400

Environmental Studies Seminar is a discussion-based course that synthesizes knowledge about the environment and sustainability across the natural sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, and business disciplines. Students will explore contemporary issues and conduct team-based projects that identify an environmental or sustainability issue in the local community, develop environmental, social, and economic impact assessments, explore solutions, and present their findings. This course may be used to satisfy the capstone requirement of the Minor in Environmental Studies and Minor in Sustainability. Students must have completed or be concurrently completing all requirements for the Minor in Environmental Studies or Minor in Sustainability.

Environmental Studies Capstone is a Culminating Experience course that is required for students majoring in Environmental Studies and optional for students minoring in Environmental Studies or Sustainability. Students work in interdisciplinary teams to develop a solutions proposal for a real-world environmental issue faced by a community partner (e.g., local governments, NGO’s, businesses). This solutions proposal will use the skills, theories, and methodologies of the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to examine the issue and make strategic recommendations. Students will develop Stakeholder engagement plans and communications strategies for both technical and non-technical audiences and compete to present their proposal to the community partner. Senior standing is required for Environmental Studies majors. Completion or concurrent enrollment in remaining requirements and instructor permission are required for students minoring in Environmental Studies or Sustainability.

Students select a topic of interest within environmental studies in consultation with an environmental studies professor and explore that topic thoroughly through directed, literature-based research. Requires at least two hours each week for each credit hour attempted and a formal paper with extensive literature review. Oral presentation of results can be used in place of ENS 401 with permission of department chair. Counts as general elective credit only and may not be used as an upper-level Environmental Studies elective.

Students select a topic of interest within environmental studies in consultation with an environmental studies professor and explore that topic thoroughly through directed, primary research. Requires at least two hours each week for each credit hour attempted. Oral presentation of results can be used in place of ENS 401 with permission of department chair. Counts as general elective credit only and may not be used as an upper level Environmental Studies elective.

Students prepare culminating products from Independent Study projects in environmental studies in consultation with and environmental studies professor and following preparation via ENS 440 and/or ENS 445. These culminating products must include a research presentation and research paper. Requires at least two hours each week for each credit hour attempted. Oral presentation of results can be used in place of ENS 401 with permission of department chair. Counts as general elective credit only and may not be used as an upper level Environmental Studies elective.

Provides practical experience in programs related to environmental studies within an agency, firm, or organization under the supervision of faculty and agency/firm/organization representatives. Can be accomplished on a part-time or full-time basis. Graded on a pass/fail basis. Counts towards Category 2 upper level elective for Environmental Studies BS degree and natural Sciences Requirement for Environmental Studies BA degree. Students may repeat ENS 490 for additional credit and may count up to 4 credits of ENS 490 towards their Environmental Studies degree.

A lecture or laboratory course offered at the discretion of the Department of Environmental Studies. Subject may focus on a current issue in environmental studies, training in a specific research technique or an area of environmental studies that is of interest to a particular group of students. Counts towards Category 2 upper level elective for Environmental Studies BS degree, Natural Sciences Requirement for Environmental Studies BA degree, and Environmental Studies minor.