Relevant Courses

Classes on this list have an explicit sustainability component and incorporate all three elements of sustainability: environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability.

Anthropology

ANTH 345 Nature and Society: Topics in Anthropology and the Environment

Using the methods of anthropology, this course will focus on the study of environmental issues. The course will cover the history of anthropological approaches to the environment. Selected topics such as human ecology, historical ecology, natural resource management, environmental justice, and environmentalism will be announced in the semester schedule. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor. 4 Units

ANTH 352 Global Issues

This course will explore anthropological perspectives on global issues. The course will include a brief introduction to the theoretical frameworks developed in the discipline for studying issues that impact humanity on a global scale. Possible topics may include: globalization, global capitalism, global climate change, international development, population movements such as international migration and diasporas, global impacts of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and SARS. Topics will vary with each offering; may be repeated for credit with consent of instructor. Prerequisites: upper-division standing or consent of instructor. 4 Units

Biology

BIO 308 Environmental Toxicology

308 Environmental Toxicology (3) Spring Lecture, 3 hours. An overview, chemically and physiologically, of toxins in the environment, with an emphasis on the philosophy of chemical use. Includes the nature of the interaction of toxins with living organisms, categories of toxicological activity, toxicological evaluation and environmental monitoring, and governmental regulations and procedures. Satisfies GE, category B3 (specific Emphasis in Natural Sciences). 3 Units

BIO 512 Conservation Ecology

512 Conservation Ecology (2) Spring, even years Lecture, 1 hour; discussion, 1 hour. A seminar format with occasional lectures. An advanced exploration of current topics in the rapidly expanding field of conservation ecology. Specific topics considered will vary from semester to semester, depending on student interests. However, topics will commonly include habitat fragmentation and loss, global climate change, metapopulation dynamics, biological invasions, restoration ecology, and design and management of preserves. 2 Units

Communication Studies

COMS 323 Environmental Communication

Course will focus on research and reporting skills to produce magazine articles or video/radio documentaries on health, science, and the environment. Other assignments include press releases, profiles, memos. Lecture, videos, and field trips help to critique news, public relations, ads, PSAs, campaigns, film, television, music, and the Internet on related issues. Junior standing required. 3 Units

Economics

ECON 322 Urban Economics

The issues and problems facing communities and regions in their attempts to manage and control growth and enhance the quality of life. Introduction to economic theory and techniques useful for dealing with issues such as economic growth, land use, environmental preservation, transportation, and housing. Prerequisite: ECON 201A or 201B. 4 Units

ECON 381 Natural Resource and Environmental Economics

A study of strategies for public and private utilization of depletable and renewable natural resources, and of environmental policy issues. Topics include: agricultural sustainability, optimal resource allocation, land use, environmental externalities, and pollution control, and international environmental policy development. Prerequisites: ECON 201A and 201B, or consent of instructor. 4 Units

ECON 481 Seminar in Ecological Economics

Topics include the application of microeconomic theory and applied econometrics to public and private utilization of depletable and renewable natural resources, environmental policy issues, agricultural sustainability, optimal resource allocation, land use, environmental externalities and pollution control, and international environmental policy development. Prerequisites: ECON 305 or consent of instructor. 4 Units

Environmental Studies

ENSP200 Global Environmental Issues

Lecture/discussion, 3 hours. An introduction to environmental studies and planning, including: humans in relation to the global ecosystem; an overview of problems of energy use, pollution, resource depletion, population growth, food supply, urbanization, climate change and biodiversity, and the search for solutions and future prospects. Satisfies GE, category D5 (Contemporary International Perspectives). Prerequsite or Corequisite: enrollment in ENGL 101 or PHIL 101. 3 Units

ENSP 301 The Human Environment

Human cultural adaptations in evolutionary/historical perspective. Effects of human technology and social institutions upon the natural environment. Beliefs, values, attitudes in relation to human and non-human environment. Emphasis on critical thinking and ethical implications of human ideas and behavior. Prerequisites: ENSP 200 or equivalent and junior standing. 4 Units

ENSP 302 The Biological Environment

This course explores major concepts of ecology and examines current environmental issues in light of these concepts. Topics include: relationship between organisms and the physical environment, community-level ecological processes, the structure and function of ecosystems and their distribution on the planet, evolutionary processes, and population ecology. Environmental issues include pest control, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, global climate change, and others. Development of speaking and writing skills is a significant element of the course. Field trip required. Prerequisite: ENSP 200 or permission of instructor. 3-4 Units

ENSP 303 The Physical Environment

A review of the field physical sciences for environmentalists. Develops an understanding of the problems and challenges in environmental control of air, water, soil, natural hazards, and nonrenewable resources by applying scientific principles to practical environmental problems. Prerequisite: completion of lower-division GE categories B1 & B3 and ENSP 200, or permission of instructor. 3-4 Units

