- ANTH 202 - 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.
Offered: fall semester.
- ANTH 322 - Primatology (4)
The study of primate behavior, how it can be understood as environmental adaptation, its evolutionary significance, and how it compares to human behavior. Topics include primate ecology, social behavior, sociobiology, and cognition.
Offered: spring semester in even numbered years.
Prerequisite: ANTH 103 or permission of instructor.
- BIOL 150 - 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.
Offered: fall semester.
- CHEM 101 - 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.
Offered: fall semester.
- CHEM 103 - Turning Green: An Intro. to Green Materials & Alternatives (4)
This introductory course focused on the challenges involved with manufacturing and using materials and chemicals in the modern world. Substances ranging from adhesives to asphalt, fibers to food, cars to clothes, carpets to cosmetics, diapers to drugs, inks to insecticides, perfumes to pesticides, pharmaceuticals to plastics, wood to water treatment chemicals and many others are based on the synthesis, processing, formulation, use and eventual disposal or recycling of chemical entities. Thus an understanding of the basis for the environmentally sound production of diverse chemicals and materials as well as emerging alternative processes is vital for the sustainable and safe use of items made from chemicals. In this course we will explore, describe and evaluate the myriad ways in which selected, important chemicals and materials are made and used as we ask, how can these processes and products become benign by design, eco-effective and "green"? .
- CHEM 150 - 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.
Offered: fall semester.
- DIS 201 - Drew International Seminar (4)
- ECON 245 - 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.
Offered: alternate years.
Prerequisite: ECON 101.
- ECON 247 - 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.
Offered: alternate years.
Prerequisite: ECON 101.
- ESS 101 - 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.
- ESS 102 - 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.
- ESS 265 - Energy and Environment (4)
This course investigates the sources and commercial production of energy, the energy needs of our society, and the impact of our energy use on the environment. The course encourages students to think critically about the harvest, use and conservation of energy. Through readings, problem solving, and project work, we will apply analytical and quantitative tools to assessing the efficiency and environmental impacts of various energy technologies.
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: ESS 215 or PHYS 111 or PHYS 150.
- ESS 271 - Environmental History (4)
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 281 - 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.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
Prerequisite: Varies with topic. Contact program director.
- ESS 282 - Topics in Environmental Science: (4)
Occasional elective courses or interdisciplinary or disciplinary topics related to the environment.
Maybe repeated for credit as topic changes.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
Prerequisite: Varies with topic, consult course listings or contact Program Director.
- ESS 283 - Topics: Environment & 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.
- ESS 300 - 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.
Signature of instructor required for registration.
May be repeated for up to 12 credits, but no more than 8 credits of ESS+196 combined with HON 410 will count toward the major.
Prerequisite: Vary with the research topic.
- ESS 330 - 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 or ESS+215 Same as: ECON+330
- ESS 331 - Archeology 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 or 104 or permission of instructor Offered Spring semester in alternate years. Same as: ANTH+331
- ESS 332 - Wildlife and Culture (4)
This class is a cross-cultural exploration of the ways that people think about and interact with wild animals. Drawing on a wide range of interdisciplinary sources, we will ponder abstract philosophical questions like “What is an animal?”, “What is natural?” and “What is human?” As an ESS course, however, this class will pay special attention to the ways that different perspectives on wild animals influence larger global concerns, such as biodiversity, invasive species, animal conservation, and animal rights. Upon completion of this class, students should: 1) possess a broad knowledge of the plasticity of thought and practices relating to wild animals that exists within particular societies, between different societies, and across time; 2) understand the important role that wild animals play in helping human beings define and understand themselves; and 3) appreciate the value of cross-cultural research methodologies.
Prerequisite: Pre-requisites: ANTH 104 is recommended.
- ESS 333 - Inuit Environmental Dilemmas (4)
The Arctic is experiencing rapid environmental change due largely to human activities in the south. Three of the processes that are creating the most dramatic changes in Arctic ecosystems are the transnational flow of industrial toxins, climate change, and intensified resource exploration and extraction. This course focuses on how these three processes are affecting the livelihood of roughly 160,000 Inuit living in Siberia, Alaska, Canada and Greenland. By focusing on Inuit strategies and engagements, this course will dispel enduring misconceptions of northern peoples as passive victims of outside forces while simultaneously examining the considerable challenges that they face in maintaining control of their lives and land. Ultimately, I hope this course raises awareness about how our own lifestyles are exacerbating environmental injustices and culture change in the Far North. Same as: ANTH 333
Prerequisite: Recommended: ANTH 104
- ESS 344 - 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.
Same as: PHIL 344.
Offered: in alternate years.
- ESS 381 - 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.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
Prerequisite: Varies with topic. Contact program director.
- ESS 382 - 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.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
Prerequisite: Varies with topic.
- ESS 383 - Advanced 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.
- ESS 410 - Specialized Honors I (0-8)
- ESS 411 - Specialized Honors II (0-8)
- PHIL 344 - Environmental Aesthetics (4) (Same as: ESS 344.)
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.
- PSCI 320 - Environmental Policy and Politics (4)
This course examines environmental policy and politics in the U. S. It considers the role of American political institutions and political dynamics in the development of environmental policy. Within this general framework, the course studies specific environmental policies in terms of their origins, development, and consequences. Finally, the course considers international environmental policy and the U. S. role in it.
Offered: Offering to be determined.
- REL 218 - 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.
- SPAN 326 - Self, Place & The Environment in the Hispanic World (4)
A study of the complex relationships between individuals and their physical environments, from the countryside to the jungle, in represenative literary works of the 19th and 20th centuries. We will address how interactions withp lace and geography become discursive tools by which to explore various social, cultural and national discourses. The manifestations and permutations of the environmental imagination across various literary movements, from Romanticism to Regionalism, are explored, while also addressing the role of eco-criticism within literary cultural studies.
Prerequisite: SPAN 310.
