For one class this semester, Kyle McCarter, a professor of Near Eastern studies, interpreted the Book of Genesis to explain the Judeo-Christian origins for contemporary discussions of the environment. During another, paleobiologist Steven Stanley traced the history of biodiversity, and noted how the value humans place on species can impact and often disrupt ecosystems. Among the other lecturers weighing in on the topic this semester are historians Ronald Walters and Stuart Leslie, geographers Gordon Wolman and David Harvey, economist Ali Khan, sociologist Andrew Cherlin and environmental engineers John Boland and Charles ReVelle. You dig a little deeper in this class, questioning the morals and ethics involved. I'm not used to that.
Most environmental courses begin with 'protect the environment' as a given.
Dr. ReVelle said. By exploring the philosophic, mythic, historic, biologic, economic and social underpinnings of the environmental imperative, the course has generated a fruitful dialogue that would not have been possible had this multifaceted collaboration not taken place. Especially during the last class, a forum when all of the faculty members get together and the students ask questions. It is wonderful how our answers get modulated and nuanced. Dr. ReVelle said that the course came to life following informal discussions involving him, Dr. Wolman, Dr. Walters and political scientist Matthew Crenson.