Environmental Studies Courses, Spring 2010
ANSO 1090.01 Topics in Geography: World and Regional
This is a teacher certification course. It will be an exploration of most areas of geography: land-human relationships, regions, spacial interaction, population, resources and socioeconomic development. Students will look at geography in a changing world, doing so from the perspective of future teachers in elementary and secondary classrooms.
An International Studies course. [CUL, HST]
ANSO 2000.02 Issues in Contemporary Society/ HRTS 2086.02 Topics in Human Rights/ISTL 2550.14 Topics in International Studies:
Food and water concerns are two of the most important and controversial global issues of the 21st century. Starvation and food insecurity; adverse environmental, social, and human-health effects attributed to conventional agricultural production and food processing; and health concerns related to the consumption of abundant, inexpensive, and nutritionally poor food items that increasingly blanket national and international markets have caused many to call for a complete overhaul of the world’s food production, distribution, and retail systems. Similarly, declining water supplies for drinking and agricultural use as a result of droughts, diminished groundwater reserves from unsustainable uses, contamination from human and animal fecal matter, pollution from agricultural and industrial chemicals, and increasing energy and water demands from growing populations have created a world-wide water crisis. This course will explore these and other factors (multinational corporations, politics, culture, class/ethnicity, globalization, trade, etc.) that help explain global food and water challenges. In addition, policy measures will be considered and evaluated for their potential to mitigate these undesirable effects. While course materials will be drawn from multiple disciplines, anthropological contributions and perspectives will be emphasized. [VAL]
BIOL 1030 and 1031: Biology of Plants and Lab
Examines plant growth and development, from seed to flower. Plant diversity, ancient and modern uses will be studied, along with care of common garden and household plants. Intended for non-majors. [SCI]
BIOL 1318.05 Issues in Biology: American Rivers
This course will examine the good and the bad about American Rivers. Rivers have been dammed; they have been contaminated and have been invaded by exotic species. Yet many rivers are amazingly resilient and many rivers have been restored to once again become healthy systems. Be prepared to be immersed in the physical, natural and biological properties of the rivers of America.
GNST 1300.01: Technology, Science, and Society/SCIN 1010.02 Topics in Physical Science: Enhancing Campus Sustainability
Using the Webster Groves Campus of Webster University as their laboratory, students in this course will identify opportunities to improve environmental practices relating to energy, water, air, and materials use, and then select at least one project area in which they develop a recommendation for action that they will submit to the university. This is an interdisciplinary class that uses disciplines and skills of science, sociology, political science, among others. The class will work as a team in project development. Intended for all majors. [SCI]
ISTL 3500.04 Topics in International Studies: Water Projects & Local Development
RELG 2430.07 Environment and Religion: Ecology and Spirituality
This course will explore the spirituality of ecology from multi dimensional and historical perspectives. This includes examining creation themes in several tribal religions; reviewing eastern and western ecological traditions and critically assessing environmental issues in conflict. Students can expect to deepen their awareness of their relationship to creation and how to be responsible stewards of and co-creators in an evolving universe.
RELG 4400.01 Spiritual Paths and Classics: Nature Spirituality & Activism
SCIN 1010.06 Topics in Physical Science: Natural Disasters
This is a survey of the various natural disasters and their causes. We will explore their relationship to Earth processes and the long term risks to human populations. We will also examine how scientists determine the causes, effects, and prediction of catastrophes. (SCI)
SCIN 1520 and 1521: Environment and Environment Lab
Concerns problems of the world ecosystem. Includes the nature of ecosystems, pesticides, water pollution, air pollution, solid waste, nonrenewable natural resources, energy, nuclear power, radioactivity, agriculture, human food supply, and environmental health. Laboratory required. SCIN 1520 and SCIN 1521 must be taken concurrently. Intended for non-majors.