Abstract:

The issue of “Sustainability” is one of the most pressing topics of mankind’s history. Dealing with the dual realities of “Peak Oil” and “Climate Change” is the largest and most comprehensive challenge ever to face humans, and it is imminent.

Education, and specifically Higher Education must address this pressing issue, but more importantly, new strategies and methodologies need to be developed in research and pedagogy. As Director for the School of Art at the University of Houston, I have spent 6 years developing experimental, hybrid, and cross-disciplinary courses that have brought together architecture, art, anthropology, biology, creative writing, computer science, engineering, music, and social/urban studies. Additionally, we developed an MFA program in Interdisciplinary Practices and Emerging Forms (IPEF) to foment new strategies in creative research. My presentation would review the development of the different methodologies employed, tracing their evolution to the present, and speculating on future initiatives.

This fall, I will be in Spain as a Fulbright Scholar developing the international components of these newly designed programs. It would be a great honor and opportunity to present my experiences in developing new educational strategies with fellow educational professionals to get feedback and exchange ideas.

Particularly with the “topic” of Sustainability, it is clear that novel approaches are imperative at every level and in every discipline. This is a global issue that demands a global response. But, as Einstein noted, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” “Global” can no longer mean that one size fits all; challenges play out differently in every locality and yet, we are all connected with the same goal. Our responsibility is to develop the new educational practices that can address these unique problems: integrating the abilities of diverse fields, increasing international cooperation and understanding, and empowering individuals with knowledge and experience.

Keywords:

Integrated, multi-discipline, sustainability, pedagogy, international.