Environmental Studies & Sustainability Courses

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  • ESS 8 / Introduction to Environmental Geology (4) - view
    Humans interact with the Earth in many ways: we use natural resources, experience natural hazards, and design geoengineering techniques that modify natural processes. In this course, we consider how a diversity of human activities affects our environment, and how a diversity of natural processes affects humans. These topics will help us delve into the meaning of "sustainability" from the perspective of Earth scientists. We will use the modern and historic New Jersey landscape as a case study, but we will also discuss topics such as mountaintop removal in the Appalachians, earthquakes in Indonesia, and water usage in the Western US. Students will learn basic Earth science concepts, techniques for field scientists, methods of data analysis and presentation, and skills for effectively teasing apart complex environmental issues. This lab Meets: Course meets 3 hours a week for lecture and 3 hours for lab. Fulfills: BNS BI
  • ESS 22 / Environmental History (4) - view
    This course explores some of the major issues in the history of human interaction with and concern for the environment, from ancient times to today. We will examine changing notions of "nature" and "wilderness"; key moments in the history of human impact on the environment and in the history of ecology; and the origins and development of modern environmentalist movements. Offered alternate years.
  • ESS 30 / Environmental Science (4) - view
    This course explores the science behind environmental problems and solutions. Students study current environmental issues in the context of their scientific (biological, chemical, geological) underpinnings, while alos considering the political, social and cultural dimensions of these issues. The course also addresses the role of scientific knowledge in understanding and resolving environmental problems, such as climate change, population growth, deforestation, extinction, air and water pollution, food production, and environmental health. These topics are explored through readings, films, student writing, research and field trips. Meets: Three hours of class. Offered annually. Same as: BIOL 30.
  • ESS 40 / Environment, Society and Sustainability (4) - view
    This course examines the relationship of human society to the natural environment from the perspective of sustainability, defined as meeting the needs of the present generation while preserving the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, we will consider how values, paradigms, policies, technologies, and their intricate interactions determine our current unsustainable relationship with nature, and we will explore proposals for moving society in an environmentally sustainable direction. Taught in 2009-2010 and annually thereafter. Fulfills: BSS BI
  • ESS 90 / Special Topics in Environmental Science: (4) - view
    Occasional elective courses or interdisciplinary or disciplinary topics related to the environment. Maybe repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: Varies with topic, consult course listings or contact Program Director. Offering to be determined.
  • ESS 91 / Topics in Environmental Studies (2-4) - view
    Occasional elective courses on interdisciplinary or disciplinary topics related to the environment. Amount of credit established at time of registration. Amount of credit established at time of registration. Prerequisite: Varies with topic. Contact program director. Offering to be determined. Fulfills: BH BI DUS
  • ESS 100 / Special Topics in Environmental Studies (4) - view
    Occasional elective courses or Topics in the Environmental Sciences,. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: Varies with topic; consult course listings or contact the program director. Offering to be determined.
  • ESS 101 / Special Topics in Environmental Studies (4) - view
    Occasional elective courses on interdisciplinary or disciplinary topics related to the environment with an emphasis on the humanities, arts, social sciences or other perspectives outside of the natural sciences. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: Varies with topic: consult course listings, or contact the program director. Offering to be determined.
  • ESS 144 / Environmental Aesthetics (4) - view
    An exploration of questions centered at the intersection of aesthetics and environmental philosophy. Of primary concern are the relation between the aesthetic appreciation of nature and the aesthetic appreciation of art; the roles played by scientific knowledge, emotional engagement and imagination in the aesthetic appreciation of nature; the thesis that all of wild nature has positive value; and the theoretical role aesthetic considerations play in the rationale behind environmental conservation. Offered in alternate years. Same as: PHIL 144.
  • ESS 145 / Geographic Information Systems (4) - view
    This course explores GIS (Geographic Information System) and related spatial analysis tools, which are used to elucidate the natural landscape and human modification of the earth's surface. Students will acquire cartographic, ArcGIS, and remote sensing skills through case studies and individual research investigations. Enrollment priority: Given to majors in Biology,Environmental Studies,and Archaeology. Same as: BIOL 145.
  • ESS 146 / Earth's Dynamic Surface:From Mount Everest to Ocean Floor (4) - view
    The Earth's surface is diverse, with mountains, rivers, coasts, and glaciers existing in various locations on the planet. It is also dynamic, as mountains rise and fall, rivers meander, and coastlines evolve. In this course, we will explore how and why the Earth looks the way that it does, while considering important factors such as the impacts of climate, sea level changes, human activities, and plate tectonics. We will use the New Jersey landscape as a case study, exploring how it has changed from a landscape like the East African Rift, to its present, muted topography. Students will learn basic techniques for field geologists, methods of data analysis and presentation, and skills for effective reading of peer-reviewed literature. These skills will be directly relevant to students interested in environmental science, ecology, archaeology, and anthropology. Prerequisite: : Introductory lab science course or ESS30/Introduction to Environmental Science. Offering to be determined. Same as: BIOL 146.
  • ESS 185 / Environmental Studies and Sustainabilty Capstone Seminar (4) - view
    A capstone course for seniors in the environmental studies program, who will come together to investigate environmental and sustainability issues from diverse perspectives using a variety of methodologies. The course will emphasize critical thinking and the ability to synthesize material from a broad variety of sources and disciplines to solve current problems related to the environment and sustainability. Prerequisite: ESS 30 AND ESS 40. To be taught annually starting in 2009-2010.
  • ESS 191 / Advanced Topics in Environmental Studies (4) - view
    Occasional advanced elective courses on interdisciplinary or disciplinary topics related to the environment. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisite: Varies with topic. Contact program director. Offering to be determined. Same as: ECON 130.
  • ESS 196 / Research in Environmental Studies (4) - view
    An opportunity for upper-level environmental studies students to design and execute independent projects under the supervision of a faculty member. Interested students must make arrangements with a faculty mentor before registration. The amount of credit will established at time of registration. May be repeated for up to 12 credits, but no more than 8 credits of ESS 196 combined with HON 109 will count toward the major. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: Vary with the research topic.