ES 101 - Introduction to Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary field, therefore this course will examine environmental issues from the perspectives of the humanities, social sciences, and the natural sciences. Environmental problems require solutions that involve sound science, workable public policy, viable and ethical economic strategies. The humanities have a strong role to play here, as well. An important function of art, of literature in general, and in poetry, is to remake and renew the world, to give us new ways to approach the world, to lift us out of the morass of old ways of perceiving and acting that are or have become backward and destructive. In this course, you will learn to critically assess the impacts of human actions on the environment, to understand the methods and value of interdisciplinary study, and will develop the vocabulary and awareness necessary to understand and evaluate current environmental conflicts. As part of the course, you will also examine your own lifestyle choices and become aware of your impacts on the local, national, and global environments.

Full course
Laboratory Fee: yes
Liberal Studies Curriculum: Processes of Scientific Reasoning and Global Issues that Impact the Common Good