Drew University

Environmental Studies and Sustainability

About the Program

Faculty: Erik Anderson, Marc Boglioli, Joslyn Cassady, Fred Curtis,  Ryan Hinrichs, Caroline Maier, Maria Mascucci, Phil Mundo, Catherine Riihimaki, Sarah Wald, Sara Webb (program director), Tammy Windfelder.

The Environmental Studies and Sustainability program provides students with the in-depth knowledge, multidisciplinary perspectives, and critical skills needed to address the complex environmental problems of today and of the future. The ESS major explores disruptions to Earth’s global life-support systems, threats to biotic and human communities, and both the obstacles to and the promise of environmental sustainability. The major is designed with considerable flexibility so that students can pursue a wide range of interests and careers, such as research, environmental law, non-profit work, consulting, and work with state and federal environmental agency work at the state or federal level. Many graduate school programs have specialized requirements such as statistics, organic chemistry, or economics. Students interested in the ESS major or minor should thus seek advising from an ESS faculty member early in their academic careers, in addition to consulting the departmental website.

Five core courses, required of all majors, cover environmental science, sustainability, GIS, a senior capstone seminar and laboratory science with focus on either ecology or environmental geology. Also integral to the major is an experiential requirement which can be met through relevant academic internships, study abroad, field research, civic engagement, or volunteer work. The program and Drew University’s Academic Internship Office help students find appropriate opportunities. Each student’s experiential work must be approved in advance by the program director and must be completed before the start of the last semester of study.

Within their ESS major, students may elect the Environmental Science Option, which emphasizes appropriate skills and experiences for science-oriented careers and graduate study.

Major

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Major

A. Required Core Courses for all ESS Majors (5 courses, 20 credits)

  • BIOL 7/Ecology and Evolution (4 cr) or ESS 8/Introduction to Environmental Geology (4 cr).
  • ESS 30/Environmental Science (4 cr) 
  • ESS 40/Environment, Society, and Sustainability (4 cr) (Curtis)
  • ESS 145/ Geographic Information Systems (4 cr) 
  • ESS 185/Environmental Studies & Sustainability Capstone Seminar (4 credits)

B. Experiential Requirement: (0-2 cr)

All ESS majors must acquire hands-on experience related to environmental concerns. This requirement can be met through relevant Academic Internships, Drew International Seminars, other study-abroad programs with environmental or sustainability components, civic engagement and volunteer experiences, and appropriate independent research at Drew or elsewhere (excluding literature research projects). Must be completed before the start of the last semester; must be approved beforehand by the ESS Program Director.

C. Environmental Science Option

Students choosing the Environmental Science option must take, in addition to above required core courses and the experiential requirement:

  • Both ESS 8/Introduction to Environmental Geology AND BIOL 7/Ecology and Evolution
  • CHEM 6/Principles of Chemistry I, and CHEM 7/Principles of Chemistry II
  • 16 credits from the list of electives (below), all at the intermediate or upper level, with at least 8 credits of designated environmental science courses (* on elective list).

D. ESS Majors Who do not Choose the Environmental Science Option Must Take:

ESS majors who do not choose the Environmental Science Track must complete, in addition to the above required core courses and the experiential requirement, 28 credits from the list of electives (below), with at least 16 credits at the upper level.

ESS  Elective Courses: * Courses that count as science electives for the Environmental Science option are designated with the asterisk (*)