ENSP 310 Introduction to Planning

An overview of land use planning and associated concerns, such as transportation, open space preservation, housing, economic development, environmental protection, urban design, and public finance. Consideration of the evolving forms and functions of cities, towns, and rural areas and society’s attitudes toward development, environmental concerns, and the appropriate role of government in regulating land use. Course addresses general plans, zoning, growth management, environmental impact assessment, and the local political process relating to planning. Current trends in planning and sustainable community development. 3 Units

ENSP 315 Environmental Impact Reporting

The practice and theory of environmental impact assessment and analysis. The process of preparing environmental impact reports (EIRs) and statements (EISs) as mandated by state and federal statutes and regulations. Reviewing and commenting on environmental documents. Relationship between EIRs and comprehensive planning activities. Litigation of EIRs and environmental mediation. Prerequisite: ENSP 310 recommended. 3 Units

ENSP 322 Conservation Biology

Interdisciplinary investigation into biological, management, economic, and ethical issues associated with the current extinction of species. Course will cover principles and applications of ecology, population biology and genetics, biogeography, and social sciences for protection and management of biodiversity in the face of current widespread alteration of the environment. At least one field trip required. Prerequisite: ENSP 302 or BIOL 122, or permission of instructor. 4 Units

ENSP 330 Energy, Technology, and Society

Designed to assist students in understanding energy as a fundamental measure of organization, structure, and transformation in society. Principal topics include: energy history, thermodynamics, energy resources and technologies, global issues and trends, energy economics, institutions, and politics. Analysis of current energy trends and future possibilities. Lectures/discussion, student presentations, and field trips. Prerequisite: ENSP 202 recommended. 4 Units

ENSP 350 Hazardous Materials Management

Through lecture, discussion, and guest experts, the scope of the newly emerging field of hazardous materials management is discussed. Includes such topics as the public’s right to know; environmental auditing; emergency response planning; transfer, storage, and treatment facilities; update of local and regional public agencies’ activities; and career development for students. 3 Units

ENSP 404 Environmental Law

Review of environmental law and regulation in the United States generally and California in particular. Overview of federal and California legal systems with emphasis on their role in environmental protection. Evolution of environmental law in the U.S., including property rights and environmental justice. 3 Units

ENSP 416 Environmental Planning

Review of land use planning and regulation as it relates to the protection of various natural resources and environmental systems. Course subject matter varies and may include wetlands, open space, biodiversity, endangered species, coastal resources, agricultural land, forests, land subject to flooding, multi-species habitat planning, and air quality. Regulatory tools used to ensure resource and environmental protection. Prerequisite: ENSP 310 recommended. 3 Units

ENSP 418 Planning for Sustainable Communities

Sustainability as a concept in environmental and land use planning. Definitions and models of sustainability. Evaluation of sustainable development on global, national, regional, and local levels. Practical experience with city and county planning for sustainability. Prerequisite: ENSP 310 recommended. 3 Units

ENSP 419 Transportation Planning

Theory, methods, and tools related to the systematic analysis of city, regional, and rural transportation problems. The focus is on fundamental land use and transportation interrelationships. Transportation as an integrated system composed of automobiles, public transit, bicycles, and pedestrian travel modes. Level of service and traffic impact assessment. Congestion management, energy conservation, sustainability, and environmental impact considerations. Prerequisite: ENSP 310 recommended. 3 Units

ENSP 421 Seminar on Resource Issues of the American West

Interdisciplinary seminar addressing ecological, historical, cultural, social, and policy aspects of a different regional resource issue. Examples of topics are forestry, livestock grazing, and mining on public lands. Students will read and discuss material from diverse sources and achieve broad understanding of an issue, allowing them to constructively participate in the ongoing policy debate. This course is the prerequisite for the summer field course, ENSP 422. Applies to ENSP Environmental Conservation and Restoration upper division course requirements. Course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: ENSP 200 or consent of instructor. 1-2 Units

Geography

GEOG 203 Cultural Geography

A study of the interrelationships between humans and the physical environment. Attention is focused on humanity’s role in changing the face of the earth, and on the manner in which the cultures of peoples have influenced their utilization of the environment. Diverse theories of human-environment relationships are discussed. Satisfies GE, category D2 (World History and Civilization). CAN GEOG 4. 3 Units

GEOG 340 Conservation of Natural Resources

This class explores the use and management of natural resources. Each year, it focuses on a different set of renewable and non-renewable resources, such as water, oil, diamonds, rangeland, and others. It addresses topics such as distribution, scarcity, substitution, access and use-rights, resource cartels, regulation, and sustainability. It also looks at how these issues are changing under globalization and the rise of transnational corporations. 4 Units

