Santa Clara University

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM

Professor: Geoffrey Bowker (Regis and Diane McKenna Professor)
Associate Professors: Leslie Gray (Executive Director), Lisa Kealhofer, Michelle Marvier
Assistant Professor: Iris Stewart-Frey

The Environmental Studies Institute offers interdisciplinary programs of study leading to either a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science or a companion major in Environmental Studies. The companion major in environmental studies is offered as a secondary major; students majoring in environmental studies also must complete the requirements for a primary major. The environmental studies major works well with a wide variety of primary majors, including anthropology, communication, political science, and economics. A minor in environmental studies and a special version of the environmental studies minor for engineering majors also are available. Both the environmental studies and environmental science programs provide students with the intellectual and ethical foundations they will need in addressing crucial environmental challenges of the 21st century: e.g., human population growth, urban sprawl, deforestation, global climate change, waste disposal, ozone depletion, air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.

Environmental studies programs are enriched by colloquia, including bi-weekly seminars, featuring presentations on environmental subjects by journalists, politicians, businesspeople, scientists, and other scholars. Majors in environmental science and environmental studies are expected to apply their knowledge outside the classroom by completing an approved internship or research experience, culminating in ENVS 198 Environmental Proseminar.

Environmental studies students are encouraged to study abroad in programs approved by the department. Courses such as Natural History of Baja include one week of immersion travel during University breaks. Environmental studies faculty occasionally offer summer courses in Costa Rica or in Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, both summer and academic year courses taken through the School for Field Studies readily transfer for credit toward our majors and minors.

Each student works with an environmental studies faculty advisor, who helps integrate the classroom curriculum with the student’s plans for future study and/or work in environmental fields.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJORS

Major in Environmental Science

In addition to fulfilling University Core Curriculum and College of Arts and Sciences requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree, students majoring in environmental science must complete the following departmental requirements:

• ENVS 11, 12, 13
• CHEM 11, 12, 13
• BIOL 21, 22, 23
• MATH 11, 12
• ECON 1
• PHIL 9 or ENVS 160
• One course from ANTH 50, ENVS 50, HIST 85, POLI 50, SOCI 50
• ENVS 101
• ENVS 198
• One course from BIOL 160, CENG 160, ENVS 110, ENVS 115
• Four courses from ANTH 142, ANTH 145, BIOL 120, BIOL 121, BIOL 131, BIOL 133/ENVS 133, BIOL 150, BIOL 156, BIOL 157/ENVS 141, BIOL 158, BIOL 165, BIOL 173, BIOL 180, CENG 140, CENG 143, CENG 163, ENVS 144, ENVS 145, ENVS 151, ENVS 170–189, ENVS 197
• Two courses from ANTH 140, ANTH 144, ANTH 155, COMM 120, ECON 101, ECON 111, ECON 129, ECON 130, ECON 134, ENGL 185, ENVS 120, ENVS 122, ENVS 123, ENVS 146, ENVS 147, ENVS 158, ENVS 161, ENVS 162, ENVS 163, ENVS 170–189, ENVS 196, HIST 184, POLI 130, POLI 167, SOCI 138, TESP 173
• Attend six environmental studies colloquia or complete ENVS 98

Companion Major in Environmental Studies

In addition to fulfilling University Core Curriculum and College of Arts and Sciences requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree and the requirements of their primary major, students with a companion major in environmental studies must complete the following requirements:

• ENVS 11, 12, 13
• ECON 1
• PHIL 9 or ENVS 160
• HIST 85
• One course from ANTH 50, ENVS 50, POLI 50, SOCI 50
• ENVS 101
• ENVS 198
• One course from BUSN 40, COMM 110, ENVS 110, POLI 170–174, PSYCH 40, SOCI 120
• One course from ANTH 145, ANTH 155, COMM 120, ENGL 185, ENVS 115, ENVS 123, ENVS 142
• Attend six environmental studies colloquia or complete ENVS 98

Students pursuing a companion major in environmental studies may choose from three concentrations.

