Next Semester Courses: Fall 2013
Fall 2013
ENVS-10100-01 Environmental Seminar NS 0.5 CREDITS INSTRUCTOR: Paula Turkon, Administrative Annex 118, Ext. 4-3280, pturkon@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 60 PREREQUISITES: None STUDENTS: Required for all first-year Environmental Studies and Environmental Science majors. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Exposes students in the department to environmentally relevant research, examples of careers in the environmental field, and opportunities to meet local and regional professionals. 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, first half of semester. 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: TBD ENROLLMENT: 80 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 international scales. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture/Discussion COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Grading based on short assignments, participation, and a final exam. ENVS-11200-01, 02 Sustainability Principles and Practices NS 2a LA SS 3 CREDITS INSTRUCTOR: Paula Turkon, Administrative Annex 118, Ext. 4-3280, pturkon@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 31 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, Discussion COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Based on attendance, participation, exams and project work. ENVS-12000-01, 02, 03, 04 Environmental Sentinels NS 4 CREDITS INSTRUCTORS: Jason Hamilton, CNS 252, Ext. 4-1439, jhamilton@ithaca.edu and Jake Brenner, CNS 258, Ext. 4-3967, jbrenner@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 18 each section PREREQUISITES: None STUDENTS: Required for all first-year Environmental Studies and Environmental Science majors. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Understanding the effect of humans on Earth’s natural systems and developing strategies for repairing damaged ecosystem services requires a deep understanding of natural history, biodiversity, and an ability to perceive subtle changes as they happen. If you took a trip to an exotic, far-off place, you would expect to be amazed by all the new sights, sounds, smells and tastes. You wouldn’t be surprised with your lack of familiarity with what you saw because you are a tourist. But if you go into your backyard, can you identify that tree over there? Is that plant dangerous? What is that creepy thing running across your shoe? What is that sound coming from up in that tree? Is this bark good for anything? Is it strange that there are no frogs in this wetland? Today, most of us are tourists, not only when we leave home, but all the time. In this course we will use primitive technology skill building (friction fires, natural rope, medicinal plants, tracking, etc.) to start to learn how to observe the natural world. Next we will start to be able to identify what is out there. This will be followed by understanding why this particular group of organisms is living and interacting in this place. This will lead to the ability to predict what should be out there and what shouldn’t. We will blend the skills and approaches of deep wilderness awareness, an ability to “read” land use (and abuse) history from natural clues, and modern ecological science and natural resource management. We will spend time outdoors, not using nature as a way to test ourselves, as a simple pretty picture, or something to just be talked about. Rather, we will learn to truly experience the world around us with all our senses, and gain an appreciation of the plants, mammals, birds, ecological indicators, and natural hazards in our area. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Discussion, group projects, lots of “dirt time” COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Course requires consistent participation, willingness to engage in outdoor activities, keeping a nature journal, weekly readings and reflection papers. Grading will be based on regular attendance and creative participation and leadership; readings and short reading-related reflection papers and presentations; nature journal; project work ENVS-13000-01 Earth Systems Science 1 LA NS 4 CREDITS INSTRUCTOR: Chris Sinton, office CNS 257, Ext. 4-5806, csinton@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 18 PREREQUISITES: None STUDENTS: Required of all Environmental Sciences majors; open to all students. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course takes a whole-systems approach to develop an integrated understanding of the physical, chemical, biological and human interactions that determine the past, current and future states of the Earth. Treating the earth as a system of interacting “spheres” (geosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, exosphere, anthroposphere, cryosphere), but particularly focusing on the geosphere (environmental geology) this course provides a physical basis for understanding the world in which we live and upon which humankind seeks to achieve sustainability. