Current Semester Courses
SPRING 13
ENVS 10100-01 Environmental Seminar NS
0.5 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Chris Sinton, CNS 257, Ext. 4-5806, csinton@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 35
PREREQUISITES: None
STUDENTS: Required for all first-year Environmental Studies and Environmental Science majors if not taken in the fall.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Exposes students in the Environmental Studies/Science program to environmentally relevant research, examples of careers in the environmental field, and opportunities to meet local and regional professionals. The Spring 2013 seminar will explore agriculture and local food systems in Central New York.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Seminars, discussion and readings in environmental studies and science.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Attend at least 11 seminars. Pass/Fail only.
ENVS 10400-01 Gardening Principles and Practices NS
1 CREDIT
INSTRUCTOR: Karryn Olson-Ramanujan, Admin Annex 106, Ext. 4-5815, kolsonramanujan@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 15
PREREQUISITES: None
STUDENTS: Intended for all students.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Learning outdoors in the student-run organic and permaculture gardens, this hands-on course will enable you to work with soil and plants, and to learn about the conscious design of landscapes and social networks that care for them.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Practicum with 1 meeting day per week plus one additional hour weekly to be done with a small group project.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: This course is offered on a pass/fail basis. To pass the course, you need to (1) attend and fully engage in the Friday classes and submit weekly reflections, and (2) devote one additional hour per week to a group project.
ENVS-11000-01 The Environmental Crisis LA NS 2a
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Susan Nixson, Administrative Annex 106, Ext. 4-5814, snixson@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 70
PREREQUISITES: None
STUDENTS: Intended for all students.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Course provides basic literacy to understand the current environmental crisis, covering such topics as energy, population growth, climate change, biodiversity loss, resource exploitation, food production, and toxics. Course also investigates potential solutions to minimize impact on the personal, regional, national and global scales.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture/Discussion
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Grading based on short assignments, participation, and a final exam.
ENVS 11200-01 Sustainability Principles and Practices NS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Paula Turkon, Administrative Annex 118, Ext. 4-3280, pturkon@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 35
PREREQUISITES: None
STUDENTS: Intended for all students.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Course informs students on sustainability by using systems thinking approaches to examine the connection between the four primary components of sustainability: economic, environmental, social equity and health. Students will research sustainability practices on campus and in the community and propose sustainable solutions for various scenarios.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Based on attendance, participation, tests and project work.
ENVS 12100-01 Environmental Science and Technology: Lecture LA NS 2a
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Anne Stork, Admin. Annex, Ext. 4-3575, astork@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 54
PREREQUISITES: None
STUDENTS: Intended for Environmental Science & Studies majors but open to others with a serious interest.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will focus on the scientific principles and technological advances fundamental to understanding human impact on the environment. We will investigate how technology contributes to as well as reduces our impact on the environment. Topics include: global climate change, water quality and availability, air quality, sustainable food production, biodiversity loss, and chemical and biological waste remediation. We will tie together the political, social, and economic aspects of environmental studies using a global perspective.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: A combination of discussion, lectures, projects, written assignments and oral presentations.
ENVS 12100-02 through 04 Environmental Science and Technology: Laboratory
0 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS: Anne Stork, Paula Turkon
ENROLLMENT: 18
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Field and laboratory exploration of concepts addressed in ENVS 12100 Lecture above.
COURSE FORMAT AND STYLE: Laboratory
ENVS 20100-01 through 08 Environmental Research: Intro
1-3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS: 01: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu
02: Jake Brenner, CNS 258, Ext. 4-3967, jbrenner@ithaca.edu
03: Jason Hamilton, CNS 252, Ext. 4-1439, jhamilton@ithaca.edu
04: Michael Smith, 320 Muller Center, Ext. 4-1290, mismith@ithaca.edu
05: Leann Kanda, CNS 159, Ext. 4-3986, lkanda@ithaca.edu
06: Anne Stork, Admin. Annex, Ext. 4-3575, astork@ithaca.edu
07: Susan Swensen, CNS 254, Ext. 4-3511, sswensen@ithaca.edu
08: Chris Sinton, CNS 257, Ext. 4-5806, csinton@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 5 each section
PREREQUISITES: Permission of instructor.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: For students who desire hands-on research in issues relating to sustainability and the environment. Research can involve participation in continuing projects or new, student-proposed projects. Students will work closely with a faculty member to guide their study.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Independent research
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Both vary, depending on professor.