Environmental Economics Concentration

• Three courses from ECON 101, ECON 111, ECON 120, ECON 129, ECON 130, ECON 134, ENVS 189
• One course from ENVS 120, ENVS 122, ENVS 162, ENVS 163, ENVS 185, ENVS 188, POLI 130, POLI 146, POLI 167

Environmental Policy and Law Concentration

• Three courses from ENVS 120, ENVS 122, ENVS 162, ENVS 163, ENVS 185, ENVS 188, POLI 130, POLI 146, POLI 167
• One course from ECON 101, ECON 111, ECON 120, ECON 129, ECON 130, ECON 134, ENVS 189

Sustainable Development Concentration

• Three courses from ANTH 140, ENVS 141, ENVS 145, ENVS 146, ENVS 147, ENVS 161, ENVS 184, ENVS 186, ENVS 189, SOCI 138
• One course from ECON 101, ECON 111, ECON 120, ECON 129, ECON 130, ECON 134, ENVS 120, ENVS 122, ENVS 158, ENVS 162, ENVS 163, ENVS 185, ENVS 188, ENVS 189, POLI 130, POLI 146, POLI 167

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINORS

Minor in Environmental Studies

Students must fulfill the following requirements for a minor in environmental studies:

• ENVS 11, 12, 13
• One statistics course from BIOL 160, BUSN 40, COMM 110, ENVS 110, POLI 170–174, PSYC 40, SOCI 120
• One ethical or spiritual issues course from ENVS 160, ENVS 161, ENVS 162, ENVS 163, PHIL 9, TESP 173
• Two economic dimensions courses: ECON 1 and ECON 111
• One political and legal dimensions course from COMM 120, ENVS 120, ENVS 122, ENVS 123, ENVS 140, ENVS 158, POLI 130
• One elective course from any courses listed above or ANTH 140, ANTH 142, ANTH 144, ANTH 145, BIOL 131, BIOL 133/ENVS 133, BIOL 150, BIOL 156, CENG 143, CENG 160, CENG 163, COMM 120, ECON 101, ENGL 185, ENVS 10, ENVS 20, ENVS 115, ENVS 130, ENVS 141–147, ENVS 196, HIST 85, POLI 130, SOCI 138
• ENVS 101
• Attend six environmental studies colloquia or complete ENVS 98.

Minor in Environmental Studies for Engineers

Students majoring in engineering must fulfill the following requirements for a minor in environmental studies:

• ENVS 11 or 13
• One social, political, and legal dimensions course from ENVS 120, ENVS 122, ENVS 141, ENVS 146, ENVS 147, ENVS 158, HIST 85
• One ethical and spiritual dimensions course from PHIL 9, ENVS 160, ENVS 161, ENVS 162, ENVS 163, TESP 173
• Five environmental engineering courses from CENG 121, CENG 140, CENG 143 plus two from CENG 123, CENG 139, CENG 142, CENG 144, CENG 160, CENG 162
• CENG 192A and 193; Senior design project must have an environmental focus and is subject to approval by the environmental studies director
• Attend six environmental studies colloquia or complete ENVS 98

LOWER-DIVISION COURSES: ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

10. The Joy of Garbage
What happens to the things we don’t want? This class follows the path of our waste products as they are burnt, decomposed, landfilled, treated, recycled, reused, dumped on minority communities, or shipped abroad. Building on basic chemical and biological principles, and using the scientific method to guide us, we will explore the fates of organic and non-organic detritus, and search for sustainable solutions to waste problems. (4 units)

11. Introduction to Environmental Science
This course offers a broad introduction to the major environmental threats facing the world, as well as the key questions or policy debates surrounding our response to these threats. Problems such as habitat destruction, over-harvesting, invasive species, emerging diseases, and global warming cannot be addressed without considering the diversity of cultures and socioeconomic conditions in the global community. Lectures will deliberately contrast the means and obstacles to tackling environmental issues in developed vs. developing countries. In-class and independent research assignments will help students develop critical thinking skills and to analyze and present information pertaining to environmental issues. (4 units)

12. Introduction to Environmental Studies
Human degradation of the global environment is an overarching concern for contemporary and future societies. The field of environmental studies is a relatively new, interdisciplinary field that draws heavily from the social sciences to propose ways society can develop environmental solutions. This is a survey course that will enable students to understand the composition and evolution of environmental studies as a field, and provide them tools to analyze environmental problems and solutions on a local, national, and global scale. This course will introduce students to: 1. the major environmental problems facing human societies; 2. the key social science disciplines and their contributions to the field of environmental studies; 3. the methodologies used by these disciplines and the way they shape understanding of nature/society relations; and 4. the importance of ethics and leadership in developing environmental solutions. (4 units)

