This is an archived copy of the 2014-2015 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.wofford.edu.

Environmental Studies (ENVS)

  • Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary major in which students may earn a BA or BS degree depending on how the general education natural science requirement is satisfied.

Chair

Kaye S. Savage

Professors

Peter K. Brewitt
Terry A Ferguson
John E. Lane

Requirements for the Major in Environmental Studies

A student must complete the seven core Environmental Studies requirements (below), select and fulfill the requirements for a BA or BS track, and complete an individualized focus of ENVS study for a total of 29-40 semester hours depending on the student’s track and ENVS focus.

Prerequisite Courses
Bachelor of Arts Track: None
Bachelor of Science Track
Select one of the following:
Modeling & Simulation
Modeling & Simulation
Quantitative Environmental Methods & Models (with lab)
Requirements for the Major
ENVS 101Introductory Seminar in Environmental Studies (with lab)4
ENVS 201Introduction to Environmental Social Science3
ENVS 202Introduction to Environmental Humanities3
ENVS 203Introduction to Environmental Science (with lab)4
ENVS 348Developing the Capstone Proposal1
ENVS 449Senior Capstone Project3
ENVS 450Environmental Studies Senior Seminar3
ENVS Focus Courses 19
Total Hours30
1

Focus courses consists of three courses chosen on an individual basis from an approved list that emphasize environmental issues. The student's particular area of fous must be approved by the interdepartmental oversight committee.  Students should work in close consultation with their academic adviser.  Two of the three focus courses must be at the 300-level or higher

ENVS Focus Courses

ARTS 357Shaping Space: Environmental Art & Installation3
BIO 313Plant & Ecosysytems (lab optional)4
BIO 322Biology of the Vertebrates3
BIO 370Field Biology (with lab)4
BIO 372Field Botany (with lab)4
BIO 374Living Mammals of the World3
BIO 382Ecology (with lab)4
BIO 383Ecotoxicology3
BIO 385Marine Biology3
BIO 386Freshwater Biology (with lab)4
BIO 399Evolution3
BIO 497Case Studies in Environmental Issues3
BUS 350Business and the Environment: The Sustainable Enterprise3
ECO 333Environmental Economics3
ECO 334Economics of Property Rights3
ECO 336Economics of Native Americans3
ECO 338Water: Law, Economics and Policy3
ENVS 240Quantitative Environmental Methods & Models (with lab)4
ENVS 326Introduction to Environmental and Nature Writing3
ENVS 327Major Themes in Environmental Writing3
ENVS 330Art & Earth: Materials, Processes, and Perceptions (with lab)4
ENVS 332Hydrology & Water Resources (with lab)4
ENVS 333Environmental Geology (with lab)4
ENVS 336Climate Change (with lab)4
ENVS 400Regional Environmental Problems (with lab)4
GEOG 201Introduction to Geography3
GEOG 280Selected Topics in Geography1 to 4
GEOG 480Advanced Topics in Geography1 to 4
GOV 382Global Issues3
GOV 423NGOs in World Politics3
HIST 317The American Frontier3
HIST 386History of Science3
HUM 475Independent Study in Interdisciplinary Learning Communities3
PHIL 215Environmental Ethics3
PHIL 223Philosophy of Science3
PHIL 225Science and Religion3
PSY 300Learning & Adaptive Behavior (with lab)4
SOC 225Human Ecology3
SOC 302Environmental Sociology3
SOC 311Ecological Anthropology3
SOC 314Prehistory and History of Native American Culture in the Southeast3

Requirements for the Minor

ENVS 101Introductory Seminar in Environmental Studies (with lab)4
ENVS 201Introduction to Environmental Social Science3
ENVS 202Introduction to Environmental Humanities3
ENVS 203Introduction to Environmental Science (with lab)4
ENVS 450Environmental Studies Senior Seminar3
Total Hours17

Environmental Studies

ENVS 101. Introductory Seminar in Environmental Studies (with lab). 4 Hours.

This foundational seminar introduces students to interdisciplinary approaches in contemporary environmental issues. The seminar considers key environmental issues, bringing cultural, scientific, historical, political, social, and economic perspectives to bear on each. The course is arranged thematically, with units on topics such as tropical deforestation, global warming, energy use, and resource depletion. This course will also investigate local environmental issues, study relevant scientific findings, explore the interactions of human communities with non-human nature, and probe the ecological, cultural, and ethical implications of these interactions.


ENVS 150. Introduction to Earth System Science (with lab). 4 Hours.

Students will develop knowledge of Earth system components -- atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and exosphere -- with emphasis on their connections and interactions. They will use and integrate approaches of disciplinary sciences and mathematics to investigate physical and behavioral properties of Earth system components, as well as considering the human and social context (anthroposphere) in which environmental problems develop as the system is stressed. Students will develop skills in observation, investigation, analysis, team interaction and communication through field and laboratory experiences.


ENVS 151. Analyzing & Modeling Earth Systems (with lab). 4 Hours.

Students will build on knowledge of Earth systems acquired in ENVS 150 by continuing to focus on how different earth systems (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere) interact to create the environments in which we live and the ways people affect and are affected by these environmental systems. This course will explore four contemporary environmental issues: Peak oil and the viability and sustainability of alternative energy solutions; surface water pollution and protection; causes and effects of climate change; and over population and the limits to growth. Students will also complete a team-based research project.

Prerequisite: ENVS 150 with a minimum grade of D.


ENVS 201. Introduction to Environmental Social Science. 3 Hours.

