Environmental Studies

An introduction to environmental science and scientific methodology using the environment as the system of study. The goals are to help the student develop a better understanding of the environment, gain insight into human-caused problems found in nature, explore the relationships of humanity with the environment, and provide practical experience in performing scientific measurements and experiments.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Does not count toward a biology major.

This course is an introduction to using the sociological perspective as a method of social inquiry. Students explore such basic concepts as culture, socialization, social structure, social interaction, and social change. They study and apply the theories and research methodologies used to investigate human social interaction. These concepts are applied to social topics such as race, class, gender, family, crime, population, environment, and others.
(Normally offered each semester.)

This course introduces students to the sociological perspectives as a framework for undertanding human behavior and society. Through this lens, students examine core concepts such as culture, socialization, social structire, social interaction and social change. The course emphasizes critical thinking and writing about sociological theories and research methods used to study social life. Students apply these ideas to contemporary issues, including race, class, gender, family, crime, medicine, religion and the environment, developing a deeper understanding of how individual experiences are shaped by broader social forces.

This course explores environmental issues through a sociological lens, emphasizing environmental justice and institutional responses. Students will analyze case studies, lead discussions, and develop an environmental ethic that connects personal values to social and environmental change.

Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology

An introduction to the interaction of life with the environment at the molecular, organismal through ecosystem levels, highlighting the major factors influencing evolutionary change. Topics include genetic and phenotypic variation, natural selection, adaptation, speciation, symbiosis and populations dynamics especially in light of human interference, and ecosystem structure and function. Where possible, principles of evolution and ecology will be integrated.
Three lectures per week.
One 3-hour lab per week, including field, laboratory and greenhouse work.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I , and CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II or CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .
(Normally offered each semester.)

A course devoted to exploring issues related to biological diversity, including how biodiversity is measured, where it is found, its value, threats to it, and measure taken at the population and species level to conserve it. The course includes examining links between conservation and economics, law, and the social sciences. Case studies and discussions of local and global topics will encourage students to understand the varied threats to global biodiversity and the principles necessary to overcome them.
Three lectures/discussions per week.
One 3-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400FYW Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology and BIO 2300 Ecology and Evolution and sophomore standing or instructor permission.
(Normally offered alternate springs.)
Note: Environmental Studies Minors are encouraged to register; please contact the instructor.

A study of environmental history focusing primarily on the United States and including Canada and Mexico as they involve border environmental conflicts. Emphasis will be placed on environmental philosophy, ethnic minorities, power and politics, regionalism, industrialism, gender, and literature. Course format will be lecture, class discussions based on assigned readings from assigned texts, as well as supplemental sources, reports, videos, and field trips.

A survey of geology and geophysics. Topics include characteristics of minerals and rocks, plate tectonics, Earth's interior, Earth history and time scales, surface processes, and ocean processes.
Three lectures per week.
One laboratory per week.
Prerequisite(s): One year of high school algebra or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)

A course covering some of the most critical problems facing the world today - those relating to the production, distribution, and use of energy. The basic concepts of heat, work, electricity and energy as they apply to energy use around the world will be studied. The major source of energy, their value and importance, the historical and future demand for energy and the specific environmental problems and benefits encountered will be identified.
Three lectures and one laboratory per week.
Prerequisite(s): One year of high school algebra or permission of instructor.
(Normally offered alternate fall semesters.)

This course introduces students to the core tools and techniques used to analyze political systems and public policy through a data-driven approach. Students will learn to apply research methods, policy analysis frameworks, and statistical tools to real-world political and policy challenges. With a strong emphasis on applied data analysis, the course equips students with the skills to collect, clean, visualize, and interpret data using modern software and analytical techniques. Designed as a foundational course, it is ideal for students interested in political science, public policy, data analysis, or evidence-based decision-making.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)

This seminar dives into the dynamic intersection of environmental and American politics, uncovering how U.S. policies shape global environmental outcomes. From tackling climate change and food insecurity to protecting biodiversity, we'll explore the urgent challenges that demand action both at home and abroad. With a focus on the power and influence of U.S. leadership, this course equips you with analytical tools to evaluate key issues and solutions. Together, we'll examine the roles of government agencies, businesses, NGOs, and international organizations in shaping the future of our planet.

This course examines the demographic and social dynamics of population size, composition, and distribution. It addresses the relationships among population, human health, development and the environment. Strong cross-cultural emphasis. A major focus is the development of a semester research paper contrasting the status of the Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals, environmental status, and health in a more- and less- developed country.

This course examines the processes of social change from a sociological perspective. In particular, it looks at the origins, dynamics, and consequences of protests and social movements such as the labor movement, civil rights, feminism, disability rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental movements. Social movements emphasized vary with instructor.

This course identifies and explores issues involved in the interaction between humans and the environment. Students are introduced to social impact assessment as a means for identifying the ways resource exploitation leads to both the development and decline of communities. Food production is used to illustrate these impacts because it plays a significant role in community organization, human survival, and environmental resilience.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology or SOC 2530 Population and Environment. 
(Normally offered alternate years.)