13. Soil, Water, and Air L&L
This course focuses on the contributions of the geological and physical sciences to environmental science. The basic physical and geological processes that shape the Earth and govern changes in the environment are discussed. We will address questions regarding the continents, landscapes, oceans, freshwater reservoirs, and the atmosphere. How did they form? Which processes are taking place to change them? How are they affected by human action? Understanding of the concepts will be deepened by laboratory activities and field trips. Laboratory and field work 15 hours. (4 units)

20. The Water Wars of California L&L
In California, the average person uses about 230 gallons of water a day while most of the population is concentrated in areas that receive less than 20 inches of rainfall per year. This course will use the history of water resource use and abuse in the state of California as a backdrop for investigating the interplay of hydrology, climate, and human population growth. Students will examine factors that affect the supply, distribution, demand, and quality of freshwater in the state of California. The important roles of climatic processes, variability, and global climate change will be highlighted, and population pressures on water resources will be analyzed. Concepts will be reinforced by field projects and through comparative case studies from California and beyond. Laboratory 15 hours. (4 units)

39. Drawing from Nature
Development of basic drawing skills using natural subjects to encourage interest in future self-motivated drawing. Projects include drawing from nature using pencils, pen, and ink; drawing perspective, seeing proportions, line drawing, and shading techniques; drawing birds, trees, rocks, water, and clouds. (4 units) NCX

50. World Geography
Provides an understanding of world geography through an appreciation of contemporary global problems. Problems include the environmental crisis, international relations, demographic trends, and economic development. Special emphasis on world hunger and the roots of third-world poverty. Also listed as POLI 50. (4 units)

98. Outdoor Leadership Experience (OLE)
This course uses instruction in wilderness safety, outdoor technical skills and low-impact camping to develop leadership skills and an appreciation of the natural world. An online application is required prior to instructor approval. Application forms will be made available at the beginning of the quarter prior to the course offering. Students are graded P/NP only. (2 units) NCX

UPPER-DIVISION COURSES: ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

101. Capstone Seminar
Capstone is a guided group and individual research course that each year is aimed at a different environmental topic of global significance. Past topics have included the regulation of biotechnology, using ecosystem services to create financial incentives for conservation, the social equity and biological effectiveness of private land conservation, and the national choices facing China with respect to agricultural policy. The course begins with lectures so that students gain a foundational background for the quarter’s research topic. Students write individual papers, group papers, give oral presentations, and develop project management skills. Some students end up pursuing their research after the course, even to the point of publication. (5 units) NCX

110. Statistics for Environmental Science L&L
A course in applied statistics for biologists and environmental scientists planning to conduct manipulative experiments. Students gain training in experimental design, quantitative analysis, and hypothesis testing. Theory and concepts are covered in lectures and readings. Laboratory sessions provide practical experience in computing statistical procedures by hand and with statistical software. Examples used in lectures and lab assignments are derived from medical research, physiology, genetics, ecology, and environmental risk assessment. Laboratory 30 hours. Also listed as BIOL 160 Biostatistics. Prerequisite: BIOL 23 or permission of instructor. (5 units)

115. GIS in Environmental Science L&L
A working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is essential for many careers in environmental science. This class and laboratory will focus on methods of generating, querying, analyzing, and displaying GIS data utilizing industry standard software. Possible topics include landuse change, pollution, and population growth issues. Each student will propose and carry out a GIS project with an environmental application. Laboratory 30 hours. (5 units)

120. Introduction to Environmental Law and Regulation in the United States
Introduction to the U.S. legal system’s approach to environmental protection. Topics include the roles of legislatures and environmental agencies at the federal, state, and local levels; the independent role of the judiciary in establishing environmental law; and specific statutes, such as the Clean Air Act. Students evaluate questions of federalism, uses of economic incentives, and relationships between environmental protection and economic growth. (5 units)

122. U.S. Environmental Policy
This course will focus on U.S. environmental policy between 1960 and 2006, highlighting the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and policy responses to global warming. We will use these four foci to gain an understanding of how policy is formulated, how one might measure its consequences, and the role of communication and politics in moving policy forward (or blocking policy advances). We all aim to make a difference, and this course will focus on major policy junctures and analyze how those differences were made or not made. We will focus on how the acts above came to be, and the ongoing policy debates surrounding their administration and implementation. (5 units)