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture and lab COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Based on attendance, participation, lab performance, exams, and project work. ENVS-20100-01 through 07 Introductory Environmental Research 1-3 CREDITS INSTRUCTORS: 01: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu 02: Jason Hamilton, CNS 252, 4-1439, jhamilton@ithaca.edu 03: Jake Brenner, CNS 258, Ext. 4-3967, jbrenner@ithaca.edu 04: Chris Sinton, office CNS 257, Ext. 4-5806, csinton@ithaca.edu 05: Michael Smith, office Muller 06: Anne Stork, CNS 167, Ext. 4-3575, astork@ithaca.edu 07: Paula Turkon, Administrative Annex 118, Ext. 4-3280, pturkon@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 5 each section REREQUISITES: 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: These will vary depending on professor. ENVS-20200-01 ST: Topics in Sustainability: Community Projects For Justice and Sustainability 4 CREDITS INSTRUCTOR: Elan Shapiro, cell 592-8402, elanshapiro343@gmail.com , plus numerous community educators ENROLLMENT: 20 REREQUISITES: One ENVS course (ideally with significant sustainability focus) and one Social Science course (ideally with significant community focus) or by permission of instructor. STUDENTS: Open to all students. We will focus initially on the deep challenges to effective collaboration and healthy community posed by race and class inequity, both institutionalized in our society and internalized in each of us. We will also establish the importance of systems thinking and place-based and community-based learning in coming up with sustainable solutions. These themes will help us explore inspiring projects and strategies that bring together social justice and ecological sustainability, while we practice skills and utilize tools linked to these programs. Team projects, guided by community mentors, will engage participants for 4 hours a week in supporting a variety of community building initiatives in such areas as community food security, home energy conservation, reuse industries and green job development, and educational equity. ENVS-20400-01 ST: Rainforests, Reefs and Ruins of Belize NS LA 3 CREDITS ENROLLMENT: 22 STUDENTS: Designed for Exploratory, Environmental Studies/Science, Biology and Anthropology majors, but open to all students. Requires permission of instructor. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Focuses on the environment and culture of Belize as a case study to explore topics, including the structure and function of tropical ecosystems and Mayan civilization; factors leading to high biodiversity in the tropics; the importance of biodiversity to human civilization (including the use of timber and medicinal plants); appreciates the scientific, artistic and spiritual accomplishments of the Mayan civilization; and studies the current condition of coral reefs. We will also explore the anthropogenic threats to these ecosystems, including overharvesting of natural resources, population growth, industrialized agriculture and tourism. This course serves as preparation for ENVS 20500, a 2-week Winter Session trip to Belize in January 2012 where we will examine tropical ecosystems, Mayan civilization, and human impacts on biodiversity. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Discussion and independent research. ENVS 20500-01 ST: Belize Winter Session Field Course LA 1 CREDIT INSTRUCTOR: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 22 STUDENTS: Designed for Exploratory, Environmental Studies/Science, Biology and Anthropology majors, but open to all students. Requires permission of instructor. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Two-week cultural immersion course in Belize. Activities include deep jungle overnight trips, home stays with Belizean families, and service learning. Students are responsible for additional course fees for study abroad component. Course may be used to fulfill ENVS cultural immersion requirement. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Field excursion. COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Trip essays. ENVS-22000 Human-Environment Geography LA SS 3 CREDITS INSTRUCTOR: Jake Brenner, CNS 258, Ext. 4-3967, jbrenner@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 32 PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing. STUDENTS: Required for all Environmental Studies and Environmental Science majors COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on the perspectives current in human-environment geography, and involves exercises in asking and answering geographical questions. Students learn to recognize the “geographies” of environmental problems. Key concepts include: space, place, scale, globality, and human-environment interaction. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Grades will be determined by several working exams graded in class, participation in discussions, and a final poster project that integrates social and natural dimensions of a real-world environmental problem, including quantitative data analysis and mapping. ENVS-24000-01 Environmental Archaeology: Human Impact in the Past and Present 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-25000-01 Environmental Geology 4 CREDITS INSTRUCTOR: Chris Sinton, office CNS 257, Ext. 4-5806, csinton@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 18 PREREQUISITES: none COURSE DESCRIPTION: We will start with an investigation of the formation and history of the earth along with the minerals and rocks that make up the solid planet. We will then further explore the details of different tectonic regimes. Interactions between water and the solid earth will be covered and we will explore how this affects the human environment and how humans impact these processes. Lab will be used to explore concepts introduced during lecture with a focus on outdoor work. