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Go to: Program Requirements
Administrator: Lee Price, G-B 132, 702-7134
College Adviser: Douglas Patton, HM 271, 702-3419
The primary concern of the program in environmental studies is with the
manifold relationship between human activity and the natural world that
sustains it. Understanding this vast topic calls for education in diverse
disciplines primarily within the physical, biological, and social sciences.
Thus, the program is inherently multidisciplinary; it aims to combine the
mastery of specialized knowledge with the building of a broad base upon which
complex issues, now unfolding, can be approached. A seminar program is
conducted to challenge students at all levels with the contemporary
implications of their didactic courses and to provide a forum for the
presentation of senior research papers. The environmental studies program is
sponsored by the New Collegiate Division, a home for innovations in
interdisciplinary undergraduate education.
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Candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies will
ordinarily enter the program in their second year. They will pursue a plan of
study tailored to their individual interests under the guidance and oversight
of the program chairman and undergraduate adviser. Normally, students pursue
depth in an area of biological, physical, or social science to develop
recognized competence for graduate study or professional activity in a
traditional discipline. This focus is balanced by their liberal environmental
education. Following are suggestions of relevant courses that fulfill Common
Core requirements, as well as courses appropriate for concentration programs
emphasizing biological, physical, or social sciences.
A senior paper is required. Students may be nominated for graduation with
honors on the basis of the excellence of their senior research papers if their
grade point average is above 3.25.
Summary of Program
General Education. Common Core courses recommended to students interested
in environmental studies include Chemistry 111A-112A-113A; a physical sciences
sequence that includes Geophysical Sciences 133; and an appropriate sequence in
biology, such as Biological Sciences 154-155-156.
Concentration program with emphasis on Biological Sciences.
Courses suggested to students who emphasize biological sciences include
Biological Sciences 240 and 250; Chemistry 217-218 or 220-221; Environmental
Studies 214; Ecology and Evolution 312; and Physics 121-122-123 or
131-132-133.
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Concentration program with emphasis on Physical Sciences. Courses suggested
to students who emphasize physical sciences include Chemistry 220-221-222 and
Chemistry 201-202 and/or 261-262-267; Environmental Studies 214; and Physics
121-122-123 or 131-132-133.
Concentration program with emphasis on Social Sciences. Courses suggested
to students who emphasize social sciences include Biological Sciences 240 or
250 or 255; Environmental Studies 214, 220, and/or 265; and Public Policy
Studies 221, 222, and/or 223.
Environmental Studies Seminar. Students and faculty associated with the
concentration program meet regularly to present and discuss their work and
ideas. Concentrators are required to participate in the seminar, but without
course credit.
Concentration 2 EnvStd 212-213
Requirements - EnvStd Seminar
1 Econ 198 or higher
1 Stat 200 or higher
2 social sciences courses of relevance at the 200 level
2 biological or physical sciences courses of relevance at the 200
level
3 additional courses in the area of emphasis
1 NCD 297 (senior paper)
12 (total)
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R. STEPHEN BERRY, James Franck Distinguished Service Professor, Department of
Chemistry, Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies, James
Franck Institute, and the College
MICHAEL CONZEN, Professor, Committee on Geographical Studies and the College;
Chairman, Committee on Geographical Studies
DON L. COURSEY, Professor, Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy
Studies and the College
JOHN E. FREDERICK, Professor, Department of the Geophysical Sciences and the
College
ALAN L. KOLATA, Professor, Social Sciences Collegiate Division, Department of
Anthropology; Director, Latin American Studies Center
HOWARD MARGOLIS, Professor, Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy
Studies and the College
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MARVIN W. MIKESELL, Professor, Committee on Geographical Studies and the
College
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Go to: Summary of Program
Go to: Faculty
Environmental Studies
Program Chairman: Theodore L. Steck, CLSC 721, 702-1329
Program of Study
College students are increasingly interested in the human environment. They
recognize that the impact of human activities on the natural world grows
steadily more profound. They see the quality of life on earth under challenge.
They draw implications for their personal and professional lives as well as for
the well-being of mankind and the web of life on earth in the generations to
follow. They seek educational opportunities to guide their citizenship,
scholarship, and career development.
Program Requirements
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Faculty
JONATHAN P. D. ABBATT, Assistant Professor, Department of Geophysical
Sciences
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