123. Communicating Environmental Science to the Public
Some of the most complex political issues of our time are tied to complex scientific debates. Issues of climate change, biodiversity, habitat preservation, guaranteeing fresh water supply, and so on are at the cutting edge of environmental science—and yet frequently political decisions (for our own and for future generations) must be made on the basis of incomplete knowledge. In this course, we examine how scientists, activists, and politicians communicate with each other and with the public on environmental matters. Also listed as COMM 161A. (5 units)

130. Environmental Art: Theory and Practice
Contemporary environmental artists seek to preserve and restore the natural world by creating artworks that address ecological challenges and point toward positive solutions to these problems. In this course students work and study with an environmental artist. After a review of contemporary environmental art, students write brief papers on current ecological challenges and then work in small groups to create conceptually based installations (site-specific sculptures) on campus that relate to these issues. Students learn techniques for creative thinking, transforming ideas into art, and basic art skills. This course is especially valuable for future teachers. (5 units) NCX

133. Ecology of California Plant Communities L&L
This course focuses on the factors controlling plant community composition in California, with emphasis on the basic question of plant ecology: Why are these plant species found here? Field trips highlight the astounding diversity of the California floristic province, emphasizing identification of plant species and sampling methods for ecological studies. Laboratory and field work 30 hours. Also listed as BIOL 133. Prerequisite: BIOL 23. (5 units)

141. Environmental Biology in the Tropics
This summer course examines tropical biology and ecology and their relationship to issues of sustainable development. One week of instruction at SCU and three weeks of field study in Costa Rica. Particular emphasis on primate biology, reforestation and restoration ecology, mangrove conservation, sustainable agriculture and fair trade, and ecotourism. Taught in conjunction with ENVS 39. Enrollment by application via International Programs. Also listed as BIOL 141. Prerequisite: BIOL 23. (5 units) NCX

142. Environmental and Nature Writing
Students in this course will compose a finished article for publication in a magazine or journal after having engaged in market research, analysis of submission guidelines for select periodicals, discourse analysis, and correspondence with editors. Students may choose to participate in either discourse, that of environmental writing or that of nature writing, and may elect to write for either a general or scholarly audience. Students will mail a manuscript to an editor on the final day of class. Also listed as ENGL 174, Nonfiction writing. Prerequisites: ENGL 1 and 2. (5 units) NCX

144. Natural History of Baja
Students will learn the natural history of marine and terrestrial organisms inhabiting desert and coastal ecosystems of Baja California, in a context that permits examination of issues of sustainability, development, and ecotourism. Meets once a week during winter quarter at SCU, followed by a spring break field trip to inland and coastal protected areas in Baja. Enrollment by application only. Additional travel fees required. Prerequisite: ENVS 1 or ENVS 11. (5 units) NCX

145. Environmental Technology
A survey course covering a variety of environmentally conscious technologies. Course addresses “bleeding edge” as well as more traditional technologies that enhance the quality of all life forms in both the developed and developing countries. Concentration on environmentally conscious technologies used in the following general areas: air quality, biotic systems, climate, energy, land, population, transportation, waste, and water. (5 units)

146. Sustainable Development in Rural Latin America
This course offers a cross-disciplinary examination of the prospects for “sustainable development” in rural areas of Latin America. We will use diverse points of view to look at interactions between poverty, development, and environmental degradation. While there is no single, universally accepted definition of sustainable development, a central goal of this course is that each student come away with the ability to understand the key elements that distinguish different discourses on this subject. (5 units)

147. International Environment and Development
This course examines the intersection of environment and development in the developing world. Students will explore meanings and measures of development as well as international institutions that influence development and environmental policy. Conceptual frameworks for addressing human-environmental relationships, including globalization, famine and hunger, sustainable development, population-poverty interactions and gender will be explored. Specific topics to be covered include deforestation, water use, conservation and development, oil extraction, and urbanization. (5 units)

149. Politics of African Development
Examines why Africa is the poorest region of the world, focusing on legacies of colonialism, failed political systems, poor economic choices, and external interventions. Discussion of how some states have collapsed into warlordism, civil war, and genocide and how others are creating democratic movements to reverse a history of economic decline. Also listed as POLI 146. (5 units)

151. Restoration Ecology L&L
The science and practice of restoring degraded ecosystems, with an emphasis on plant ecology. Through fieldwork in restoration experiments and examination of literature case studies, students will grapple with basic questions: How do we decide what to restore? How do we restore it? And how do we know if we’re finished? Emphasis on reading and writing scientific papers, working with data, and critically judging the success of restoration projects in meeting goals of biodiversity and ecosystem function. Laboratory and field work 30 hours. Also listed as BIOL 151. Prerequisite: BIOL 23. (5 units)

