Curriculum Development in Environmental Science: A Case Study on Paradigm and Institutions

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science Education
• Higher Education Pedagogy
• Interdisciplinary Studies

Background:

• Environmental science often struggles to establish itself as a distinct discipline within conservative, traditionally oriented universities.
• The evolution from applied interdisciplinary studies to a recognized field with its own theoretical framework is a key challenge.
• Classical universities face unique hurdles in integrating novel, interdisciplinary fields like environmental science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the development of an environmental science curriculum at Leiden University as a case study.
• To explore the long-term struggle for environmental science to gain disciplinary status.
• To offer insights for other traditional universities seeking to establish environmental science programs.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of curriculum development at Leiden University.
• Historical review of environmental science's evolution as an academic discipline.
• Examination of the 'bidisciplinary' curriculum model.

Main Results:

• Leiden University developed a 'bidisciplinary' curriculum integrating environmental science and social science disciplines.
• Environmental science was established as a discipline, not merely an applied field.
• The curriculum successfully navigated the conservative university context.

Conclusions:

• A 'bidisciplinary' approach can facilitate the establishment of environmental science as a distinct discipline in traditional universities.
• The Leiden University case demonstrates a viable model for curriculum development in similar institutional settings.
• Recognizing environmental science's unique theoretical base is crucial for its academic recognition.