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Summer Electives 2013

Nicaragua Micro-renewable energy and microfinance MGMT 510

For more information and how to apply, go here. 

Graduate and advanced undergraduate students on this program will study the principles of micro-enterprise with specific foci on developing country contexts and the implementation of microrenewable projects. The group will travel to Managua, Nicaragua and surrounding areas to study local micro-enterprises and how micro-renewable technologies can impact economic and social development and environmental stewardship.

Nicaragua has a significant number of micro-enterprises (1 to 2 person operations) in need of assistance. Our program partners, Portland based Green Empowerment and Nicaragua based AsoFenix, work directly with a range of Managua-based NGOs. Program activities, site visits and guest lectures will provide students with a thorough overview of the range of micro-enterprise projects, their challenges and their real and potential impact. Through participation in this program, students will understand how microenterprise projects are developed and managed. The course will also explore ways in which finance and entrepreneurship may be utilized to alleviate poverty and improve the environment and help facilitate post-travel course "deliverables." Specific areas of exploration in Nicaragua will include rural community experiences with renewable energy and the growing/sale of their crops.

Sustainable Business Now MGMT 510

For more information, please visit the course site.

  • What does it take to lead transformational change in business?
  • What are the real-time challenges to growing sustainability inspired businesses and careers today?
  • How are leaders on the front lines of sustainable business meeting these challenges? What do they forecast for the future?

Oregon is at the nerve center of the sustainable business movement. This immersion course connects graduate students directly with nationally and internationally-recognized businesses, leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who are changing the way we live and work, here in Oregon and around the world.

Course objectives
  • Connect today’s sustainable business leaders with the next generation
  • Explore today’s top theories and models – and experience how they are being applied in sustainable business now
  • Grow a critical mass of change agents with the knowledge, courage and connections to inspire meaningful change through business

Course format

Day 1 workshop:Frame today’s challenges and explore leading theories, models and immersion-based inquiry techniques for use in the field

Days 2-5:Field-based, in-depth site visits to regional businesses

Day 6:Service learning retreat

Day 7-9:Group work, site visits and speakers

Day 10:Sustainable business colloquium

NOTE: Enrolled students need to attend the course from 8 am to 5 pm, July 23-28 and July 30th-Aug 1.