Spring 2010 Courses in Environmental Studies
ENVS 0410 – Environmental Stewardship
M,W 2:20
Challenges students to address the economics and logistics of implementing strategies to conserve resources and reduce the negative impacts of the built environment. The goal is to learn the rationale, process and technical aspects of sustainable design, institutional change, and corporate environmental responsibility. Students collaborate in interdisciplinary teams. Written permission required. Students must successfully complete an application process prior to enrollment in the class - either during the pre-registration period in the fall, or at the first class meeting in the spring. See course website for application details.
Environmental Stewardship - Class Application
Instructor: K. Teichert
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ENVS 0490 - Environmental Science in a Changing World
T, Th 10:30-11:50
Introduces students to environmental science and the challenges we face in studying an ever-changing earth system. We will explore what is known, and not known, about how ecosystems respond to perturbations. This understanding is crucial, because natural systems provide vital services (water and air filtration, climate stabilization, food supply, erosion and flood control) that can not be easily or inexpensively replicated. Special emphasis will be placed on climate and land use change, the mechanization of agriculture, and invasive species. We will use these topics as springboards to explore the utility of the scientific method, the role science can play in policy decisions, and the environmental challenges that face industrial society over the coming century.
Instructor: S. Porder
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ENVS 1410 – Environmental Law and Policy
T, Th 2:30-3:50
Examines the formation and implementation of environmental policy in the United States, including the contributions of law, economics, science, and politics. Detailed understanding of the policy-making process-including market-enlisting and other regulatory strategies, the role of agencies, environmental justice, risk analysis, and new decision-making paradigms-is developed through lectures, class discussion, and small group exercises that focus on contemporary environmental problems and provide hands-on policy making experience.
Instructor: C. Karp
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ENVS 1455 – Marine Conservation Science and Policy
T-Th 1-2:20
Students will develop an interdisciplinary understanding of ocean ecosystems and how human communities are connected to them socially, economically, and ecologically. Integration of the scientific and human dimensions of marine conservation will be achieved through analysis of the current status, trends, and threats to ocean ecosystems; the range of individual-based and institutional solutions to mediate these threats; and case studies. Suggested prerequisites include ENVS 0110 or equivalent, or ENVS 0455, or ENVS 0490, or BIOL 0420 or written permission of the instructor. Participating students -- primarily advanced juniors, seniors and graduate students -- are expected to have background in at least one related field (e.g., biology, geosciences, sociology, economics, or political science) beyond the intermediate level.
Instructor: H. Leslie
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ENVS 1460 - Microbial Diversity and the Environment
M, W 3-4:20
This is a lecture and discussion based course that focuses on the role of microbes in biological, geological, and environmental processes. This includes: introductory concepts, origins of life, bacterial evolution, role in climate change, metabolic diversity of biogeochemical cycles, microbial communities and interactions, habitat specific examples, and applications in the environment and human health. Recommended background courses: BIOL 0200, CHEM 0330 and an intermediate science course (e.g., BIOL 0280, GEOL 0240, or ENVS 0490).
Instructor: J. Rich
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ENVS 1720 - Environmental Justice: The Science and Political Economy of Environmental Health and Social Justice
M 3-5:20
Provides an overview of environmental justice history, theory and definitions. Students will review quantitative, qualitative, and theoretical approaches for understanding the origins and persistence of environmental discrimination. Examines the regulatory, institutional, structural, political, and economic forces that underlie patterns of race and class-based discrimination and their implications for environmental health among diverse communities. Case examples of environmental justice organizing will inform students of positive efforts by people of color in protecting their communities.
Instructor: D. Quigley
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ENVS 1920 - Analysis and Resolution of Environmental Problems
T-Th 9-10:20
A hands-on workshop course in which students work in teams on applied projects addressing complex environmental issues at the local, state, national or global levels. Students work with community groups, government agencies and firms to form research questions, design and conduct studies, and to disseminate results. Potential topics include urban adaptation to climate change, hazardous facility siting and cleanup, land use and watershed protection, wetlands protection, and justice elements of energy and climate policy. Required for ES concentrators in Junior year. Prerequisite: ENVS 0110. Enrollment limited to Juniors and Seniors or by permission of instructor.
Instructor: T. Roberts