Environmental Studies Curriculum offered at ACS Member Institutions

Birmingham Southern College
Centenary College
Centre College
Davidson College
Furman University
Hendrix College
Millsaps College
Morehouse College
Rhodes College
Rollins College
Southwestern University
Spelman College
Trinity University
University of Richmond
University of the South
Washington and Lee University

For further information, contact:

Jeanne Jackson
Director of Leadership Studies
Birmingham-Southern College
900 Arkadelphia Rd.
Birmingham, AL 35254
205-226-4697
jjackson@bsc.edu

Website: http://www.bsc.edu/academics/env-studies/index.htm

Program Description:

The minor in environmental studies is an interdisciplinary program linked to a disciplinary major. The program is designed to broaden an understanding of both environmental science and policy. The program examines scientific, economic, political, cultural, and ethical concepts regarding the complex relationships between the natural world and the human-modified world in order to ensure a sustainable society for future generations. Students will be prepared for careers in the public and private sectors or graduate studies. The student's major field of study develops the disciplinary skills of inquiry and analysis, and the minor complements the major by providing the integration of approaches to address environmental issues.

The set of courses required in the minor comprises the essential components of an interdisciplinary Environmental Studies program. In addition to these courses, students are encouraged to apply knowledge learned in other courses to the examination of environmental issues. In particular, further study in the natural sciences, in chemistry, field biology, or physics, and in economics, specifically microeconomic theory and applications, would provide greater depth to the knowledge acquired in the environmental studies minor.

The faculties of the disciplines listed in the environmental studies minor (BI, EC, PL, PS, and PY) have agreed that the courses shown below, which are parts of their respective majors, may also be counted for the minor.

The following interdisciplinary core of courses is required:

• ES 150 Introduction to Environmental Studies (see below)
• BI 311 General Ecology
• EC 440 Economics of Natural Resources and the Environment
• PL 307 Environmental Ethics
• PS 250 The Public Policy Process or PY 220 Environment and Behavior
• Senior Capstone Experience (see below)

ES 150 Introduction to Environmental Studies (1)
An interdisciplinary introduction to the complexities of environmental problems. The course provides an overview of scientific knowledge on ecology and environmental management and examines political, economic, and ethical issues involved in the attainment of a sustainable future. The course explores how an understanding of the natural and social sciences is necessary to address and solve environmental problems. Selected topics, including population growth, food shortages, pollution containment, and energy resources, are addressed. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. The course is a required course in the environmental studies minor (a laboratory sciences general education course). Spring.

Additional courses recommended for the environmental studies minor:

• BI 206 Field Botany
• BI 322 Field Zoology
• BI 414 Conservation Biology
• CH 101 Introductory Chemistry
• CS 170 Introduction to Computing
• EC 202 Principles of Economics III.

Furman University
Environmental Studies Concentration

For further information, contact:

Dr. Brannon Andersen
Department of Earth and Environmental Science
Furman University
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
864/294-3366
brannon.andersen@furman.edu

Purpose:
Many of the problems that will face humanity in the 21st century will be environmental. The expanding human population and dwindling supplies of oil, water, and arable land may destabilize economic, political, and social institutions. Many courses in our curriculum address these environmental issues from different disciplinary perspectives. However, students fail to appreciate the connection between these courses because they are offered by so many different departments. As such, we constructed a Concentration in Environmental Studies in order to:

• Advertise relevant courses and encourage interested students to take courses that are outside their major. These courses have significant environmental content or provide important context for dealing with environmental issues.
  
  
• Organize these courses into a program that will teach participating students how the Earth functions as a system and supports life; how the growing human population is transforming this Earth system; the complex relationships that exist between culture (social, political, religious, and economic systems) and the environment; and that solutions are constructed in this social context.
  
  
• Provide a capstone experience where students will see the interdisciplinary nature of environmental problem-solving, and will team-up and bring their particular skills together to address environmental issues.

