Environment (ENVT)

This course offers an introductory view of essential themes in environmental science. It integrates the study of the natural processes that take place on Earth. Emphasis is placed on understanding the development of the physical and chemical principles and their application in understanding environmental issues in the modern world. May be used for general education credit.

This course explores three aspects of understanding the environment. First, the kind of problem the environment is and the thinking strategies that will best yield insights and understanding. Second, how humans create and/or respond to environmental issues and crises. Third, examination of past environmental changes and how humans have been affected by and responded to those changes. Final synthesis explores what we can and cannot do practically to respond to future changes. Does not satisfy elective credit or count as credit for geology or earth science majors.

This is a summer study abroad course in Malta about environmental advocacy. Examines sense of place, nature connectedness and cultural influences on environmental advocacy and environmental movements through interaction with a variety of NGOs and government organizations. Explores the psychology of change and elements of cooperation and collaboration that strengthen efforts to protect the environment and engage citizens in their natural world.

Special topics in the humanities and arts that enhance the study of environmental humanities and are not currently taught in the regular curriculum.

This course provides the student with practical experience in areas pertinent to the study of environmental humanities. Any internship experience must be approved by the coordinator in advance, and details of supervision and evaluation should be spelled out in advance. The internship may also be through an academic unit, but must be approved for credit by the environmental humanities coordinator in advance of the experience.

This course provides the student with practical experience in areas pertinent to the study of environmental studies, sciences or management. Any internship experience must be approved by the coordinator in advance, and details of supervision and assessment should be spelled out in advance. May be taken for a maximum of six credits.

Examination of selected topics that are of current importance for interdisciplinary environmental studies, sciences and management including: environmental problem solving, sustainability, addressing climate change, environmental resiliency and more. May be repeated for credit when course content changes.

This course analyzes the ways in which various religions, especially Judaism and Christianity, understand the relationship of human beings to the environment and non-human animals. We will explore how religious worldviews translate into human impact on the non-human biosphere. Given the global reach of American environmental policies and lifestyles, and the prominent role that biblical interpretation has played in shaping American attitudes and policy, special emphasis will be placed on historical interpretations of the Bible, ranging from human dominionism to human responsibility in caring for the earth, its creatures and its ecosystems. The course explores the complexities involved in using religious positions, interpretations of biblical texts and apocalyptic arguments to inform both environmentalism and policy debates related to the environment. Students will gain a basic introduction to methods of biblical scholarship and familiarity with the general state of scientific consensus on environmental challenges.

Integrates perspectives from three environment programs: environmental management, environmental science and environmental studies. The course is team taught using a case-study approach to environmental issues, emphasizing teamwork and student initiative. Topics vary. Students wishing to complete more than one of the environmental minors (environmental studies, environmental science or environmental management) may receive dual credit.

Students may propose to engage in a creative, expressive or scholarly project either through their home department or using the ENVT identifier. Studio or independent study must be approved by the Environmental Humanities coordinator in advance of the experience.

Students propose to engage in a scholarly or applied project about interdisciplinary environmental problem-solving in coordination with the relevant environmental minor coordinator (studies, sciences, management). Proposals must include a topic or key question, a learning plan with readings and other content, an appropriately sized productive output, and a faculty supervisor. Must be approved by the environmental minor coordinator. May be repeated for maximum of six credit hours.