Voss, Starr, or Royce Fellowships programs. The definition of “community” is diverse, depending upon the nature of the capstone project and the community partners engaged in the work. Some students may work with partners in schools, civic organizations, and environmental nonprofits in Providence; others may engage with international non-governmental organizations, state, or national level government partners, or even partners in the private sector.
Application
Students apply to ESP when declaring their concentration in ASK, typically in second semester of sophomore year. ESP is selective and applications will be reviewed by departments and ESP staff in mid-April of the application year.
Contact
Kurt Teichert, Senior Lecturer in Environmental and Society
Dawn King, Lecturer in Environment and Society