Environmental Studies Course Descriptions

ENVA - 102. California Ecology (4)

A course for non-majors emphasizing the principles and concepts of ecology and evolution as illustrated by California plants and animals. Two lectures and one laboratory weekly. Cross Listed With: BIOL - 102

ENVA - 109. Humans and Environmental Change (4)

This course introduces students to environmental studies by focusing on social science approaches to understanding the human causes of environmental change. Sociological, psychological, anthropological, historical, economic, political, and moral perspectives are examined. The concept of the "tragedy of the commons" is used to high light the social factors underlying environmental problems. Offered every spring.

ENVA - 110. Understanding Our Environment w/Lab (4)

This course serves as an introduction to and covers broad aspects of environmental science and environmental studies. For all cases, the resulting environmental impacts are studied in detail. Specifically, this course examines the risks associated with growth in a developing world; environmental impact of population growth on natural resources; mineral and resource extraction; water resource uses; and renewable and non-renewable sources for power generation. Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach to environmental science using laboratory exercises, environmental surveys, and class discussions to reinforce scientific principles. Cross Listed With: ENVS - 110

ENVA - 116. Survey of General, Organic and Biochemistry (4)

Prerequisite: High school algebra, high school chemistry, or consent of instructor. Designed primarily for nursing students, with emphasis on the application of chemistry in the living organism. Offered every Fall, sometimes in Spring.

ENVA - 210. Ecology and Human Impacts w/Lab (4)

Prerequisite: ENVA - 110. The course introduces students to biological and ecological aspects of environmental science. The course will include lectures, laboratory exercises, and field exercises. The goal of the course is to give the student an overview of basic ecology, ecological management issues, and ecosystem policy with special emphasis on local issues in the San Francisco Bay Area. Cross Listed With: ENVS - 210

ENVA - 212. Air and Water w/Lab (4)

Prerequisite: ENVA - 110. This course covers broad physical and chemical aspects of the atmosphere and water resources. Specifically, this course considers atmospheric composition, weather processes, and air pollution; water resources, regulations, and defining water quality based on intended use. For all cases, the resulting environmental impacts are studied in detail. Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach to environmental science using field trips and sampling exercises, laboratory exercises, environmental surveys, and class discussion to reinforce scientific principles. Cross Listed With: ENVS - 212

ENVA - 220. Toxic World (4)

This introductory science course for non-science majors focuses on the chemistry of pollution. Major topics include air pollution, ozone depletion, global warming, energy, water pollution, and genetic engineering. Basic chemical concepts necessary for understanding these topics will be introduced as needed. The course also covers economic, societal, and policy aspects of pollution. Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory each week. Offered Spring.

ENVA - 230. Introduction to Urban Sociology (4)

An introduction to the historical development and social structure of cities; their changing historical importance in the growth of social, economic, and political life; and their crucial role in the political economy of a global society. Offered in Fall. Cross Listed With: SOC - 230

ENVA - 235. Literature and the Environment (4)

A survey of poetry, fiction and nonfiction across centuries and cultures. We will examine the philosophies that underpin ideas of nature, culture and "the wild"; and examine the nature and place of creative literature in addressing environmental issues. Cross Listed With: ENGL - 235

ENVA - 250. Environmental Data Analysis (4)

This course provides students with two types of mathematical tools for environmental problem solving: estimating tools and statistical tools. Students will learn how to characterize environmental problems with mathematical relationships, find necessary data and make assumptions, and estimate quantitative answers. We will use statistical tools to gather meaning from environmental data, by examining data patterns (distributions), determining relationships among data (correlations), and checking data quality. The course will address such problems as water contamination, toxic waste, noise pollution, air emissions, and climate change. Cross Listed With: ENVS - 250

ENVA - 319. Health and Environment (4)

This course explores illness due to environmental pollution. An overview of sociological perspectives on health and illness is followed by examination of the role of scientific knowledge and other social factors in identifying, treating, and preventing environmental illness. Cross Listed With: SOC - 319

ENVA - 320. Global Environments and Societies (4)

This course explores how characteristics of human societies influence human uses of, and our relationship to, the environment. Topics include: the roles of science and technology, government, the economy, and culture in shaping human impacts on the environment; the environmental movement; and environmental justice. Cross Listed With: SOC - 320

ENVA - 342. Environmental History of Africa (4)

Introduction to the environmental history of Africa from 1800 to the present. Topics examined include Africa's physical environment, role of natural resources in the development of African societies, demography, agriculture, desertification, deforestation, conservation, famine, and economic development. Offered every other Spring. Cross Listed With: HIST - 342

ENVA - 360. International Environmental Politics (4)

Study of the politics of ethnicity and nationalism in the contemporary world and ramifications for state sovereignty, international cooperation and security. Case studies from a wide variety of settings (i.e., South-Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Canada, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, Yugoslavia) will be used to illustrate conceptual and empirical issues. Offered every other year. Cross Listed With: POLS - 360

ENVA - 361. Religion and the Environment (4)

Explores the religious underpinnings of contemporary attitudes and practices concerning the environment. Both historical and contemporary understandings of nature as expressed in various religious traditions. Offered intermittently. Cross Listed With: THEOL - 361

ENVA - 364. Urbanization and Development (4)

This course examines some of the major factors that contribute to urban development in post-industrial and newly industrializing countries. It will cover issues of de-industrialization, labor and capital mobility, immigration, the logic of spatial location, metropolitanization, and the growth and political economy of global cities. Offered in Spring. Cross Listed With: SOC - 360

ENVA - 366. Environmental Policy (4)

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the various processes, participants, and institutions that surround the making and implementing of environmental policy. It combines lectures, case studies, and some "hands-on" exercises to illustrate how these elements interact. Cross Listed With: POLS - 366

ENVA - 375. Brazil and Amazonia (4)

Interdisciplinary survey of the geography, culture, and history of Brazil and Amazonia since 1500. Course themes include indigenous cultures, the impact of European expansion on the native people and the land, African and indigenous slavery, colonialism and its legacies, development, extractive economies, and nationalism. Offered Fall. Cross Listed With: HIST - 375

ENVA - 390. Undergraduate Special Topics (4)

Courses offered occasionally on a special topic in Environmental Studies.

ENVA - 396. Environmental Studies Internship (4)

Internship in an organization related to Environmental Studies.

ENVA - 404. Environmental Ethics (4)

Provides an overview of ethical responsibilities for the natural world. The course explores the diverse ethical responses to environmental problems including contemporary philosophical and religious beliefs regarding nature. Cross Listed With: THEOL - 404

ENVA - 450. Capstone Practicum in Environmental Studies (4)

An upper division seminar that serves as a capstone to the program. Students explore diverse environmental issues from the perspectives of the humanities as well as the natural and social sciences. The student's environmental portfolio is reviewed during this seminar.

ENVA - 498. Research for Advanced Undergraduates (1-4)

Original research supervised by a member of the staff, with credit to be fixed in each case. Designed to give students an acquaintance with, and an appreciation of, the principles and methods of original scientific investigation. A research report must be filed. Cross Listed With: ENVS - 498