ENVS 20200-01 Topics in Sustainability: Social Justice and Sustainability: Strategies for Change
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Elan Shapiro, Admin Annex 106, 592-8402, eshapiro@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITES: Previous coursework in sustainability or community development, or permission of instructor.
STUDENTS: Open to all students.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course we study and practice strategies for creating systems change towards a fair and life-enhancing society, approaches which paradoxically also require personal transformation. Key skills we develop include: systems thinking and ecological redesign; undoing oppressive “isms” and reshaping our social narratives; cultivating inclusive and sustainable behaviors; facilitating cooperative initiatives; and building social movements. This course requires and engenders reflection, courage, openness, and leadership, and is best suited for people who want to stretch their boundaries and develop positive connections and collaborations with our local community. We will study a small number of texts and other instructional materials in depth and create a classroom learning community that draws on the course resources, and the experiences and interests of students, as well as local change agents in a variety of justice and sustainability initiatives. Monday’s class will focus on group learning and skills training, with input from community presenters. Wednesdays are about applying and integrating the learning through community projects that involve social or ecological renewal. An additional two hours of project time in the community is also required. While this class has less reading than most courses and no exams or long papers, the weekly assignments and project work require as much time, energy, and commitment as any challenging 4-credit course.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Group learning, field trips, community projects
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Weekly assignments, including readings, change experiments, and reflections; class participation and leadership; community project.
ENVS 22100-01 Interdisciplinary Physical Science: Lecture/Lab LA NS 2a
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Chris Sinton, CNS 257, Ext. 4-5806, csinton@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITES: ENVS 12100
STUDENTS: Intended for Environmental Studies majors but open to others with a serious interest. Environmental Science students may NOT enroll in this course.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course takes concepts from Chemistry, Earth System Science, and Physics to study a number of different environmental issues, all the way from how we insulate our houses to how global climate change works. This is a problem-based, hands-on course that will require both a quantitative and qualitative analysis of data collected by students.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Combined lecture and laboratory
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Participation in discussions, field trips and lab exercises; written reports and/or essays; oral presentations.
ENVS-24000-01 ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY: Human Impact in the Past and Present: LECTURE LA SS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Paula Turkon, Admin. Annex 118, Ext. 4-3280, pturkon@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITES: ANTH 104 (Introduction to Cultural Anthropology) or ANTH 107 (World Archaeology)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course both directly and indirectly addresses contemporary environmental issues by examining the interrelationship between humans and their environments from a long-term archaeological perspective. Critical to an understanding of environmental change, this course emphasizes archaeological, geological, and botanical methods and analytical techniques used for long-term environmental reconstruction. Through a series of case studies representing a wide range of time periods and geographic locations, the course will stress that human environmental impact is not just a product of modern society, but has always been a factor with which humans have had to contend.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture, projects, and discussion
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Discussion, small group projects, quizzes, research paper
ENVS 30100-01 though 08 Environmental Research: Intermediate
1-4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS: 01: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu
02: Jake Brenner, CNS 258, Ext. 4-3967, jbrenner@ithaca.edu
03: Jason Hamilton, CNS 252, Ext. 4-1439, jhamilton@ithaca.edu
04: Michael Smith, 320 Muller Center, Ext. 4-1290, mismith@ithaca.edu
05: Leann Kanda, CNS 159, Ext. 4-3986, lkanda@ithaca.edu
06: Anne Stork, Admin. Annex, Ext. 4-3575, astork@ithaca.edu
07: Susan Swensen, CNS 254, Ext. 4-3511, sswensen@ithaca.edu
08: Chris Sinton, CNS 257, Ext. 4-5806, csinton@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 5 each section
PREREQUISITES: Permission of instructor.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: For students who desire hands-on research in issues relating to sustainability and the environment. Research can involve participation in continuing projects or new, student-proposed projects. Students will work closely with a faculty member to guide their study.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Independent research
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Both vary, depending on professor.
