Associate in Arts Degree: Recycling and Resource Major
The Recycling and Resource Management (RRM) Associate of Arts Degree (Degree) provides students with the opportunity to pursue an in-depth academic education focused on the Recycling and Resource Management industry.
The RRM Degree will provide an analysis of economic, political, and social perspectives related to waste generation, disposal and diversion on a local and global scale. It prepares students for global citizenship by providing them the terminology, conceptual frameworks, and skills necessary to solve problems associated with our current unsustainable flow of materials and products.
Students will examine a variety of problem-solving discourses including the role of technology, government, culture, and economics.
The RRM Degree will prepare the student for a more strenuous course of study which will provide an opportunity, upon completion of the Degree, to transfer to a four year college and beyond.
Furthermore, the curriculum provides an opportunity to examine the role of humans in creating waste and mismanaging resources, while identifying the various waste diversion programs that help residents, businesses, and governments move towards Zero- Waste. As a result of this field of study, students will be better prepared to conduct ongoing research, engage in policy analysis and management decisions pertaining to the future of waste diversion and sustainability. This Degree will ultimately lead to more extensive professional opportunities in the Recycling and Waste Management industry
Required RRM Courses
ENVS G141 - Introduction to Recycling and Resource Management -3.0 units
ENVS G142 - Culture and Zero-Waste - 3.0 units
ENVS G143 - Resource Management and Zero-Waste in Business - 3.0 units
ENVS G144 - Resource Management and Zero-Waste for Communities - 3. 0 units
ENVS G100 - Introduction to Environmental Studies - 3.0 units
ENVS G190 - Recycling and Resource Management Practicum - 3.0 units
Potential Electives (Subject to change)
ENVS G170 - Renewable Energy Sources and Applications - 3.0 units
Comm Studies G108 - Introduction to Communication - 3.0 units
Bus G155 - Customer Service for the 21st Century - 3.0 units
World Languages (Any 180/185 level course offered in the World Languages Department) 5.0 units
General Education Requirements
(Subject to Golden West College Requirements)
Total Units - 60.0
Learning Outcomes:
At the completion of the A.A. Degree, students will be able to:
- Comprehend the tenets of recycling and resource management principles, including but not limited to Zero-Waste, Extended Producer Responsibility and Local Producer Responsibility.
- Demonstrate their ability to develop, draft and communicate a recycling and Zero-Waste plan.
- Identify best practices for recycling, waste diversion and resource recovery for the business sector and communities-at-large.
- Engage in an analysis of economic, political, and social perspectives related to waste generation, disposal and diversion.
- Conduct research and analysis on a broad range of cross-sector environmental issues.
- Design a communications plan aimed at increasing public awareness in the business sector or the community while driving participation through public engagement efforts.
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct a waste assessment or waste audit for business, industry, private organizations or institutions.
- Prepare research materials or reports on the role of technology, government, culture, and economics in the recycling and resource management industry.
- Complete the hands-on experiential training component of the Recycling and Resource Management Certificate, by working with industry partners.