Intro to Environmental Studies (Fall 2016)

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

New College, Fall Semester 2016

T/TH @ 5:30-6:50 PM, ACE 217

Coordinator/Instructor: Katherine McHugh

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 Instructor Contact Info

 Email: kmchugh@ncf.edu

 Phone: 650-400-2776

 Office Hours: By appointment

 Canvas Chat Hours: TBA - at least 2x per week

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of environmental studies and the Environmental Studies AOC at New College.  Provides an overview of natural and social systems relevant to environmental issues and explores current issues at local, national, and global scales. Perspectives from a range of disciplines will be brought to key topics such as sustainability, climate change, energy, population growth, urbanization, biodiversity and ecology, food security and natural resources, ethics, environmental policy, and other strategies for improving human-environment interactions. This is a required course for those seeking an Environmental Studies Area of Concentration.  Potential for supplemental field trips.  No prerequisites.

Course Logistics

This course will be built around weekly modules introducing key topics and disciplines relevant to environmental studies. Frequent participation from faculty in the Environmental Studies AOC will provide exposure to different perspectives and pathways for continued study. Students are expected to attend all class meetings, participate in group discussions and activities, and complete short weekly assignments.  In addition, each student must complete at least two longer projects during Mod I and Mod II allowing for deeper exploration into topics of personal interest.  As much as possible, all class materials, assignments, and events will be posted to Canvas, and students are encouraged to take advantage of online discussion forums to post questions and share information and events with others in the class.  Please check Canvas daily for class updates and announcements, as this will be our primary means of coordinating and communicating outside of class meetings.

Although not required, students are encouraged to take advantage of at least one of several supplemental field trip offerings throughout the semester to experience the local expression of key environmental themes in practice.

PDF of Full Syllabus: IntroEnvStudies_Fall2016_Syllabus.pdf

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