A fundamental understanding of ethical issues in conducting research. All environmental studies majors are required to take Environmental Studies 496 - Environmental Studies Seminar, which is offered each spring semester. As part of the course requirements, students will attend seminars presented by environmental professionals chosen by the environmental studies faculty as outstanding in their field of expertise. Additionally, selections are made to include representatives from a variety of fields, both within and outside academia. Seminar students, working with their emphasis advisers, write papers for each seminar that includes a synopsis nd evaluation as well as a review of literature on the subject in an effort to place the seminar topic in a relevant context.
Students meet with their emphasis advisers throughout the semester to discuss the seminars.
Grades are based on the student's papers and participation. The general learning objectives will be discussed with the seminar students at the beginning of the semester. They will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge or ability with respect to each of the objectives in their seminar papers. While all of the objectives may not be demonstrated in every paper, they are broad enough, while also being sufficiently specific, that over the course of the semester, students should be able to demonstrate their understanding of each. For example, with respect to environmental policy and ethics, even if the seminar speakers never mention them, students should be able to relate the seminar subjects to these issues.