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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Thomas M Hinckley
ENVIR 100
Seattle Campus

Environmental Studies: Interdisciplinary Foundations

Introduces the interdisciplinary approach to environmental studies. Examines the ethical, political, social and scientific dimensions of current and historical environmental issues, at the local and global scale. First in a three course sequence required of Environmental Studies majors. Offered: ASp.

Class description

This new course will introduce the interdisciplinary approach to environmental studies, by presenting the development and application of fundamental concepts from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences toward a spectrum of environmental issues. The course will introduce students to the development of environmental ideas through classic and current literature that addresses the events and people that have influenced the ethical, political, social, and scientific dimensions of studying the environment. Topics include: perceptions of wilderness, problems in common resource harvesting, dams and watershed science, and environmental justice

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

The course will include lectures, discussion sections, and outside events over the course of the quarter. Lectures will present background concepts underlying how multiple disciplines approach environmental issues, as well as presenting the history, current situation, and future of environmental challenges. In discussion sections, students will have an opportunity to discuss, debate, and present ideas through participation in negotiations, town hall meetings, and group projects on a variety of issues through smaller discussion sections. Students will be evaluated based on weekly quizzes, exams, papers,

Recommended preparation

This course is open to all undergraduate students.

Class assignments and grading


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Course Website
Last Update by Trina M. Sterry
Date: 04/17/2007