Courses
ENVR 111. Introductory Geology. An introduction to the study of the Earth since its origin 4.5 billion years ago. Readings, lecture, interactive labs, and field trips examine rocks and minerals, forces within the earth such as plate tectonics, and mechanisms sculpting the earth’s surface. Geologic time and human influence on the planet are also discussed. Three 50-minute periods, one 3-hour laboratory. (F4)
ENVR 112. Environmental Science. Introduces non-major students to fundamental principles of ecology and the relationship of humans to their environment. Topics include agriculture and food production, water and air pollution, energy use and associated environmental effects, toxic waste, and renewable/nonrenewable resources. Prerequisites: Not open to students who have completed ENVR 110. (F4)
ENVR 113. Changes in the Land: Lessons in Sustainability From Early American History. This course examines the more nature-sensitive practices of early America including a tendency toward minimalist consumption practices, thoughtful repurposing and recycling of materials, and more land-centered ways of life. Students will explore the complexities of sustainable human uses of environments by examining and comparing, as case studies, ƽ’s own sustainability practices as compared to sustainability practices throughout local history (including that of the Moravians and throughout the period of Lehigh Valley industrialization). Topics include: environmental effects of human occupation, past and modern-day agriculture, colonial practices, changes to people's relationship to land over time, diverse perceptions of nature, and evolving concepts of sustainability. Prerequisites: None. (M4)
ENVR 210. Introductory Geographic Information Systems. Geographic information systems are a primary tool for analysis of spatial data. ArcGIS desktop software is used to edit, query, and analyze spatial databases and display the results of analysis. Both vector and raster data are considered. Emphasis on applications of GIS to the lecture/laboratory sessions. Sophomore standing required. Spring.
ENVR 242. Environmental Writing. This writing course will survey a broad spectrum of environmental literature, from Thoreau’s Walden to Cheryl Strayed’s recent bestseller Wild, as well as images, music, and cinema that address environmental themes. Through writing, class discussion, and other assignments, students will reflect on our changing relationship with the natural world and consider what the engagement has meant for both the planet and its human inhabitants. The course follows a workshop format, so reading and critiquing other students’ writing is required. (M6)
ENVR 244. Climate Negotiations on the International Stage. This interdisciplinary course introduces students to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including the science, different mechanisms within the UNFCCC, the subsidiary bodies which assist the COP, and the various constituencies of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Students will be introduced to the multi-cultural perspectives (including those of indigenous peoples, and contrasts between the global north and south) and other issues such as gender that influence individual country positions. Students examine not only the process used for developing multilateral agreements, but also how these are ratified and implemented in different countries. This course will utilize multiple modes of teaching and learning including weekly lecture-discussion sessions; group work; individual and team projects; use of online resources and tools for research, blogging, and weekly virtual discussions; and students will also actively follow and engage in the UNFCCC negotiations during the annual fall conferences. Prerequisites: Sophomore or higher standing required.
ENVR 255. Lehigh Valley Landscape, Culture, and Story of Place. (Also IDIS 255) This course offers tools for interpreting the landscape and narrating historical change since pre-colonial times. Beginning with an orientation to the geography of the Lehigh Valley, particularly those features that have the greatest influence on human lives, the course examines the physical, cultural, and economic changes of the Lehigh Valley through the lens of its landscape features and natural resources with an eye toward the future. Students learn to think spatially and geographically about cultural change and the local environment, including work on a multimedia project that includes ways to visualize and document the unique story of the region and to consider the future.
ENVR 264. Dying to Go Green: The Green Burial Movement. This writing course will consider the emerging movement in “natural” – or “green” – burials, both in this country and abroad. Our primary text will be Grave Matters, which tells the stories of families who stepped outside the doors of their local funeral parlors and laid their loved ones to rest in natural cemeteries, backyard grave sites, memorial reefs, and at sea. You’ll also read about cremation, home funerals, and “eco-coffins,” as well the history of American burial and the benefits of going out green. By way of contrast, you will learn about the embalming process and the ecological consequences of our modern funeral practices.
ENVR 268. Costa Rica as a Model of Sustainability and Tropical Ecology. In 1948, the small Central American country of Costa Rica abolished its military and has long avoided the conflict and civil war that has plagued its neighbors. This has enabled the country to invest in conservation, national parks, health care, education, renewable clean energy, ecological research, and other practices leading to it becoming a model for sustainable development. The country routinely scores highly in the global Happiness Rankings – an indicator of the well-being of citizens. In this course, students not only explore the biodiversity and tropical ecology of the beautiful and varied landscapes, but also research examples of sustainable practices including agriculture, indigenous traditions, conservation, reduction of a nation’s carbon footprint, and ecotourism. A trip to Costa Rica over spring break is a required component of the course that allows students to explore first-hand some examples of remarkable ecological theory and evolutionary adaptations and how sustainable theory is put into practice through a combination of traditional knowledge and national policy.
ENVR 370. WI: Environmental Studies Seminar. Designed to apply research methods to current environmental issues. Students will research and present written and oral reports on the general topic. Emphasis is on the development of skills in using primary literature, analysis and interpretation of data, and the communication of ideas. Writing-intensive.
190-199, 290-299, 390-399. Special Topics.
381-384. Independent Study.
386-389. Field Study.
400-401. Honors.