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture and lab COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Based on attendance, participation, lab performance, exams, and project work. ENVS-30100-01 through 07 Environmental Research 1-3 CREDITS INSTRUCTORS: 01: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu 02: Jason Hamilton, CNS 252, 4-1439, jhamilton@ithaca.edu 03: Jake Brenner, CNS 258, Ext. 4-3967, jbrenner@ithaca.edu 04: Chris Sinton, office CNS 257, Ext. 4-5806, csinton@ithaca.edu 05: Michael Smith, office Muller 06: Anne Stork, CNS 167, Ext. 4-3575, astork@ithaca.edu 07: Paula Turkon, Administrative Annex 118, Ext. 4-3280, pturkon@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 5 each section PREREQUISITES: At least two courses required of the major in Environmental Studies or Environmental Science and 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: These will vary depending on professor. ENVS-32300 Research Design Workshop LA NS 3 CREDITS INSTRUCTOR: Anne Stork, CNS 167, Ext. 4-3575, astork@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 16 PREREQUISITES: ENVS 12100 or 13000, ENVS 22000, MATH 14400, 14500, or 21600. STUDENTS: Required of all Environmental Science majors. Environmental Studies majors need to consult with their advisor as to taking this course or a suitable substitute. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Explore the processes involved in conducting scholarly work and build the skills you need to conduct your own research here at Ithaca College or in your future career. Throughout the semester you will be exposed to real-world applications of research design, including developing research questions, constructing testable hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing and presenting data, and presenting results and conclusions verbally and orally. We will focus on designing questions derived from local environmental problems. Your final project is an independent research proposal which you will submit in written format and defend orally. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Seminar COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Reading, individual and group assignments and projects, proposal. ENVS-34001 ST: Environmental Toxicology NS 3 CREDITS INSTRUCTOR: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 8 PREREQUISITES: One of the following course sequences: BIOL 11900-12000, BIOL 12100-12200, ENVS 12000-12100, or CHEM 12100-12200. STUDENTS: Designed primarily for Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Biology and Chemistry Majors COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will focus on the effects of pollutants on non-human components of ecosystems. After a general introduction to important concepts, we will address a local contamination site as a consulting company. We will investigate the ecology, type and extent of contamination, possible ecological effects, and suggested remediation strategies. Possible sites include lead pollution from Ithaca Gun factory, TCE on South Hill, a former dump site on Ithaca College Natural Lands, or coal/creosote contamination on Court Street. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture/Discussion COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Take-home essays, individual contribution to group report. ENVS-34002 ST: Environmental Toxicology w/ Laboratory 4 CREDITS INSTRUCTOR: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 8 PREREQUISITES: One of the following course sequences: BIOL 11900-12000, BIOL 12100-12200, ENVS 12000-12100, or CHEM 12100-12200. STUDENTS: Designed primarily for Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Biology and Chemistry Majors COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will focus on the effects of pollutants on non-human components of ecosystems. After a general introduction to important concepts, we will investigate a local contamination site. We will research the ecology, type and extent of contamination, possible ecological effects, and suggested remediation strategies. Possible sites include lead pollution from Ithaca Gun factory, TCE on South Hill, a former dump site on Ithaca College Natural Lands, or coal/creosote contamination on Court Street. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Lecture/Discussion, field work, laboratory analyses COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Take-home essays, individual contribution to group report. ENVS 39000-01 Gardening Principles and Practices – Course Assistants NS 1 CREDIT, first half of semester. INSTRUCTOR: Karryn Olson-Ramanujan, Admin Annex 106, Ext. 4-5815, kolsonramanujan@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 10 PREREQUISITES: Permission of instructor. STUDENTS: Must have background in permaculture or organic gardening. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Leading projects in the student-run organic and permaculture gardens, and collaborating with instructor to teach course material. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Practicum with 1 meeting day per week plus coordination of small group projects. COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: This course is offered on a pass/fail basis. ENVS-36000-01 ST: Topics in Environmental Humanities HU LA 3 CREDITS INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca 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: TBD, based on expertise of instructor. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Primarily discussion, with occasional interactive lecture and media presentations. COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: TBD. ENVS-40100-01 Environmental Seminar NS LA 0.5 CREDITS INSTRUCTOR: Paula Turkon, Administrative Annex 118, Ext. 4-3280, pturkon@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 10 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. 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 LA U 3 CREDITS INSTRUCTORS: Anne Stork, Admin Annex 119, 4-3575, astork@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 8 PREREQUISITES: senior standing; environmental studies or environmental science majors COURSE DESCRIPTION: An integrative course that encourages majors to apply previously learned ideas and concepts to a specific area of environmental inquiry or a particular environmental problem under the direction of individual faculty members. All research teams will engage in a rigorous research agenda, drawing on methodologies from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Research topics generally focus on local or regional environmental issues, showing their interconnections to global environmental concerns. Students are encouraged to move out of the classroom to conduct research projects. Public presentation of research findings is strongly encouraged. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: One group meeting per week, mostly student group work. COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: To be determined by individual faculty member. ENVS-49000-01 through 07 Independent Study LA 1-4 CREDITS INSTRUCTORS: 01: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu 02: Jason Hamilton, CNS 252, 4-1439, jhamilton@ithaca.edu 03: Jake Brenner, CNS 258, Ext. 4-3967, jbrenner@ithaca.edu 04: Chris Sinton, office CNS 257, Ext. 4-5806, csinton@ithaca.edu 05: Michael Smith, office Muller 06: Anne Stork, CNS 167, Ext. 4-3575, astork@ithaca.edu 07: Paula Turkon, Administrative Annex 118, Ext. 4-3280, pturkon@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 6 each section PREREQUISITES: Permission of instructor 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 COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: To be determined individually between student and faculty member. ENVS-49500-01 through 03 Internship: Environmental NLA 1-12 CREDITS INSTRUCTORS: 01: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu 02: Jason Hamilton, CNS 252, 4-1439, jhamilton@ithaca.edu 03: Jake Brenner, CNS 258, Ext. 4-3967, jbrenner@ithaca.edu 04: Chris Sinton, office CNS 257, Ext. 4-5806, csinton@ithaca.edu 05: Michael Smith, office Muller 06: Anne Stork, CNS 167, Ext. 4-3575, astork@ithaca.edu 07: Paula Turkon, Administrative Annex 118, Ext. 4-3280, pturkon@ithaca.edu ENROLLMENT: 5 each section PREREQUISITES: Permission of instructor; completion of three-quarters of an Environmental Studies major or minor. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Permits students to explore environmental studies through a variety of work experiences. Internships may be taken at national, state or local levels and in London under the auspices of the Ithaca College London Center. COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Students are expected to submit, as part of their course obligations, a thorough written evaluative report based on their experiences. COURSE FORMAT/STYLE: Internship COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: To be determined individually between student and faculty member.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is an opportunity to learn about just and sustainable community development by being an integral and positive part of the process – through:
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Based on attendance, participation, quality of project work, reflections, and presentations. Team projects are half the course effort and credit.
INSTRUCTOR: Susan Allen-Gil, CNS 253, Ext. 4-1066, sallen@ithaca.edu
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING: Book group reports, group applied projects, conversation projects, 2 exams. Grading will be based on an assessment of all work, written and oral.
PREREQUISITES: ENVS 20400, sophomore standing and permission of instructor.