GEOG 350 Urban Geography

A consideration of urban origins, the diffusion of the city, and modern-day interand intra-city phenomena. Topics to be discussed include: urbanization, comparative urban forms, urban functional organization, land use, distribution of cities and their territories, and urban problems, pollution, housing, and open space. 4 Units

GEOG 370 Weather and Climate

An exploration of the mechanisms that create weather and climate and how and why climate varies from place to place and through time. The role of solar radiation is studied as the major driving force of atmospheric circulation and influence on spatial variations in temperature and precipitation around the world. Secondary factors such as land-sea distribution, topography, altitude, and surface cover are explored. Characteristics of climate, such as seasonality of temperature and precipitation, as well as humidity, cloudiness, evaporation rates, and causes of variability, are also studied. Climate’s influence on human culture through time, climate change, and human influence on climate are underlying themes throughout the course. Prerequisite: GEOG 204 or consent of instructor. 4 Units

GEOG 372 Global Climate Change - Past, Present, and Future

An advanced course focusing on evidence of climate change in the past and potential climate change in the future. Present research methods used to investigate past climate and project possible climatic trends will be studied. The range of theories regarding past, present, and future climate, and the response of the environment to such changes will be explored in detail. Prerequisite: GEOG 204 or consent of instructor. 4 Units

Geology

GEOL 306 Environmental Geology

Lecture, 3 hours. Study of geological principles and processes as they relate to our natural environment emphasizing interaction between human activities and the geological environment. Major topics include the nature and behavior of rocks and soils; earthquakes and their associated hazards; landslides, slope stability, and building construction; groundwater and pollution; stream processes and flooding; shoreline processes and coastal development; engineering geology and construction of highways and dams; and development of natural resources, conservation, and ecology. Specific content varies year to year, depending on instructor. Prerequisite: GEOL 102 or consent of instructor. 3 Units

Liberal Studies

LIBS 320B.2 Global Food Web

Lecture, 3 hours. This course will provide a multi-faceted analysis of the system of food production and distribution in the modern world, and its implications for both human and environmental health. We will explore the global food web through a variety of lenses, including economics, politics, health, ecology, chemistry, aesthetics, and psychology. We will examine the consequences of industrial agriculture and developments in genetic engineering, as well as the recent emergence of farm to school projects in our local community, which are building stronger connections between schools and local farmers, and integrating food and gardens into all aspects of the curriculum. We will explore a variety of perspectives on diet and nutrition. The course will include a service learning or community-based research component, and will hopefully add new meaning to the notion that "you are what you eat." Field trip to be arranged.

LIBS 320B.1 Garbage

To be obtained

Philosophy

PHIL 200 Global Climate Issues

To be obtained 3 Units

PHIL 325 Environmental Philosophy

This course examines the philosophical problems that emerge with sustained reflection on environmental issues. These problems include: the moral standing of non-human entities, the status of “value” in nature, and the status of “nature” itself as something other than human, and vice versa. 3 Units

PHIL 313 Ethics in Science, Engineering, and Information Technology

Advanced sciences and high technologies constantly challenge our notions of ethics and morality. In this class we will look at ethical theories that seek to give guidance to scientists, engineers, and other technologists whose work is not only changing the way we live our lives but also our very understanding of life and our place in the universe. Students will look at case studies on topics such as: biotechnology, ethical decision-making in the technological design process, engineering disaster analysis, ethics and information technology, technology design and its impact on the traditional social contract. 3 Units

Political Science

POLS 481 Politics of Regulation and Land Use

An examination of regulatory policies as they affect business and land use decisions in the United States. Structural, legal, and procedural aspects of the regulatory process are explored along with reform and deregulation. Explores the economic, environmental, and political consequences of land use control. 3-4 Units

POLS 486 Selected Issues in International Politics

An examination of current topics and developments in global politics, such as regional conflicts, North-South issues, economic interdependence, and environmental issues. Title varies to reflect specific content each semester. 4 Units

Psychology

PSY 485 Ecopsychology

Psychological aspects of our relationship to the Earth, including the psychological impact of living in a time of ecological crisis, and the role of psychology in promoting a transition to an ecologically sustainable society. Field trips to be arranged. 4 Units

Sociology

SOCI 482 Sociology of Environment

The relations among major social institutions and the environment, and between national and global social inequalities and environmental degradation are examined. Differences in class, race, and gender mean that some people are disproportionately burdened by consequences of environmental degradation. Socioenvironmental perspectives and practical alternatives to our acknowledged ecological crises are explored, including environmental social justice movements, critical social analysis, and alternative socioeconomic approaches to consumption and employment that foster ecologically sustainable societies. 4 Units