ENVS 33100-01 Topics in Geography & Planning: Water Resources and Society NS
4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jake Brenner, CNS 258, Ext. 4-3967, jbrenner@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 16
PREREQUISITES: ENVS 22000 – Cultural and Physical Geography
STUDENTS: Intended primarily for students in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course takes a human-environment geographer’s perspective, posing the following questions: What are the vital roles played by fresh water in specific cultures in specific places? What are the biophysical and social processes that determine water-use patterns? In addressing these questions we will engage diverse, interdisciplinary perspectives on fresh water and its utilization by society. In the geographic tradition, this course engages multiple dimensions of water use, including history, economics, policy, politics, ideology, ethics, culture, and of course, science--all in pursuit of sustainability.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Combined seminar and lab/field exercises
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Participation in seminar discussions, field trips and lab exercises; written reports and/or essays; oral presentations; collaborative group project.
ENVS 35000-01 Topics: Natural Resources & Ecology: Non-Timber Forest Products NS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Hamilton, CNS 252, 4-1439, jhamilton@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITES: BIOL 27100; or two courses in Environmental Studies & Sciences; or permission of instructor
STUDENTS: Open to all with a serious interest
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Be prepared to go outside and get your hands dirty doing something real! In this hands-on Learning-by-Doing experience students will manage, produce and sell maple syrup, edible mushrooms, honey, edible and medicinal plants, and other non-timber forest products. You will gain valuable experience working in all aspects of our student-run businesses.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Combined lecture and laboratory
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Extensive outside time producing and selling products; short assignments and a term review paper with presentation.
ENVS-36000-01 ST: Topics in Environmental Humanities HU LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca Morgenstern Brenner, Administrative Annex 106, Ext. 4-5813, rbrenner@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 20
PREREQUISITE: Three humanities courses and sophomore standing.
STUDENTS: Sophomore standing and up; priority given to environmental studies and sciences students but any students interested in humanistic explorations of environmental ideas and issues are welcome.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: We will read, discuss and apply environmental ethics theory focused on the human connection with nature. We apply those value-based theories to case studies and also hold a few debates throughout the semester. Topics are intended to drive at decisions you may encounter in the environmental field, arming you with the tools to see multiple sides of controversial topics. You will also have an opportunity to explore issues that interest you personally.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Primarily discussion, with occasional interactive lecture and media presentations.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: TBD.
ENVS 38000-01 Selected Topics in Field Studies: Sustainability in the Amazon
1 CREDIT (May Short-Term Study Abroad Program)
Instructor: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 12
PREREQUISITE: Students intending to enroll in ENVS 38000 MUST enroll in ENVS 38200; Permission of Instructor.
STUDENTS: Intended primarily for majors and minors in Environmental Studies and Environmental Science but open to all students.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In May, we will travel to Ecuador, where we will immerse ourselves in the ecology and cultures of the headwaters of the Amazon Basin. Ecuador offers us the ability to look at two indigenous cultures, the Karanki and the Achuar, that are choosing sustainability over development. In the Andean Highlands and headwaters of the Amazon, the Karanki community collectively decided to abandon their tractors in favor of more sustainable farming practices and to pursue ecotourism as a source of income. The Achuar’s territory of two million roadless acres of pristine rainforest is under pressure for oil development on the scale that ruined the northern part of the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin (Chevron’s ongoing lawsuit). They are also pursuing limited ecotourism as a way to stave off this oil development. We will have the opportunity to experience sustainability as these two cultures practice it on a daily basis, including trekking, canoeing, and home stays. This course can be used to fulfill the ENVS cultural immersion requirement. Additional course fees apply (approximately $2900 plus airfare).
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Field work
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Reflective essays, participation.
ENVS 38200-01 Topics In Environmental Policy: Sustainability in the Amazon SS
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 16
PREREQUISITE: Two ENVS courses and junior standing
STUDENTS: Intended primarily for majors and minors in Environmental Studies and Environmental Science but open to all students.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Intermediate course with a different focus each semester. Topics may include local and regional policy, select national issues, or the role of indigenous peoples in national and international agreements. This semester we will focus on the ecology and cultures of the Amazon Basin through the lens of sustainability. Through reading and discussing primary literature, historic accounts, and popular books, we will learn about the environmental and economic importance of the Amazon River Basin and the various cultures that have developed and adapted to this ecosystem. We will investigate the threats to the Amazon Basin from agricultural development, mineral exploration, oil and gas operations, and tourism. We will then explore the role of indigenous groups in national and international environmental policy and community based plans to achieve sustainability. Can be used to fulfill Policy Perspective for ENVS majors. This course is a prerequisite for ENVS 38000: Special Topics in Field Studies above.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Seminar/discussion
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Exams, papers and participation.