156. General Ecology L&L
Quantitative study of the interrelationships of organisms with their biotic and abiotic environments. Emphasis on population dynamics, interspecific relationships, community structure, and ecosystem processes. Laboratory and field work 30 hours, including one weekend field trip. Also listed as BIOL 156. Prerequisites: BIOL 23 and MATH 11. (5 units)

158. Conservation Psychology
Many environmental problems (e.g., global warming, pollution, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion) are caused by human behavior, and changing this behavior is necessary in order to solve them. Topics include psychological reasons (emotions, thoughts, values, motivations, social context) why people behave in environmentally sustainable or unsustainable ways, and how psychology can be used to develop policies and other interventions to help promote sustainable behavior. Also listed as PSYC 158. Prerequisites: PSYC 1, 2, 40, 43, or permission of the instructor. (5 units)

160. Spirituality and Sustainability
Investigation of the challenge of integrating ecological consciousness and environmental leadership with the practice of spirituality. Examines the diversity of religious responses to the global sustainability crisis, and the potential of consciousness to facilitate social transformation in light of Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu spiritual traditions. (5 units)

161. The Moral Vision of Cesar Chavez: Agriculture, Food, and Environment in Catholic Social Teaching
Introduction to Catholic perspectives on agriculture, the food system, the environment and sustainability. Uses the moral vision of the most prominent Mexican American in history as a vehicle for understanding the ethical dilemmas in the modern agrofood system. Investigates the role of race and class in perpetuating injustices against farmworkers. Discusses how Chavez was inspired by Catholic social teaching to engage in solidarity with poor communities of color, and how he carried forward its message of justice. (5 units)

162. Environmental Justice Practicum: The Central Valley
Investigation of the social, political, and religious meanings of environmental justice, i.e., the intersection of social justice and environmental protection. Describes the role that race and class have played in environmental degradation in rural California. Examines social and political structures that perpetuate conditions of injustice for low-income, communities of color in rural California. Coursework will contribute to the Diocese of Stockton’s multi-year Environmental Justice Education Project. (5 units)

163. Faith, Ethics, and the Biodiversity Crisis
Survey of the global collapse of biological diversity. Religious implications of this environmental crisis, and a survey of the religio-ethical analysis and response by major faith traditions in light of the greening of religion. Examines the role that ethics can play in articulating conservation initiatives. (5 units)

196. Special Topics in Environmental Studies
An environmental studies course taught by a visiting professor. Course content and topics vary depending on the professor. (5 units)

197. Special Topics in Environmental Science
An environmental science course taught by a visiting professor. Course content and topics vary depending on the professor. (5 units)

198. Environmental Proseminar
Seminar course for graduating seniors, intended to permit reflection on an internship or research experience and foster the further development of professional skills. Prior to enrolling, students must complete 100 hours of work in one of the following options: 1) an approved off-campus environmental internship (see ESI executive director for approval before initiating the internship), 2) approved environmental research with SCU faculty (ENVS 199A or 199B) or through directed research at the School of Field Studies, or 3) the Environmental Vocation Internship (ENVS 199C). Unit credit dependent on prior credits granted for internship or research work. Students are graded P/NP only. Prerequisite: Permission of ESI executive director. (1-5 units) NCX

199. Directed Reading, Research, or Internship
Students wishing to enroll in 199A, 199B, or 199C should meet with the faculty supervisor no later than the fifth week of the term preceding the start of the project. For 199A and 199B a written description of the proposed project must be presented to the ESI executive director for approval.

199A. Directed Reading in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies
Detailed investigation based on directed readings on advanced environmental topics, under the close supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite: Permission of ESI executive director and instructor before registration. (1–5 units) NCX

199B. Directed Environmental Research
Supervised laboratory, field, or other research under the guidance of a faculty member. The goal should be a written report suitable for publication. Prerequisite: Permission of ESI executive director and instructor before registration. (1–5 units) NCX

199C. Environmental Vocation Internship
A two-quarter sequence facilitating environmental education and research in local faith communities. Interns will create customized educational projects and models while gathering information about social attitudes toward religion and the environment. Environmental vocation and leadership are emphasized. Students are graded P/NP only. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor before registration. (1-5 units) NCX