Environmental Social Science is an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural investigation into the impact of society on the environment and the environment's impact on society. The class will be organized around case studies from Asia, Oceania, Africa, Europe and the Americas. It will look at local, national and international environmental issues ranging from the ecological toll of regional industries and agricultural practices to the environmental costs of economic globalization, from water pollution and soil depletion in communities to global warming.


ENVS 202. Introduction to Environmental Humanities. 3 Hours.

This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary study of environmental issues in the humanities, including philosophy, art history, literature, film, history and religion. Through the study of the ways in which the environment is represented in literature, art, and film, we will attempt to understand the central role that human environmental perceptions have played and continue to play in creation of both sustainable and unsustainable relations with nature.


ENVS 203. Introduction to Environmental Science (with lab). 4 Hours.

This course will be an introduction to the application of the scientific method to the study of the environment. It will focus on the interdependence of ecological systems, the sources of energy and cycles of resources in a variety of environments, and the forces affecting environmental change.

Prerequisite: ENVS 101 with a minimum grade of D.


ENVS 240. Quantitative Environmental Methods & Models (with lab). 4 Hours.

Students will develop quantitative and environmental literacy by analyzing real-world environmental situations and problems with the use of mathematics and statistics accessible to students with an intermediate algebra background. Students will learn how to use dynamic systems and geographical information systems to model and understand natural and social processes relevant to environmental issues and policy decisions.

Prerequisite: ENVS 101 with a minimum grade of D.


ENVS 280. Selected Topics in Environmental Studies. 1 to 4 Hours.

Selected topics in Environmental Studies at the introductory or intermediate level.


ENVS 326. Introduction to Environmental and Nature Writing. 3 Hours.

Serves as an introduction to the canon of American environmental/nature writing and will also develop in beginning students the practice of reflective writing. The course will introduce a familiarity with common themes, motifs, and characteristics of the genre. Readings will include short excerpts and a detailed study of a book-length work of environmental/nature writing.

Prerequisite: ENVS 101 with a minimum grade of D.


ENVS 327. Major Themes in Environmental Writing. 3 Hours.

This course examines major themes/metaphors (such as ecology, holiness, food chains etc.) in full texts from the important texts in the tradition of environmental writing.


ENVS 330. Art & Earth: Materials, Processes, and Perceptions (with lab). 4 Hours.

Students will learn about geological and botanical origins of art materials through lecture, experimentation, and field experiences. Perceptions of nature will be addressed through review of artistic works. Students will present an artistic work of their own in a public forum.

Prerequisite: ENVS 203 with a minimum grade of D.


ENVS 332. Hydrology & Water Resources (with lab). 4 Hours.

A survey of water resource sciences including introductions to surface water (hydrology), ground water (hydrogeology), aquatic chemistry, and fresh water ecology. Use of quantitative models to describe and predict surface and ground water flow. Field and laboratory investigation of water distribution and quality.


ENVS 333. Environmental Geology (with lab). 4 Hours.

The application of geological principles to understanding and solving problems associated with environment. Major environmental problems are associated with humankind's relationships with mineral and energy resources, water resources and geologic hazards. Laboratories will focus on small-scale research projects and field investigations.

Prerequisite: ENVS 203 with a minimum grade of D.


ENVS 336. Climate Change (with lab). 4 Hours.

Climate change examines the past, present, and future from an earth systems perspective. The scientific evidence of climate change will be examined along with dynamic models of climate systems. Scientific predictions of climate change will also be examined in addition to social, political, and economic perspectives on global warming.


ENVS 348. Developing the Capstone Proposal. 1 Hour.

A seminar course required of all Environmental Studies majors in either the fall or spring term of their junior year. Bi-weekly meetings will guide students through the process of exploring, focusing and defining their individual area of concentration and developing a detailed capstone proposal. The proposal will be for their capstone project to be conducted in ENVS 449. Proposal development will be a group process involving critical discussion and peer review. By the end of the seminar, each student will have a finished proposal.


ENVS 400. Regional Environmental Problems (with lab). 4 Hours.

An interdisciplinary elective in which advanced students blend knowledge and interest from their major fields with the methodology and perspectives of earth science to understand regional environmental systems and problems. The course is designed as a bridge between the cultures of the scientist and the humanist.


ENVS 449. Senior Capstone Project. 3 Hours.

This course will require students to complete a substantial project in Environmental Studies.

Prerequisite: ENVS 348 with a minimum grade of C.


ENVS 450. Environmental Studies Senior Seminar. 3 Hours.

The final course required for majors and minors will focus on a particular environmental problem or topic. Guest speakers will address facets of the assigned problem or topic over the course of the semester. The seminar will meet for discussion on days when speakers are not scheduled.

Prerequisite: ENVS 201 with a minimum grade of D and ENVS 202 with a minimum grade of D and ENVS 203 with a minimum grade of D and ENVS 449 with a minimum grade of D.


ENVS 480. Advanced Topics in Environmental Studies. 0 to 4 Hours.

Selected topics in Environmental Studies at an advanced level.


 Geography

GEOG 201. Introduction to Geography. 3 Hours.

A study of the fundamental concepts of geography and of how the natural environment (where people live) affects how people live.


GEOG 280. Selected Topics in Geography. 1 to 4 Hours.

Selected topics in Geography at the introductory or intermediate level.


GEOG 480. Advanced Topics in Geography. 1 to 4 Hours.

Selected topics in Geography at the advanced level.