Time Schedule:
Daniel L Luchtel
ENV H 205
Seattle Campus
Viewing and discussion of popular films that explore issues in environmental health. After viewing films, a discussion follows focusing on the ethical, legal, social, and scientific issues raised by the films. Intended for UW freshmen and sophomores from all backgrounds who may have an interest in majoring in Environmental Health. Offered: W.
Class description
This class will examine environmental factors that affect human health through the use of popular and documentary film. We will explore how scientific issues related to health and the environment are embedded in a cultural matrix that involves ethical, legal and social concerns, and evaluate how science and scientific information are portrayed in these films. Some of the questions we will be asking: What real-world events prompted the making of the film? What scientific issues are central to the film? What has happened since the film was made? How did the film affect our society’s thinking about environmental health hazards? Five films will be presented in this class. There will be a film shown every other week, followed by a discussion on the weeks when no film is shown.
Student learning goals
Explain the key scientific concepts presented in the five course films
Describe how drinking water can be contaminated with hazardous chemicals
Explain the health effects associated with asbestos exposure
Explain the major health risks associated with smoking
Explain the major health risks associated with nuclear power
Explain how scientific evidence is used in legal disputes related to environmental contamination
Describe the role of the media in the presentation of environmental health risks
General method of instruction
The class will be primarily discussion based. There will be a film shown every other week followed by a discussion on the weeks were no films are shown. The films for this quarter are: The Insider, A Civil Action, Libby, Montana, The China Syndrome and Erin Brockovich.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Attendance at film viewing and discussion sessions, a short (5-minute) oral presentation, and a paper (4-6 pages, double-spaced).
Grades will be awarded based on attendance record (20%), class participation (10%), film commentaries (30%), oral presentation (10%), and paper (30%). There will be no final examination for this course.