  • *ESS 2/Geology in the Movies
  • *ESS 4/Toxic Chemicals: Great Challenges in Environmental Science
  • ESS 8/Introduction to Environmental Geology (if not applied to core requirements)
  • ESS 56/Environmental History
  • ESS 130/Topics in Economy and Environment.  May be repeated for credit with a change in topic. (Prerequisite: ECON 5 or ESS 40)
  • ESS 114/Archaeology of Sustainable Cultures 
  • ESS 144 (same as PHIL 144)/Environmental Aesthetics
  • *ESS 146/Earth’s Dynamic Surface
  • ANTH 11/Cultural Ecology
  • *ANTH 25/Primatology
  • BIOL 7/Ecology and Evolution (if not applied to core requirements)
  •  *BIOL 162/Ornithology
  • *BIOL 167/Animal Behavior
  • *BIOL 169/Conservation Biology
  • *BIOL 171/Plant Morphology & Identification
  • *BIOL 173/Forest Ecology
  • *BIOL 178 & 179/Biogeography & Lab
  • *BIOL 183/Marine Ecology: Tropical
  • *BIOL 186/Freshwater Ecology
  • CHEM 3/Chemistry & Environment OR CHEM 6/General Chemistry I
  • CHEM 5/Turning Green: An Introduction to Green Materials and Alternatives
  • DIS 10/Drew International Seminar: when topic is appropriate for environmental studies credit
  • ECON 45/Environmental Economics (Prerequisite: ECON 5)
  • ECON 47/Economics of Business and Sustainability (Prerequisite: ECON 5,  ESS 40 or permission of the instructor)
  • PSCI 146/Environmental Policy and Politics
  • REL 152/Environmental Ethics
  • SPAN 140/Self, Place, and the Environment in the Hispanic World
  • *ESS 90/Topics in Environmental Science (2 or 4 cr)
  • ESS 91/ Topics in Environmental Humanities (2 or 4 cr)
  • ESS 92/ Topics: Environment and Society (2 or 4)
  • *ESS 190/Advanced Topics in Environmental Science (2 or 4 cr)
  • ESS 191/Advanced Topics in Environmental Humanities (2 or 4 cr)
  • ESS 192/Advanced Topics: Environment and Society (2 or 4)
  • ESS 196/Research in Environmental Studies (2 or 4 cr)

* Courses that count as science electives for the Environmental Science option

 

Transition Plans

  • Graduates of 2011 and 2012 may choose whether or not to declare one of the major options we are eliminating. The inclusion of additional courses as electives satisfying major requirements will take effect immediately.

Minor

Due to University Updates, Course Numbers for all Departments have Changed. Please reference the Courses Tab for new Course Numbers.

Requirements for the Minor in Environmental Studies

Required Courses for all ENVST Minors: (3 courses, 12 credits):

  • ESS 30/Environmental Science
  • ESS 40/Environment, Society, and Sustainability
  • ESS 185/Environmental Studies & Sustainability Capstone Seminar

Elective Courses for the Minor:

At least 3 courses (12 credits) from the ESS course lists, with no more than one course (4 cr) from the student’s major field of study. Normally ESS 196/Independent Research will not count toward the minor.

Faculty

Faculty

  • Marc Boglioli
  • Nancy Byrnes
  • Joslyn Cassady
  • Darrell Cole
  • Fred Curtis
  • Jennifer Fox
  • Ryan Hinrichs
  • Maria Mascucci
  • Phil Mundo
  • Catherine Riihimaki
  • Sara Webb (program director)
  • Tammy Windfelder

Courses

Courses Offered

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ESS 102 - Formerly 2 - Geology in the Movies (4)
Is Los Angeles in danger of being destroyed by a volcano? Can Superman really stop an earthquake by holding the San Andreas Fault together? Is there anything to fear from the evil schemes concocted by James Bond's nemeses? We will explore the dynamics of planet Earth through exploring many of the myths and misconceptions created by Hollywood movies. Using well?known films, we will learn about earthquakes, volcanoes, meteors, evolution, and climate. We will conclude by discussing how the public's perception of the environment and of scientists is influenced by the way the entertainment industry, news media, and the scientific community present geologic concepts

Fulfills: BNS, BI
ESS 104 - Formerly 4 - Toxic Chemicals: Great Challenges in Environ. Science (4)
This introductory course will research and discuss the challenges associated with detecting, evaluating and remediating the pollution of toxic chemicals in our environment. We will address these environmental challenges from a chemical perspective to understand the risks of water and air pollution, and to evaluate remediation strategies. This course includes a hands-on field/laboratory research project to gain proficiency designing, conducting and communicating scientific research.
Prior background in chemistry is not required. Meets: One hour class and three hour lab. Offered alternate spring semesters. Same as: CHEM 104 - Formerly 4 -
Fulfills: BNS, Q
ESS 101 - Formerly 8 - Introduction to Environmental Geology (4)
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
ESS 215 - Formerly 30 - Environmental Science (4)
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. Same as: BIOL 215 - Formerly 30 -
Fulfills: BNS
ESS 210 - Formerly 40 - Environment, Society and Sustainability (4)
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.