ENVS 40100-01 Environmental Seminar II NS LA
0.5 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Chris Sinton, CNS 257, Ext. 4-5806, csinton@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 35
PREREQUISITES: ENVS 10100
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Exposes students in the Environmental Studies/Science program to environmentally relevant research, examples of careers in the environmental field, and opportunities to meet local and regional professionals. The Spring 2013 seminar will explore agriculture and local food systems in Central New York.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Seminars, discussion and readings in environmental studies and science.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Prepare questions for speakers based on readings, attend at least 11 seminars, introduce 1 speaker and/or attend one dinner with speaker. Pass/Fail only.
ENVS 45000-01 Senior Research
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jake Brenner, CNS 258, Ext. 4-3967, jbrenner@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 7
PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor
STUDENTS: Primarily Environmental Studies and Environmental Science majors
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This research aims to understand key issues and processes driving land-use and land-cover dynamics in the region, including open space prioritization, planning and management, conservation, agriculture, and industrial development. Potential methodological approaches are diverse, including social-scientific surveys and interviews, remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS) analysis, global positioning system (GPS)-assisted field mapping, and census research. Students’ individual sub-projects will be integrated to answer collaboratively defined research questions pertaining to regional landscape change.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Seminar
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Research proposal, lab work, final report
ENVS 45000-02 Senior Research
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Paula Turkon, Admin. Annex 118, Ext. 4-3280, pturkon@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 7
PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor
STUDENTS: Primarily Environmental Studies majors
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Consistent with Ithaca College Natural Lands and South Hill Forest Products’ mission to find productive ways to produce usable products with minimal environmental impact, this semester’s section of ENVS 450 will explore the use of Integrated Agricultural Systems for production of vegetables and fish. Integrated Agricultural Systems are developed on the philosophy of mimicking nature’s systems to produce large amounts of both vegetables and fish with minimum input and close to zero waste. Students will participate in all aspects of the learning and implementation process, by the end of the semester, put together a small prototype. Though only small scale implementation will occur in Spring of 2013, the long-term goal of these studies is to propose a larger demonstration unit to be installed in the fountains of the Terrace Dining Hall.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Seminar
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Research proposal and budget for system design, journal, implementation/experimentation, final report and presentation.
ENVS 45100-01 Capstone Discussion Group: Environmental Science/Studies
1 CREDIT
INSTRUCTOR: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 38
PREREQUISITE: Senior standing, ENVS 45000 (may be taken concurrently)
STUDENTS: Environmental Studies and Science majors
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Discussion group for seniors in environmental studies and environmental science. Course focuses on summative reflection on educational and personal growth. Career preparation is also highlighted in the form of resume and cover letter assistance, networking, interviewing, and job searching.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Seminar
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Written assignments, in-class presentations. Grading is based on regular attendance, class participation, and quality of written papers and presentations.
ENVS 49000-01 Independent Study: Environmental Science/Studies LA
1-4 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Hamilton, CNS 252, 4-1439, jhamilton@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 5
PREREQUISITES: Permission of Dean
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The program of study may be a reading program of materials of special interest to the student or one involving developing and executing a research project on a specific topic. Reading or research is undertaken under faculty direction.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Independent study
ENVS 49500-01 Internship: Environmental Science/Studies LA
1-12 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 5
PREREQUISITES: Permission of Dean
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Permits students to explore environmental studies through a variety of work experiences. Students are expected to submit, as part of their course obligations, a thorough written evaluative report based on their experiences. Internships may be taken at national, state, and local levels.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Internship
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Varies by instructor.
ENVS 49500-02 Internship: Environmental Science/Studies LA
1-12 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jake Brenner, CNS 258, Ext. 4-3967, jbrenner@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 5
PREREQUISITES: Permission of Dean
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Permits students to explore environmental studies through a variety of work experiences. Students are expected to submit, as part of their course obligations, a thorough written evaluative report based on their experiences. Internships may be taken at national, state, and local levels.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Internship
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Varies by instructor.
ENVS 49500-03 Internship: Environmental Science/Studies LA
1-12 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Susan Swensen, CNS 254, Ext. 4-3511, sswensen@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 5
PREREQUISITES: Permission of Dean
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Permits students to explore environmental studies through a variety of work experiences. Students are expected to submit, as part of their course obligations, a thorough written evaluative report based on their experiences. Internships may be taken at national, state, and local levels.
COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Internship
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Varies by instructor.
