Course Descriptions (Per Subject)

ENVS 101.  Environmental Science, Policy and Thought: Introduction to Environmental Studies.  4. 
An introductory course to the interdisciplinary approach as it relates to environmental studies. Intended to introduce students to a broad array of environmental issues and conflicts; uses a case study, problem-solving approach. Fulfills social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Evaluating systems and environments requirement (2019).

ENVS 150.  Special Topics.  1-8. 
May also be offered at 250, 350 and 450 levels.

ENVS 212.  Environmental Science. 4.  
Study of the structure and function of ecosystems with reference to energy flow, nutrient cycling, population growth and regulation, and community organization and dynamics. Particular emphasis on the relationship between humans and the environment. Fulfills natural science and mathematics and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Fulfills the natural science/mathematics and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019).

ENVS 220.  The American Landscape (ART 220).  6. 
A two-part exploration. First, students undertake traditional academic inquiry, reading and discussion. Second, they engage in experiential learning through an extended field trip and a direct photographic exploration of some of the landscapes and environments that have shaped American culture. Fulfills arts and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019).

ENVS 242.  Natural Science Seminars.  4. 
Studies of the biology, geology, ecology and natural history of different field areas, including the American Southwest, the Galapagos, East Africa, Brunnenburg, North Carolina and other areas. Includes a one- to three-week trip to the area being studied, depending on when the course is offered; trip includes research project. When course is offered for a minimum of 4 semester credits, the course will fulfill natural science/mathematics and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998); natural science/mathematics, evaluating systems and environments requirements, and embodied and creative engagement requirements (2019).

ENVS 250.  Special Topics.  1-8.  

ENVS 260.  Independent Study.  1-8. 
May also be offered at 360 and 460 levels. Independent student projects are dependent upon the student's initiative in shaping the terms of investigation. The supervising instructor and the coordinator of environmental studies must approve a proposal describing the project.

ENVS 290.  Internship.  1-8. 
Recommended for all majors. College requirements apply. Details to be arranged between a student and a faculty member; schedules and nature of the work to be accomplished is at the discretion of the instructor. May also be offered at the 390 level.

ENVS 350.  Special Topics.  8.  

ENVS 360.  Independent Study.  1-8.  

ENVS 380.  Junior Seminar: Socio-Ecol.  4. 
This junior seminar dives deeply into systems thinking, resilience, and sustainability while guiding students to develop meaningful problem statements, focus area designations and descriptions, and proposals for their senior projects. Fulfills social justice/environmental responsibility requirement (1998). Evaluating systems and environments requirement (2019).

ENVS 390.  Internship.  1-8.  

ENVS 450.  Special Topics.  1-8.  

ENVS 460.  Independent Study.  1-8.  

ENVS 470.  Senior Thesis.  1-8. 
Recommended for all students planning to attend graduate school. A written senior thesis may be undertaken as a separate project or as the culmination of independent study; the senior thesis must represent serious research and independent thought.

ENVS 480.  Senior Seminar.  1-4. 
This senior seminar is designed as a time and place for students to discuss, critique, and work on their capstone projects, and to develop and practice presentations associated with their projects as they prepare for public presentations at GUS, the Environmental and Sustainability Studies Annual Forum, and/or professional conferences.

ENVS 490.  Departmental Honors.  1-8. 
For seniors with a 3.5 G.P.A. students may complete a senior thesis and obtain program honors at graduation.