J o h n F K e n n e d y U n i v e r s i t y

BA IN SOCIAL ECOLOGYThe BA degree-completion program in Social Ecology is aninnovative, transdisciplinary program designed to meet thedemands of a rapidly changing world. It examines the fluid,evolving relationships between individuals and our social environments,seeking to expand our understanding of the worldand our role in it. The concept of “social ecology” recognizesthe complex dynamics of a whole person (mind, body,psyche, spirit) integrated in a vast web of living systems. Theprogram cultivates deeper understanding of both oneself andthe larger multicultural society and understands the self asan organic part of that larger ecosystem. It values personal,intellectual, and spiritual growth as equally importantdimensions of becoming an informed, empowered agent committedto making the world a better place for all of us. In thewords of Krishnamurti, “The society is ourselves, the worldis ourselves, the world is not different from us.” Studentsstudy cultural and spiritual practices as well as social andpolitical institutions and processes. They become competentinterpreters of surrounding social forces and effectivecommunicators and participants in diverse communities. Thecurriculum is designed to prepare students with knowledgeand skills necessary for meeting the ongoing challengesof living in a multicultural global society undergoingunprecedented rapid change. It provides theoretical toolsfor understanding the interrelationships between individualsand society as well as practical tools for making meaningfulcontributions to the communities we inhabit.Learning Outcomes• To acquire knowledge, skills, and sensitivity for becomingan effective communicator and change agent in diversecommunities;• To gain cross-cultural and historical understanding of theevolving relationship between the self and larger socialinstitutions and processes;• To develop tools for analyzing cultural practices includingmedia, rituals, and symbols;• To understand how changing roles and values impactindividuals’ and families’ lives;• To study models for building and sustaining healthycommunities in a global age; and• To explore the co-evolution between natural and socialenvironments.38 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND LIBERAL ARTSJOHN F. KENNEDY UNIVERSITY