This is not an Environmental Science major. (The EES Department offers a major in Environmental Science, and the Chemistry Department has an ACS-approved track in Environmental Chemistry.) Nor is this concentration adequate preparation, by itself, for graduate study in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies. This program is designed to broaden a student’s perspective so that they understand the complexities of environmental problems and solutions.

Description and Course Requirements:

• Each student must take EES 21: Environmental Science. This will provide all students with a common foundation. There are no prerequisites for this entry-level, GER course. It is appropriate for science and non-science majors. Students will be encouraged to take this course as soon as they identify themselves to the Director of the Concentration (Dr. Worthen of the Biology Department). In the first two years of the program, this requirement can be waived for upperclassmen if they have already taken their Natural Science GER’s and have already taken a different Natural Science course that fulfills the requirement of the concentration.
  
  
• Each student must take one course from each of the three divisions listed below. This will encourage students to appreciate the multifaceted nature of environmental issues. Two courses must be above the entry level. Only one course from the major can be applied towards the concentration.

• Each student must take IDS 55: Environment and Society. This course can be taken at any time during the completion of the concentration.

Students who participate in the Chile international travel program must then take one course outside their major and IDS55 to complete the concentration.

(back to top)

For further information, contact:

Carol Ekstrom
Associate Professor of Geology
Rhodes College
2000 North Parkway
Memphis, TN 38112
901/843-3089
cekstrom@rhodes.edu

Program Description:

Rhodes has an environmental minor entitled "Earth System Science" minor. The minor provides an opportunity to study the earth and planetary systems on a variety of spatial and temporal scales.  Viewing the earth as the interaction of subsystems (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere) gives a contextual framework for the study of environmental issues. A systems modeling approach is used in the core course "Global Change" and GIS is being introduced into the core course "Earth System Science".

The minor consists of three core courses (10 credit hours):

• Physics 103 -Global Change
• Geology 111-111L- Intro to Earth System Science
• A Statistics course

10 credit hours selected from the following courses:

• The Environment and Earth System Science
• Evolution of the Earth
• Astronomy
• Ecology
• Coral Reef Ecology- Past and Present
• Internship in Geology

Rollins College
Environmental Studies Major/Minor

For further information, contact:

Dr. Barry Allen (Chair)
Rollins College
Department of Environmental Studies
1000 Holt Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789
407/646-2647
barry.allen@rollins.edu

Program Description:

The interdisciplinary environmental studies major examines natural and cultural systems from many viewpoints: scientific, economic, ethical, historical, political, and sociological. Students study the uses and protection of resources essential for economic development and public well being.

The curriculum provides a foundation of knowledge that enables students to analyze and recommend actions on environmental issues, problems, and opportunities. It also offers preparation for an environmental career; broad background in several related areas of study or concentration in a particular discipline; and a basis for graduate study.  Since Florida has been at the forefront of environmental issues in recent years and has pio-neered solutions, environmental studies majors at Rollins have a distinctive advantage. Courses involve students in real environmental problems through field experiences and guest lectures.

Students may major in one of three tracks: culture and the environment, environmental policy, or science; or they may minor in environmental studies.

Major Requirements:

Culture and Environmental Policy Tracks
Sixteen (16) courses are required for each track: eight (8) core courses and eight (8) electives.

Core Courses:

• ENV 120 The Biosphere with Lab
• ENV 130 The Geosphere with Lab
• ENV 189 The Environmental Crisis in its Cultural Context
• ENV 216 Ecology with Lab or  BIO 316 Ecology with Lab
• ENV 220 Field Botany or BIO 234 Plant Kingdom or ENV 225 Introduction to Field Studies: Natural Habitats of Central Florida
• ENV 280 American Environmental History
• ENV 389 Environmental Planning
• ENV 413 Senior Seminar in Environmental Issues

Core Courses:

• BIO 120 General Biology I
• BIO 121 General Biology II
• BIO 316 Ecology
• CHM 120 General Chemistry I
• CHM 121 General Chemistry II
• ENV 189 The Environmental Crisis in its Cultural Context
• ENV 220 Field Botany or BIO 324 Plant Kingdom or ENV 225 Introduction to Field Studies: Natural Habitats of Central Florida
• ENV 389 Environmental Planning
• ENV 413 Senior Seminar in Environmental Issues

