Courses in Environmental Studies
(Division 366)
The quest for harmony between humans and the natural world
requires understanding of nature, society, and our individual
selves. The program in Environmental Studies encourages students
to supplement their training in particular academic disciplines
by exploring aspects of natural science, social science, and the
humanities. The Program is not a concentration program, although
a student may emphasize environmental studies in the LS&A
Individual Concentration Program (ICP).
Environmental Studies 123, 124, and 240 offer broad overviews
of the field and serve as introductions to more advanced work.
Environmental Studies 420 and 421 offer opportunities for independent
study. In these courses the student is responsible for defining
a plan of study, enlisting others with similar interests if appropriate, and locating a faculty member willing to supervise the work. Environmental
Studies 450 is a Capstone Seminar providing the opportunity for
seniors, particularly those pursuing ICPs, to work together to
compare diverse perspectives on human values and the environment.
Courses on environmental issues are offered by many different
departments and programs in LS&A as well as in other colleges
of the university. Students interested in the environment should
explore each issue of the Time Schedule thoroughly, because
many appropriate courses are offered at irregular intervals under
unpredictable headings. Of particular interest are some of the
University Courses.
During the Winter Term of 1998 LS&A, in collaboration with the School of Natural Resources and the Environment, will offer
an enhanced program of courses, lectures, forums, and exhibits
entitled The Environmental Semester/Rethinking the Relationship.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the unusual opportunities
for educational enrichment that this Theme Semester will provide.
See page 8 of this Course Guide for a complete listing
of Theme Semester courses. For current information, visit: http://www.umich.edu/~envsem
123/Geol. 123/AOSS 123.
Life and the Global Environment. No credit granted
to those who have completed or are enrolled in 361. (2). (NS).
(BS).
How human beings interact with the
natural environment, including the physical and chemical environment
and living creatures. Topics include: the cowboy mentality and the need for environmental ethics, the causes and consequences
of climate change, air pollution and energy, the ozone emergency
and its lessons, the environmental impact of neoclassical economics, and environmental responsibility. Instruction is by lectures, films, assigned reading, and computer exercises. Grades are based
on homework and frequent short quizzes. The text is Environmental
Science: A Global Concern (3rd or 4th edition) by W.P. Cunningham
and B.W. Saigo, William C. Brown Publishers, 1995. Cost:2
WL:4 (Walker)
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Times, Location, and Availability
240(320)/RC Interdiv. 240.
Big Questions for a Small Planet: Introduction to Environmental
Studies. (4). (Excl).
This course is an introduction to environmental
studies. We survey the environmental state of the world in the
1990s, including the health of physical systems such as climate
and water, the biodiversity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and human habitations and quality of life around the world. We
review the physical and biological processes that make the earth
a life-support system. We review policies and economics of resource
use. Also, we survey the different ways in which societies consume
and use resources. Linking these themes is the outlook for a sustainable
future, in terms of the size of the human population and the quality
of life, the status of other species, and the integrity of physical
systems. We learn how to determine the "ecological footprint"
of American culture under current and alternative levels of resource
consumption. About 1/4 of the lectures are given by guest speakers
from a wide range of backgrounds. Students keep a journal, design
projects, and write several papers and two essay exams. Texts
include Ishmael (Quinn), Global Ecology in Human
Perspective (Southwick), and Our Ecological Footprint
(Wackernagel and Rees). Cost:2
WL:4 (Badgley)
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Times, Location, and Availability
356. Homeplace: Life in the Huron Valley. (3). (Excl).
An interdisciplinary examination of
interactions between humans and nature using the Huron River Valley
as an example. The course will focus on excursions in Ann Arbor
and the surrounding countryside to examine how life in the Huron
Valley has been shaped by our particular environment and how humans
over time have modified this environment with consequences both
good and bad. The excursions will be supported by lectures, readings, and discussions examining literary and artistic views of nature
as well as climate, ecosystem formation and function, social structures, and history. Grades will be based on student writing in journals
and assigned exercises, a collaborative research project involving
a detailed study of a nearby place, and participation in class
discussion. Cost:2
WL:1 (Knott, Webb, Walker)
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Times, Location, and Availability
412. Alternative Patterns
of Resource Utilization: The Amish in Twentieth Century America.
Environ. Studies. 240. (3). (Excl).
The Amish are succeeding and increasing
in numbers while appearing to defy modern technology and contemporary
wisdom. A detailed study of this cohesive, rural subculture can
give perspective to contemporary American agricultural methods, consumption patterns, conflict resolution, and resource utilization.
The role of community, value systems, social structures, scale, and technology will be explored, as will the relationships to the natural environment and the dominant culture. Questions will
be raised concerning cultural diversity as it pertains to human
survival and problems of maintaining cultural cohesiveness and transferring specific behaviors across cultural boundaries. Biweekly
classes will consist primarily of lecture and discussion with
several guest speakers, films, and perhaps a field trip. Students
will be evaluated on the basis of class participation, small papers, a research paper to be shared with the class, and probably a final
exam. Cost:1
WL:1 (Huntington)
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Times, Location, and Availability
415/RC Nat. Sci. 415. Science
and Politics. One college-level science course. (4).
(Excl). (BS).
See
RC Natural Science 415. (Wright)
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Times, Location, and Availability
420. Practicum in Environmental
Problems. Environ. Studies 240 and cognates pertinent
to the study. Permission must be granted by Director prior to
enrollment. (1-4). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT). May not be repeated
for credit.
Independent study of critical environmental problems. The student
is responsible for defining a plan of study, enlisting others
with similar interests if appropriate, and locating a faculty
member to supervise the work.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
421. Practicum in Environmental
Problems. Environ. Studies 240 and cognates pertinent
to the study. Permission must be granted by Director prior to
enrollment. (1-4). (Excl). (INDEPENDENT). May not be repeated
for credit.
See Environmental Studies 420.
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
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