Environmental
Studies (ENVS)
101—Environmental Science, 4 Cr.
Three hours lecture/two hours lab per
week.
Introduction to basic characteristics
of ecosystems and an exploration of how they are affected by the technological
and social environments in which humans live. Objectives will be: 1) to
understand the nature, extent and causes of environmental problems and the
implications these have for life on earth; 2) to appreciate the complexity of
environmental issues and the variety of perspectives from which they are
addressed (e.g., scientific, social, economic, spiritual, aesthetic); and 3)
introduction to major principles in biology, chemistry, and physics to further
understand the dynamic ecosystem.
111—Environmental Issues Seminar, 2
Cr.
Two hours discussion per week.
This course will be an introduction to
environmental issues for students interested in pursuing a minor in
environmental studies. This course will use a seminar format to explore and
evaluate significant current environmental issues; discussions will include the
consequences of continued exponential growth of human populations, global
climate change, ecosystem destruction, and consequences of non-renewable energy
resource use. Objectives will be: 1) to understand the nature, extent, and
causes of environmental problems and the implications these have for life on
earth and 2) to appreciate the complexity of environmental issues and the
variety of perspectives from which they are addressed (e.g., scientific,
ethical, social, economic). Offered every year.
325—Environmental Sustainability, 3
Cr.
Three hours lecture per week.
This course will explore the underlying causes of the current
environmental sustainability crises, using lectures, case studies and
recitation to explore and to understand the human impact on the Earth’s
environment and the sustainability of human culture. The student will
comprehend the causes and the extent of the unsustainable use of earth’s
resources and the danger of the collapse of the planet’s environmental support
systems. Topics will include: the exponential function as it applies to human
population growth and resource use; the economic and political causes of the
sustainability crisis; resource use and depletion; human population dynamics;
the transition from fossil fuel energy to renewable energy; feeding a hungry
world; climate disturbance (causes, mitigation and adaptation); denial of human
impacts on the environment; and steps towards an environmentally sustainable
human society. Prerequisite: 101 or BIOL 160 and 161.
400—Seminar on the Environment, 3
Cr.
This capstone experience in the
Environmental Studies program involves intensive study of a specific theme or
special topics. Strong emphasis on group-oriented investigation of an
environmental issue that has implications for the local community. Offered
every year. Prerequisites: 101 or BIOL 160. Restricted to students with junior
standing or higher.