Academics
Environmental Studies > Course Descriptions
110 Introduction to Environmental Studies
The “environment” is not only a natural place filled with trees and pandas, but a matrix in which all human economies and societies are embedded. Solving current environmental problems often involves closing feedback loops between political, social, and economic processes and the ecosystems from which they draw, and which they, in turn impact. For this reason, the scholarly study of environmental issues is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring a sophisticated appreciation not only of science, but also of the humanities and social sciences. This course is an introduction to the multifaceted and interdisciplinary nature of environmental problems and their solutions in today’s world. It emphasizes field trips and scientific content, particularly related to understanding biodiversity and ecosystems. It also offers perspectives on environmental issues from the humanities and/or social sciences. Specific topics and content may vary with the professor(s). No prerequisites. Intended for students interested in pursuing the Environmental Studies major.
119 Environmental Science and Society
This course explores basic concepts in ecology and scientific investigation of environmental issues. More specifically, environmental threats such as global climate change, population pressure, consumerism and waste, habitat loss, energy consumption, and pollution, are examined. The course starts with basic ecological principles in order to build a foundation for exploring the structure and function of various local ecosystems (wetlands, forests, prairies, etc.). The importance of such ecosystems to the overall health of the environment is addressed as well. Further, this course allows students to examine environmental issues and topics that arise from the interaction of humans and the environment around them. Perspectives from different disciplines are also considered and local resources and environmental issues provide the venue for exploring the larger global issues of our environment. Class sessions are interactive including fieldwork, projects, small group activities, lectures, and discussions. (Meets GEC Natural and Mathematical Sciences Requirement.)
120 Introduction to Oceanography
This course is an introductory study of the ocean and how it works, the nature of the sea bottom, causes and effects of currents and tides, animal and plant life in the sea. An important goal is to understand the implications of human impact on the marine environment, water quality, and pollution problems in estuaries, wetlands, and open ocean. The influence of geo-politics and geo-economics on the ocean environment will be addressed. (Meets GEC Natural and Mathematical Sciences Requirement.)
206 American Nature Writing
(Cross-listed as English 206.)
210 Environmental Ethics
(Cross-listed as Philosophy 210.)
212 Multicultural Approaches to the Environment
(Cross-listed as Philosophy 212. Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)
215 Environmental Psychology
(Cross-listed as Psychology 215.)
240 Religious and Ethical Perspectives on the Environment
(Cross-listed as Religion 240. Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)
263 American Cities
(Cross-listed as American Studies 263 and History 263.)
271 Technology and Human Values
(Cross-listed as Sociology and Anthropology 271. Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)
310 Conservation Medicine
This course examines the relationship between human health, animal health, and the environment. It covers basic epidemiologic and public health principles in the context of environmental health. Topics to be covered include: emerging viruses in Asia and why the agricultural system promotes the production of zoonosis (pathogens jumping from animals to humans), West Nile Virus, the effect of global warming on species distribution, and how weather patterns affect water currents and thus cholera outbreaks.
315 The Social Ethics of Energy Production and Use
Course description: the course will explore the ethical implications of possible future energy initiatives. Emphasis will be given to the global implications of interdependency on primary resources and the technological initiatives of nuclear power and alternative sources. Students will focus on independent research projects, with both domestic and international components, surrounding the environmental, social, and ethical issues of future energy production and use. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor. (Cross-listed as Sociology and Anthropology 315 and Philosophy 315.)
320 Landscape and Representation
(Cross-listed as Art 320.)
321 U.S. Energy and Environmental Policy
(Cross-listed as Politics 321.)
332 Environmental Writing
(Cross-listed as English 332.)
340 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
(Cross-listed as Economics 340.)
361 Environmental Law
This course will explore basic issues of law and policy involved in the consumption, conservation, and regulation of natural resources. In particular, we will consider how various competing public and private interests in the use and protection of the environment affect legislative, administrative, and judicial decision making. Topics to be discussed include: agency management of environmental risk; civil suits as a means of environ- mental law enforcement; wilderness and the use of public land; takings and other private property rights concerns; federalism and the environment. Among other statutes, we will examine the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Wilderness Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act.
370 Ecology
(Cross-listed as Biology 370.)
372 Earth’s Ancient Ecology
(Cross-listed as Biology 372.)
375 Conservation Biology
(Cross-listed at Biology 375.)
380 Tropical Ecology and Conservation
(Cross-listed as Biology 380 and Latin American Studies 381.)
381 Some Versions of Pastoral
(Cross-listed as English 381.)
384 Plant Biology
(Cross-listed as Biology 384.)
480 Senior Seminar in Environmental Studies
Because Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary major, the senior seminar integrates approaches and materials from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The topics of this seminar vary from year to year and have included Ecology and Economics of Coffee in Central America, Agroecology, Alternative Energy, Environmental Activism, and the Future of Nuclear Power in the U.S. Prerequisite: senior Environmental Studies major or permission of instructor.
490 Internships
Off-campus experience supervised by a faculty member.
499 Independent Study
Tutorials, research projects, and senior theses are available forms of independent study, with permission of an instructor.