Southwestern

Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives

Environmental Studies Program

Curriculum

Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary program that examines the numerous connections between humans and our environment from a wide variety of perspectives. The program’s courses span the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and fine arts and expose students to the power of social activism related to environmental degradation and justice. Below you will find a list of our current or recent offerings. See the course catalog for descriptions and updated information. 

  • 49-001 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 49-002 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 49-003 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 49-004 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 49-034 INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE
    See Physics 53-034. (NSL)
  • 49-064 CHEMISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT
    See Chemistry 51-064. (NSL)
  • 49-094 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN WORLD HISTORY
    See History 16-094. (H) (IP) (WA)
  • 49-104 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
    Given the number of environmental difficulties that currently face peoples of the 21st century, basic environmental literacy is critical for understanding the world in which we live. Also important is realizing that “sound science” and good intentions do not always translate into beneficial envi...
  • 49-112 BIODIVERSITY
    See Biology 50-112. (NSL)
  • 49-144 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
    See Biology 50-144. (NSL)
  • 49-294 ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY
    This course examines some of the philosophical, ethical and political questions that forms of ecological degradation pose for contemporary society. Issues include conceptions and aesthetics of “nature;” ecofeminism; the character of modern science; the role of religion; structures of capitalism;...
  • 49-301 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 49-302 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 49-303 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 49-304 SELECTED TOPICS
    May be repeated with change in topic.
  • 49-314 ECOFEMINISTS AND QUEER GREENS
    See Feminist Studies 04-314.
  • 49-324 ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS
    See Economics 31-324.
  • 49-334 RELIGION AND ECOLOGY
    See Religion 19-334. (H) (R)
  • 49-344 ANIMALS AND RELIGION
    See Religion 19-344. (H) (R)
  • 49-354 DEMOGRAPHY (WORLD POPULATION GEOGRAPHY) AND URBANIZATION
    See Sociology 34-354. (ScS)
  • 49-364 PUBLIC POLICY
    See Political Science 32-334.
  • 49-374 SACRED SPACE, THE ENVIRONMENT AND RELIGION
    See Religion 19-374. (H) (R)
  • 49-384 ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
    See Physics 53-354. (NSL)
  • 49-404 HEALTH AND FITNESS CONCEPTS
    See Kinesiology 48-404. (ScS)
  • 49-414 GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
    See Biology 50-414. (NS)
  • 49-434 ECOLOGY
    See Biology 50-434. (NSL)
  • 49-444 GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
    See Anthropology 35-434.
  • 49-454 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
    See Economics 31-444. (IP) (WA)
  • 49-464 ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICAL THEORY
    See Political Science 32-454.
  • 49-614 ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
    See Chemistry 51-614. (NSL)
  • 49-654 CONTEMPORARY GERMAN CULTURE
    See German 12-354. (H) (IP)
  • 49-901 TUTORIAL
  • 49-902 TUTORIAL
  • 49-903 TUTORIAL
  • 49-904 TUTORIAL
  • 49-941 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP
    Must be taken Pass/D/F.
  • 49-942 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP
    Must be taken Pass/D/F.
  • 49-943 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP
    Must be taken Pass/D/F.
  • 49-944 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP
    Must be taken Pass/D/F.
  • 49-951 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    May be repeated with change in content.
  • 49-952 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    May be repeated with change in content.
  • 49-953 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    May be repeated with change in content.
  • 49-954 INDEPENDENT STUDY
    May be repeated with change in content.
  • 49-964 CAPSTONE IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
    This seminar requires students to analyze a local or regional environmental issue from multiple perspectives and it has a strong reading and discussion component. It also encourages environmental activism. Only seniors majoring in Environmental Studies should register for this class. (WA)
  • 49-984 HONORS