Minor Requirements:

Nine (9) courses are required: the following six (6) courses and three (3) electives in environ-mental studies, two (2) of which must be at the 300 level or above:

• ENV 120 The Biosphere with Lab
• ENV 130 The Geosphere with Lab
• ENV 189 The Environmental Crisis in its Cultural Context
• ENV 216 Ecology with Lab
• ENV 280 American Environmental History
• ENV 389 Environmental Planning

For further information, contact:

Dr. Emily Niemeyer
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Southwestern University
340 Fondren-Jones Science Hall
Georgetown, TX 78627
512/863-1721
neimeyee@southwestern.edu

Website:
http://www.southwestern.edu/academic/environmental-studies/

Program Description:

Major
Students may choose between two tracks in the Environmental Studies major (both of which lead to the B.A. degree). The major consists of a total of at least 30 hours.

Minor
A minor in Environmental Studies consists of 18 hours selected from the two tracks with 12 hours above the 100 level. A minimum of six hours must come from each track. Students must also include the Introduction to Environmental Studies seminar and Environmental Science (BIO 50-143) in the 18 hour program (see #3 listed below).

1. General Education Requirements Common to All Foundation Courses (all required for first-year students): 35 hrs

The Environmental Studies Committee suggested selecting from the following POK courses:

A. American & Western Cultural Heritage  (one course, 3 hrs)

• ECO 31-623 History of Modern Economic Thought
• HIS 16-103/113 U.S. History to 1877/since 1877
• PSC 32-113 American Politics

• ANT 35-103 Introduction to Anthropology
• ANT 35-113 Peoples and Places: World Regional Geography
• ECO 31-443 Economic Development
• HIS 16-013/023 World Civilizations I/II

• Any introductory level (100)

• PHI 18-103 Introduction to Ethics
• PHI 18-273 Biomedical Ethics

Physical Science (one course, 4 hrs)

• CHE 51-151/153/161/163 Chemical Concepts/Properties I/II
• PHY 53-104 Introductory Physics
• PHY 53-114/124 Introduction to Physics I & II

• BIO 50-102/112/122/132 First Year Biology

• ECO 31-013 Principles of Macroeconomics
• PSC 32-503 Texas Politics

Religion (Upper Level - REL 19-213 Religion & Ecology), 3 hrs
Language through sophomore level, 14 hrs
Fitness & Recreational Activity, 2 hrs

• ENST 49-101 Intro to Environmental Studies (seminar)*, 1 hr
• BIO 50-143  Environmental Science, 3 hrs
• ENST 49-953/943 Research/Internship, 3 hrs
• MAT 52-213  Introduction to Statistics (listed above)
• ENST 49-561 Capstone *,   1 hr

4. Society and Environment Track
Select at least five courses from those listed below and at least two (for a minimum of 7 credit hours) from the Science and Environment Track

• ANT 35-343     Topics in Ecological Anthropology
• ECO 31-323     Environmental Economics
• ECO 31-443     Economic Development
• HIS 16-773      US Environmental History
• HIS 50-873      Green History of the World
• PSC 32-553     Law and Politics
• PSC 32-583     Public Policy
• REL 19-213      Religion and Ecology
• SOC 34-283     Demography: World Population Geography

• BIO 50-153     Native Plants of Texas
• BIO 50-224     Botany
• BIO 50-234     Ecology (required)
• BIO 50-284     Natural History of the Vertebrates
• BIO 50-333     Evolution
• BIO 50-374     Animal Behavior
• CHEM 51-613 Environmental Chemistry (required)
• CHEM 51-551/553 Organic Chemistry and Lab (required)
• MAT 52-373 Mathematical Modeling

(back to top)

Spelman College

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES MINOR

Goals
The Environmental Science and Studies Program recognizes the global changes and response towards a more sustainable environment. The Program seeks to create a learning environment in which our students can better understand these changes through an interdisciplinary curriculum that has the capacity to add and infuse associated policies and socioeconomic issues. The Environmental Studies minor is designed to respond to this requirement.

