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Environmental Studies Concentration

David Campbell, Chair

The interdisciplinary nature of this concentration illuminates the relationship between humans and their natural environment, and provides a basic background for rational and discriminating comprehension of environmental issues. Participation in the off-campus study programs, ACM Costa Rica: Tropical Field Research Semester, OTS, or Wilderness Field Station may, with the program chair's approval, satisfy some of the requirements below.

Required, 24 credits as follows:

  1. Biology, 4 credits, chosen from:
    • Biology 150 Introduction to Biological Inquiry
    • Biology 252 Organisms, Evolution, and Ecology
  2. Chemistry, 4 credits
    • Biology 339 Biogeochemistry
    • Chemistry 210 Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry
  3. Geology, 4 credits, chosen from:
    • Environmental Studies 111 Introductory Geology
    • Environmental Studies 125 Introduction to Earth Systems Science
    • Colorado College Summer Geology Institute, Geology of the Pikes Peak Region
  4. Economics, 4 credits:
    • Economics 240 Resource and Environmental Economics
  5. Additional social science, 4 credits, chosen from:
    • Anthropology 205 Human Evolution
    • Anthropology 238 Cultural and Political Ecology
    • Anthropology 252 Culture and Agriculture
    • Anthropology 325 Biological Basis of Human Society
    • Environmental Studies 145 Nations and the Global Environment
    • Environmental Studies 251 Water, Development, and the Environment (See Global Development Studies 251)
    • Global Development Studies 346 Sustainable Development in the Modern World System
    • Political Science 350 International Politics of Land and Sea Resources
    • Technology Studies 154 Evolution of Technology
  6. Senior seminar, 4 credits:
    • Environmental Studies 495 Senior Seminar

111 Introductory Geology* 4 credits

An introduction to the composition and morphology of the Earth, the geologic processes that alter its surface, and the implications of geology for the human population. Prerequisite: none. STAFF.

125 Introduction to Earth Systems Science with Lab (Fall or Spring) 4 credits

Also listed as Science 125. An introductory geology course that demonstrates that Earth systems (the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere) are dynamically linked by internal and external physical, chemical, and biological processes. Using process-response models, we examine the structure and evolution of the Earth, how the rock record is used to decipher Earth's past and predict its future, and societal issues centered on the environment, land use, resources (water, mineral, and energy), and natural hazards. Three lectures and one laboratory each week. May not be taken by students who have completed Environmental Studies 111. Prerequisite: none. ASPLER.

145 Nations and the Global Environment (Fall) 4 credits

Global environmental issues discussed from the perspective of how these problems relate to each student. Emphasis on the geological, biological, and human history of Earth: trends in global climate (including the greenhouse effect and ozone depletion), species diversity (including episodes of mass extinction), human demography, international energy policies, global distribution of resources (including famine, lifeboat "ethics," and politics of "north vs. south"). Discussion of sustainable development of tropical forest, savanna, and marine ecosystems. Readings from texts and current literature. Prerequisite: none. CAMPBELL.

154 Natural Hazards and Disasters (Spring) 4 credits

Also listed as Global Development Studies 154. Natural hazards arise from normal Earth processes. But natural disasters result from the inability of humans to anticipate, and plan for, inevitable hazardous events. Through lectures, seminars, and lab exercises, we will: examine the Earth processes that generate hazardous events; analyze the historical and geological record of past disasters; consider the political, economic, and social factors contributing to the severity of natural disasters; explore how natural catastrophes have influenced human history, art, and religion; and examine international disparities in vulnerability. Prerequisite: None. ASPLER.

251 Water, Development and the Environment* (Spring) 4 credits

See Global Development Studies 251.

495 Senior Seminar (Spring) 4 credits

An interdisciplinary senior seminar for students completing the concentration in Environmental Studies. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. CAMPBELL.


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