Fulfills: BSS, BI
ESS 282 - Formerly 90 - Special Topics in Environmental Science: (4)
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 281 - Formerly 91 - Topics in Environmental Humanities (2-4)
Occasional elective courses on interdisciplinary or disciplinary topics related to the environment. Amount of credit established at time of registration.
Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Varies with topic. Contact program director. Offering to be determined.
Fulfills: BH, BI, WI
ESS 283 - Formerly 92 - Topics: Environment and Society (2-4)
Occasional elective courses on environmental topics that focus on social science issues and perspectives. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisites vary with topic. Information is available from ESS website.
Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Varies with topic.
Fulfills: BI, BSS
ESS 331 - Formerly 114 - Archaeology and Sustainable Culture (4)
Through Archaeology scholars reconstruct, examine, query and confront the record of past human-environment interactions. Placing these interactions in an historical context brings a long-term perspective to bear on contemporary issues. This course examines critically this record of human adaptations through time and across the globe with a particular focus on the ancient Americas. The view of archaeology is that the experiences of these ancient societies offer useful lessons about past choices which should affect the choices made today.
Enrollment priority: Enrollment priority given to majors or minors in Anthropology Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or 4 or permission of instructor Offered Spring semester in alternate years. Same as: ANTH 331 - Formerly 114 -
ESS 330 - Formerly 130 - Topics in Economics and the Environment (4)
A consideration of specific topics pertaining to the relationship of economic activities and the natural environment. Generally, one major topic will be considered each time the course is offered. Possible topics include: sustainable development; global warming and peak oil; carbon trading, taxation and subsidies as environmental policies; and consumption, well-being, the economy and the environment. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: ECON 101 - Formerly 5 - or ESS 215 - Formerly 30 - Same as: ECON 330 - Formerly 130 -
Fulfills: BI
ESS 344 - Formerly 144 - Environmental Aesthetics (4)
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 344 - Formerly 144 -
Fulfills: WI, BH, BI
ESS 302 - Formerly 145 - Geographic Information Systems (4)
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 302 - Formerly 145 -
Fulfills: Q, BI
ESS 304 - Formerly 146 - Earth's Dynamic Surface:From Mount Everest to Ocean Floor (4)
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 304 - Formerly 146 -
ESS 400 - Formerly 185 - Environmental Studies and Sustainabilty Capstone Seminar (4)
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.
[CAP] Capstone. Prerequisite: ESS 215 - Formerly 30 - AND ESS 210 - Formerly 40 -
ESS 382 - Formerly 190 - Advanced Topics in Environmental Science (4)
Occasional advanced elective courses on interdisciplinary or disciplinary topics related to environmental science. May be repeated for credit as topic changes.
Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Varies with topic. Offering to be determined.
ESS 381 - Formerly 191 - Advanced Topics in Environmental Humanities (4)
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.
Fulfills: BH, BI, WI
ESS 383 - Formerly 192 - Advanced Topics: Environment a nd Society (2-4)
Occasional elective courses on environmental topics that focus on social science issues and perspectives. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Prerequisites vary with topic. Information is available from ESS website.
Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Varies with topic.
Fulfills: BI, BSS
ESS 300 - Formerly 196 - Research in Environmental Studies (4)
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 300 - Formerly 196 - combined with HON 410 - Formerly 109 - will count toward the major. Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: Vary with the research topic.