Major Requirements
Six course minimum requirement

Core courses (2 Courses)
• ES 211 Introduction to Environmental Sciences (described above)
• PSC 320 Environmental Policy and Politics.

The course descriptions are as follows:

Electives (3 Courses)
Students will be able to take courses in any of the following areas:

• Social Science/Humanities dimensions of environmental issues
• Natural Science dimensions of environmental issues
• The use of information technology in exploring environmental issues
• ART 131 Sculpture I (4)
• ANTH 203 Introduction to Anthropology (4)
• ANTH 322 Urban Anthropology (4)
• ANTH 430 Special Topic: Food and Culture (4)
• BIO/ES 314 Environmental Biology (4)
• CIS/ES 437 Computer Simulation (4)
• ECON 324 Economic Development of Emerging Nations (4)
• ES 225 Ecology (4)
• ES 384 Industrial Ecology (4)
• ES/CHEM 411 Toxicology (4)
• MATH 470 Special Topic: Environmental Statistics Practicum (2)
• PHI 295 Biomedical Ethics (4)
• PSC 480 Seminar in International Studies, Special Topic: The Politics of Global Environment
• SOC 352 Urban Sociology (4)
• SOC 402 Medical Sociology (4)

Capstone Experience
(One 4 credit hour Course)
The Capstone Experience may be a 4-hour Independent Study/Research course, field research, or an approved seminar.

Website:
http://www.spelman.edu/academics/catalog/catalogcurrent/environmentalscience.html

Trinity University
Environmental Studies Minor

For further information, contact:

Dr. Richard Reed
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
(210) 999-832
rreed@trinity.edu

Website: http://www.trinity.edu/departments/public_relations/Academic/fact_sheets/envir_studies.htm

Program Description:

The Environmental Studies minor is an interdisciplinary study of the Earth's environment and human interaction with that environment. The required courses address environmental issues from natural science, economic, and socio-cultural perspectives.

Given the breadth of this minor, a significant overlap with a student's choice of Common Curriculum courses is both expected and encouraged. To that end, courses, which fulfill an understanding, are indicated in the following lists.

Requirements for the minor are as follows:

1. Required lower division courses

• ANTH 1301 Introduction to Anthropology (World Cultures)
• BIOL 1318 Evolution, Ecology and the Diversity of Life (Natural Science)
• ECON 1311 Principles of Microeconomics (Social Science)
• GEOS 1304 Environmental Geology: Humans and Their Physical Environment (Natural Science)

• ECON / URBS 3330 Economics and the Environment (Interdisciplinary)
• GEOS 3330  Oceanography (Natural Science)

• GNED 1306  Energy and Society (Natural Science)
• PHYS  1303 The Earth's Changing Environment (Natural Science)
• BIOL    3434 Ecology
• CHEM 2319, 2119 Organic Chemistry (Natural Science)
• GEOS 3311  Hydrology
• GEOS 3403 Geomorphology

• ANTH 2357 Humans and the Environment
• ANTH 3367 South American Indigenous Peoples: Conquest and Development
• ANTH 3364 Economic Anthropology
• ENGL 4325 Seminar in American Nature Writing
• HIST 4330 Seminar in United States History
• PLS13346 Geography and World Politics
• URBS 3347 Urban Systems (Major Institutions)

The University of the South
Environmental Studies Major/Minor

For further information, contact:

Dr. Robin Gottfried
University of the South
735 University Ave
Sewanee, TN 37375
Phone: (931) 598-1420
Fax: (931) 598-1145
rogottfri@sewanee.edu

Program Description:
Three majors and a minor are offered in the Environmental Studies Program. The three majors include Environmental Policy, Ecology and Biodiversity, and Natural Resources and the Environment. There are eleven required courses for each of the majors, including a senior capstone course. The minor in Environmental Studies consists of six courses taken from the approved Environmental Studies course list. The minor requires EnSt 200 (Introduction to Environmental Studies), two social science/policy courses (from the approved list), two science courses (from the appproved list), and an additional sixth course of their choosing (from the approved list).

