A familiarity with environmental problems and issues including their historical dimension
An understanding of the multifaceted interactions of humans and their environment focusing on principles and methods of environmental science
An understanding of the scientific and technological methodologies and concepts involved in environmental issues
An appreciation of the complexity of environmental problems and their alleviation
Insight into the concept of sustainable development and what the principles of zero emissions, pollution prevention, and designing for the environment mean
An understanding of the economic aspects of environmental issues including the costs and benefits of environmental degradation, the tradeoffs involved in assessing and securing a quality environment, and the effects of economic incentives
A familiarity with the parameters involved in environmental management and public policy in addressing environmental problems
An understanding of the complexities in choosing alternative policies to manage environmental problems
Cluster Focus
Continuing environmental degradation is a worldwide problem threatening the quality of life and its viability. The problem can only be understood and addressed by drawing on the resources of multidisciplinary approaches. The multidisciplinary perspective center of this cluster focuses on the human dimensions of the human-environment equation and includes geographical and ecological approaches, scientific and technological methodologies, planning and public policy issues, and ethical, political, economic, and legal considerations.
Courses
CEE 458. Sustainable Development Overview of social, economical, technical environmental aspects of regional, national and international efforts to achieve sustainable development. Discussion of the integration of industrial activity and ecological concerns utilizing principles of zero emissions, pollution prevention and design for the environment.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor
ECON 447. Natural Resource and Environmental Economics Topics discussed include conservation and scarcity, market failure, fishery management, benefit-cost analysis, water resource development, environmental quality, recreation, energy, and marine resources.
Prerequisites: ECON 202S (or ECON 200S and permission of the instructor) and Junior standing or permission of the Chief Departmental Advisor.
ENVH 402W. Environmental Health Administration and Law A review of the concepts and practice of administering environmental health control programs within agencies at the federal, state and local levels. The principles of administration and leadership of programs in the private sector are also discussed. The constitutional, statutory and administrative law bases for organizing and conducting such programs and developing environmental policy as well as the legal implications of enforcement will be addressed. A review of all major environmental statutes and their agencies that enforce them will be addressed.
Prerequisite: Junior standing
GEOG 306T. Hazards: Natural and Technological An exploration of human perceptions of and responses to extreme geophysical and technological threats, including nuclear bombs and accidents, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
Prerequisite: Junior standing and 6 credits in the social sciences or permission of the instructor
PHIL 344T. Environmental Ethics An examination of the nature and basis of human obligations for the welfare of the environment with special attention to the foundations of ethical decision making.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and 3 semester hours in philosophy, or permission of the instructor
Recommended Reading
Beaton, Russ, Reuniting Economy and Ecology in Sustainable Development (Lewis Publishers, 1999).
Carson, R.L., Silent Spring (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1962).
Daly, Herman E., Beyond Growth: The Economics of Sustainable Development (Beacon Press, 1996).
Hardin, G., "The Tragedy of the Commons," Science 162 (1968).
Leopold, A., A Sand County Almanac (New York: Oxford University Press, 1949).
Maser, Chris, Sustainable Community Development (St. Lucie Press, 1997).
Muschett, F. Douglas (ed.), Principles of Sustainable Development (St. Lucie Press, 1997).
