This overview of environmental issues emphasizes their human dimension. Its primary objective is to help students become more ecologically literate, able to think critically about environmental issues, to know how to find and evaluate information on them, and to understand their historical, social, and political dimensions. While the class addresses some scientific aspects of the environment, it focuses on how history, literature, and the social sciences contribute to our understanding of environmental concerns. Students are encouraged to challenge and question the lecturers. Weekly discussion sections permit exploration of environmental issues, attitudes, and possible solutions.
Students complete several assignments and a group project.
The written work includes critical analyses of lectures and related articles. The course requires a high level of student participation and initiative. Energy, Entropy, and Environment. Two and one-half years of high school mathematics, or any college course in mathematics or natural science. Humans and the Natural World.