E15.2019                            

Foundations of Environmental Thought

This course examines prominent worldviews that have guided human action toward the natural world. A variety of perspectives from biologists, economists, environmentalists, historians, naturalists, philosophers, political scientists, and theologians provide the material to analyze the interaction between human culture and nature with the goal to understand the impacts of human action on the natural world and the ways natural forces affect civilization change. One aspect of our inquiry is to review the underlying value assumptions of the worldviews and institutions that mediate our actions toward the environment.

E15.2020

Contemporary Environmental Debates

Critical examination of major environmental problems reveals a myriad of competing interests, priorities and perspectives. Can sustainability be merged successfully with developmental needs? Why is it so difficult to convert from fossil fuels to renewable energy? What are the risks and benefits of genetically modified foods? Should we continue to allow aboriginal whaling? The formulation of conservation agendas around these and other key environmental questions will naturally value certain objectives over others. This course examines some of the contemporary environmental debates from policy and ethical perspectives.

Environmental Politics

This course examines environmental politics with an emphasis on the American political system. Students will receive a broad introduction to the key concepts, actors, stakeholders, issues, and concerns related to this subject. Course material focuses on the role of government organizations - at the federal, state, and local level - institutional processes, and nongovernmental entities involved in environmental politics and policymaking. Throughout the semester, we will address substantive environmental policy issues, such as water and air pollution, hazardous waste, biodiversity, and land use. At the conclusion of the semester, students should have an understanding of the historical, cultural, institutional, and ideological forces shaping environmental policy and regulations in the United States.

E15.2023

Final Seminar in Environmental Conservation Education

Review and integration of leading conceptions encountered in the program through critical analysis of major conceptual writings on environmental issues. Formulation and completion of a thesis or research project.

E15.2024

Internship in Environmental Conservation Education

Students spend one semester in a business, organization, school, or center that is involved in environmental education. Each placement and identification of responsibilities is negotiated in light of student interests and the activities of the cooperating institution. Students will attend a bi-weekly seminar to facilitate their internship work experience.

E15.2300

Independent Study

Field Ecology

Students become familiar with the flora and fauna of the Hudson Highlands as they study the major natural habitats within the forest. Field exercises include plant community sampling; paleoecological analysis of sediment cores; characterization of shrub communities using diagnostic keys; and surveys of birds, insects, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. Our class is scheduled during peak bird migration and flowering. Readings from Science, Nature, Ecology and other relevant literature are carefully coordinated with our field studies.  (Additional fee for room and board required)