Academic Requirements for Environmental Studies Majors:

Environmental Policy Major
(An interdisciplinary major designed to examine important environmental issues and the political, social, and biological ramifications of environmental policy.)

11 Courses Required

Recommended courses:

• ECON 201 Quant.Methods or Math 204 Statistics
• ECON 305 Microeconomics

Ecology and Biodiversity Major
(An interdisciplinary major that integrates coursework in biology, ecology, and evolution with other environmental disciplines.)

11 Courses Required

Recommended courses (outside the major):

BS track*

• Math 101 or 102, and 204 (Statistics )
• Chem 101, 102, 104 or 111
• One additional science lab course (outside of Biology) from catalog list

*Note: need 4 sci/math courses outside the major for BS

Natural Resources and the Environment Major
(An interdisciplinary major that integrates coursework in forest ecosystems and geology with other environmental topics.)

11 Courses Required

Recommended courses (outside the major):

BS track*

• Math 204 Statistics
• CHEM 101, 102, 104 or 111
• Two science courses (not FORS/GEOL classes) from catalog list

*Note: need 4 sci/math courses outside the major for BS

 The Capstone Experience:
Acceptable capstone experiences include:
 

1. An interdisciplinary capstone seminar with an environmental focus offered by an existing department, provided that the student significantly involves faculty from at least one other department as part of the Seminar final project and provided that the student's presentation of the seminar project be in a forum open to all Environmental Studies Faculty. Currently, only the Natural Resources Seminar [Forestry 432 or Geology 432] meets this description.

2. The Environmental Studies Capstone Seminar.

3.  The Costa Rica Program.

4.  The Island Ecology Program, along with successful completion of a policy-oriented paper related to the program that is publicly presented. Preparation of this paper must be supervised by a humanities or social science faculty member.

5. An interdisciplinary environmentally-focused research project involving Environmental Studies Faculty from at least two different departments. Results are to be publicly presented. (This option is allowed only with the permission of the Chair.)
 

1. The course description for this seminar is not yet ready for faculty consideration. The Seminar will combine readings that integrate environmental studies at a level appropriate for advanced undergraduates along with a major research project that will be presented to the Seminar.  It is assumed that the Seminar will feature a number of guest lecturers from the College's science, humanities, and social science faculty.

2. This course normally will be offered once a year and will be taught by the program's Chair.  The seminar will count as one of the Chair's normal courses.

Website

Program Description:
To Complete the Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Course Sequence:

1. Intr 110: Introduction to Environmental Studies
2. Geo 100 or 101: General Geology
3. Geo 150: Water Resources
4. Phil 108: Environmental Ethics
5. Phil 260: Philosophy of Nature
6. Econ 101: Microeconomics; OR Pol 100: American National Government
7. Pol 233: Environmental Policy
8. Intr 397: Senior Seminar in Environmental Studies

***Upon completion of this sequence, students receive a notation on their transcripts that they have completed the environmental studies program.

***All the courses listed above, with the exception of Intr 397 fulfill various general education requirements.

***Certain other courses (particularly those, which are offered as one-time "special topics" courses) may, with approval of the environmental studies committee, substitute for one of the courses above.

A Partial List of Other Courses Related to Environmental Studies.

• Biology 245: General Ecology
• Geology 141: Global Climate Change
• Geology 146: Geology of Natural Resources
• Chemistry 110: Chemistry of the Earth
• Physics 110: Energy and The Environment
• English 380: American Environmental Writing
• Economics 120: Economics, Ecology and Resource Conservation
• Economics 399: Special Topics, "Resource and Environmental Economics"
• Economics 399: Special Topics, "Economic Growth, Carrying Capacity and the Environment"