Based on the WFT mid-term internal and external evaluations, and the responses to an internal consultation among WFT fellows and affiliated faculty, the WFT Executive Committee has decided to restructure the WFT curriculum in the following manner (1). Our objective is to increase flexibility while maintaining the cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary hallmarks of the WFT program (2). We have done this by replacing some of the required courses with a specific “competency” that would be demonstrated either by taking that course or otherwise.
**Click here to download Course Plan part A and Course Plan part B **
Core WFT Courses:
The core of required courses is reduced to:
Course Name |
Instructor |
Course Number |
When offered |
| Community Forest Management (also referred to as Tropical Conservation and Development) |
Kainer / Child
(Past versions have been Kainer/Schmink) |
LAS 6290, FOR 6934 and GEO 6938 |
Fall 06 Tuesdays periods 3-5 |
| Tropical Forestry | Zarin / Putz | FOR 6170 | Every Spring |
| Tropical Forestry field course | Zarin | FOR 6172 | Every Summer A |
Competencies:
The redesigned curriculum also requires demonstrated satisfaction of the following 6 competencies.
**Click here for sample courses for the different competencies**
Competencies |
Description |
Demonstration |
Change |
| Competency 1: Language ability of the research region“Intermediate High” in the ACTFL exam | None | ||
| Competency 2: Familiarity with the history and culture of the research region (9) A graduate level course (4) or an independent reading course | More flexible about how competency is demonstrated | ||
| Competency 3: Cross-disciplinary breadth One graduate-level disciplinary course (in a social science discipline for biophysical scientists, in a biophysical discipline for social scientists) (5) | None | ||
| Competency 4: Research DesignOne graduate-level research design course, including LAS 6292 Research Design and Methods in TCD, or a departmental course, (6) OR prior demonstration of successful development of a funded proposal equivalent to that required for doctoral dissertation research. In addition, fellows will participate in a proposal review panel as a proponent and/or peer reviewer. | Replaces requirement for Research Methods in both Natural and Social Sciences (7). | ||
| Competency 5: Spatial Analysis GEO 6938, Land Cover Land Use Change, or a GIS course, or other demonstration of domain knowledge and expertise to be approved by the WFT Executive Committee | Provides options to GEO 6938 | ||
Competency 6: Leadership and Communication Skills Any of the 3 TCD Conservation Skills courses (all are LAS 6291), or another graduate course on business, organizational management (8), or other related courses to be approved by the WFT Executive Committee |
Provides options to LAS 6291 |
Notes: Except for the remaining core courses, graduate courses from another institution are normally accepted as a substitute for UF courses. Submit a request, attaching a syllabus, to the Program Coordinator.
As always, petitions may be submitted for alternative forms of demonstrating the required competencies. (1) - These changes refer to Tiers 2 and 3 of the curriculum. Tier 1, disciplinary depth, and Tier 4, complementary learning/teaching opportunities, do not change. (2) - These changes do not apply to the TCD certificate. Whereas the existing curriculum, if fully complied with, necessarily qualifies the student for the TCD certificate, that is no longer the case (i.e. the TCD certificate becomes optional). (3) - This course is referred to on our web site and elsewhere as Tropical Conservation and Development. (4) - This may be the same course as is used to achieve Competency 3. (5) - This may be the same course as is used to achieve Competency 2. (6) - Some departments that teach research design include Anthropology, Forestry and WEC, but there are others as well – it’s best for students to check with their home department . (7) - While all other proposed changes uni-directionally add flexibility, there is a slight possibility that the change from a Research Methods to a Research Design competency would be an added requirement for those who have opted to substitute LAS 6292 with 2 disciplinary methods courses. It is not our intention to change requirements retroactively; please notify the Program Coordinator of any specific cases where this is an issue. (8) - For example, see the Family, Youth and Community Science Department’s courses in Nonprofit Organization and Leadership at http://nonprofits.ifas.ufl.edu/Programs/graduate.htm. (9) - The purpose is to provide essential socioeconomic background on the Fellow's region of study, i.e. through a relevant history or social science course. Alternatively, fellows are encouraged to meet this requirement through an independent reading course, which could be done in regional groups; this may include an essay relating the reading to your specific research interests.