See appropriate departments for the following courses

ANTH 202 - Formerly 11 - Ecological Anthropology (4)
An interdisciplinary course that draws on data and theory from cultural and biological perspectives in anthropology and from environmental studies to question and examine the relationship of humans and the environment. Through comparisons of human cultural and biological adaptations to physical environments of the past and present, students gain a unique perspective on our impact on, relationship with, and place within the natural world.
Recommended: ANTH 3 or 4 Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BI, DIT
ANTH 331 - Formerly 114 - Archaeology and Sustainable Culture (4)
Through Archaeology scholars reconstruct, examine, query and confront the record of past human-environment interactions. Placing these interactions in an historical context brings a long-term perspective to bear on contemporary issues. This course examines critically this record of human adaptations through time and across the globe with a particular focus on the ancient Americas. The view of archaeology is that the experiences of these ancient societies offer useful lessons about past choices which should affect the choices made today.
Enrollment priority: Enrollment priority given to majors and minors in Anthropology and Environmental Studies and to Archaeology minors. Prerequisite: ANTH 103 - Formerly 3 - or 4 or permission of the instructor. Offered spring semester in alternate years.
Fulfills: BSS, BI
BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - Ecology and Evolution (4)
An exploration of evolutionary and ecological processes and consequences, with close examination of population dynamics, population genetics, principles of heredity, the evolution of adaptations, community interactions, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Laboratory includes field-based investigations of upland and wetland ecosystems, as well as simulations and laboratory experiments.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory. Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS, WM
BIOL 338 - Formerly 162 - Ornithology (4)
An advanced course for biology majors interested in the biology of birds. Topics include: anatomy, physiology, distribution and systematics, with emphasis on avian ecology, behavior, and evolution. Through integrated laboratories, field trips, and discussions of the primary literature, students learn the identification of birds, functional morphology, and research techniques such as experimental design, behavioral observation, and statistical analyses. Two weekend field trips. Fulfills laboratory requirement for major.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - and 9. Offered fall semester in odd-numbered years.
BIOL 314 - Formerly 167 - Animal Behavior (4)
An investigation of the behavior of animals from an evolutionary perspective Topics to be covered include foraging, vigilance, social behavior, mating strategies, animal communication, and more. Lectures and discussions will focus on theoretical principles supported by empirical examples from organisms such as dung beetles, striped plateau lizards, song sparrows, and various primate species. Laboratories will be focused on experimental design and learning the techniques of conducting animal behavior research. Fulfills laboratory requirement for major.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - and 9, or permission of instructor Offered spring semester in odd-numbered years.
BIOL 308 - Formerly 169 - Conservation Biology (4)
An exploration of the major principles of conservation biology-the study of maintaining biological diversity. We will examine the foundations of conservation biology, its biological concepts (principles and theories), and the applications of such concepts to preserving biodiversity. This course emphasizes the application of evolutionary and ecological theory to the preservation of threatened species, but also considers economic, political and philosophical perspectives. Classroom activities will facilitate understanding of the principles of conservation biology, and field trips will provide direct exposure to the practice of conservation biology. Appropriate for students in biology and environmental studies.
Meets: Three hours class. Prerequisite: BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - or 9, or permission of instructor Offering to be determined.
BIOL 334 - Formerly 171 - Plant Morphology and Identification (2-4)
A survey of the taxonomy and structure of living plant groups, with emphasis on field identification of live material. Fulfills laboratory requirement for major.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory when offered for 4 credits; and one hour class and three hours laboratory when offered for 2 credits Prerequisite: Biol 7 or Biol 9 Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.
BIOL 324 - Formerly 173 - Forest Ecology (4)
The study of the structure, composition, and dynamics of forest communities. Topics include succession, paleocology, biotic interactions, and threats to forest integrity. Laboratory emphasizes methods of vegetation sampling and analysis of ecological data, through intensive study of the campus forest preserve and through field trips to diverse forest types. Fulfills laboratory requirement for the major.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - Offered fall semester annually or biannually.
BIOL 306 - Formerly 178 - Biogeography (3)
The study of the distribution of organisms on earth. Topics include global vegetation zones today and in the past; geological and climatic influences on species distributions; island biogeography; dispersal by plants and animals; and human impact on species distributions and on extinction patterns.
Meets: Three hours class Prerequisite: BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - Corequisite: offered during the same semester. Offering to be determined.
BIOL 320 - Formerly 183 - Tropical Marine Ecology (4)
Weekly lecture, laboratory, and pool work at Drew followed by intensive week in the field during spring recess at a site in the Caribbean. Snorkeling-based observations of ecological relationships among reef fish and invertebrates. Also includes the ecology of reefs, sea grass beds, rocky shore, and mangrove habitats. (Extra costs borne by the student are transportation and room and board at off-campus site.) Fulfills laboratory requirement for major.
Enrollment limit: 12 Signature of instructor required for registration. Prerequisite: BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - and BIOL 160 - Formerly 9 - Offered spring semester in even-numbered years.
Fulfills: OCE
BIOL 318 - Formerly 186 - Freshwater Ecology (4)
An exploration of physical, chemical, and especially biological components of freshwater ecosystems. Considers lotic (moving water) systems, but emphasizes lentic (standing water) ecosystems. Laboratory concentrates on field and follow-up techniques for collecting and evaluating ecological information. Field work is centered on ponds within the campus arboretum, with field trips to other local freshwater habitats included. Fulfills laboratory requirement for major.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: BIOL 150 - Formerly 7 - and BIOL 160 - Formerly 9 - Offered fall semester annually or biannually.
CHEM 101 - Formerly 3 - Chemistry and the Environment (4)
A non-major course designed to address environmental issues from a chemical perspective and to achieve a chemical literacy necessary to critique such issues. Prior background in chemistry is not required.
Meets: Four hours class Offered fall semester.
CHEM 150 - Formerly 6 - Principles of Chemistry I (4)
An introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry as a quantitative science, including inorganic reactions, properties of gases, liquids, and solids, thermochemistry, atomic theory, and nuclear chemistry. Appropriate for those with little or no background in chemistry.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Offered fall semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q
CHEM 160 - Formerly 7 - Principles of Chemistry II (4)
A continuation of CHEM 6/6A covering the structure of solids, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibria, electrochemistry, and the principles of descriptive inorganic chemistry, including the transition metals.
Meets: Three hours class, three hours laboratory Prerequisite: CHEM 6/6A Corequisite: CHEM 160 - Formerly 7 - LüCHEM 160 - Formerly 7 - AL Offered spring semester.
Fulfills: BNS, Q
DIS 201 - Formerly 10 - Drew International Seminar (4)
On site course for the Drew International Seminar. Exploration of the selected seminar site through lectures, site visits, and individual and group meetings with members of the host culture. Includes an individual research project.
Course may fill a distribution, major, or minor requirement. Course may be repeated. Enrollment priority: Registration is limited to students who have been admitted to the seminar through the DIS application process. Prerequisite: Appropriate pre-departure course.
ECON 245 - Formerly 45 - Environmental Economics (4)
Economic analyses of environmental and ecological issues, focusing on both applied microeconomic analysis and ecological economics. Topics include the "polluter pays" principle, the valuation of natural resources, the role of the market and regulation in dealing with environmental issues, sustainable development, the environmental impact of international trade, and issues of renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Prerequisite: ECON 101 - Formerly 5 - Offered alternate years.
Fulfills: BI
ECON 247 - Formerly 47 - Economics of Business and Sustainability (4)
This course considers the environmental challenges facing business. It will examine business responses to environmental regulation, competitive advantages of "green" business, consumer demand for green products, product life cycle analysis, industrial ecology, environmental partnerships between business and non-governmental organizations, natural capitalism, and business education. Environmental decision-making of both large corporations and small businesses will be included in the course. The course will include case studies, outside speakers from the business community and student presentations.
Prerequisite: ECON 101 - Formerly 5 - Offered alternate years.
ECON 330 - Formerly 130 - Topics in Economics and the Environment (4)
A consideration of specific topics pertaining to the relationship of economic activities and the natural environment. Generally, one major topic will be considered each time the course is offered. Possible topics include: sustainable development; global warming and peak oil; carbon trading, taxation and subsidies as environmental policies; and consumption, well-being, the economy and the environment.
May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: ECON 101 - Formerly 5 - and one additional Economics course or one Environmental Studies course, or permission of the instructor. Fall 2008 and ,thereafter, annually. Same as: ESS 330 - Formerly 130 -
Fulfills: BI
PHIL 344 - Formerly 144 - Environmental Aesthetics (4)
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: ESS 344 - Formerly 144 -
Fulfills: BI, BH, WI
PSCI 309 - Formerly 141 - Seminar on Public Policy (4)
An examination of public policy issues in terms of the criteria typically used in policy analysis, e.g., political dynamics, costs and benefits, decision making, administration, and budget implications. The specific issues vary according to the material available on them and their timeliness. Thus, in some years, the focus might be trade policy or economic policy more generally, while in other years, domestic social policy could be the focus. The central goal of exploring the issue using policy analysis criteria remains constant. The course is intended to be a research seminar with students producing and presenting a major project at the end of the term.
Course may be repeated. Offered in alternate years.
REL 218 - Formerly 152 - Environmental Ethics (4)
The course provides a study of the moral and religious aspects of such problems in human ecology as pollution, overpopulation, resource depletion, animal rights, global justice and much more. The course relates these issues to religious perspectives of human nature, responsibilities to the earth and to future generations. While the ecological data and principles prove indispensable, the primary intent of the course is to focus on how people make the date speak, on what they bring to ecological issues, on methods, on assumptions, and on language. This will require critical thinking skills such as analyzing, evaluating, and comparing. Offered in spring semester of odd numbered years.

Fulfills: BH
SPAN 140 - Self Place & The Environment in the Hispanic World (4)
Description Pending.

Fulfills: DIT, WI