Course Descriptions

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ENV)
Introduction to Environmental Studies
(ENV 1001)
An introduction to the environmental studies major through a study of contemporary environmental problems and career opportunities from a multi-disciplinary perspective. This course will survey a series of environmental problems such as disposal of nuclear waste, global warming and climate change, river restoration, and groundwater contamination and provide students with diverse experiences within all of the concentrations in the environmental studies program. Scientific background will be provided for each problem focus before discussing related economic, philosophical, legal, political, and recreational issues. Skills to be developed during the course include the ability to: 1) critically analyze differing opinions on environmental issues with a sound background in science, economics, and policy, 2) use library and technology resources, and 3) read peer-reviewed journal articles. 3 credits.

Fundamentals of Organic Agriculture (ENV 1011)
An introduction to the history, ethics, and fundamental principles of the organic agriculture movement and its relationship to sustainable food, fiber, and seed production. This course will examine the biological, economic and ethical dimensions of designing a small farm or market-based garden system. Concepts covered will include garden design and rotation, seed selection, plant morphology, soil structure and composition, seedling production, transplanting, season extension, diseases and pests, harvest methods, and marketing. 3 credits.

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (ENV 2010).
Geographic information systems is a computer-based system that stores, retrieves, visualizes, queries, and analyzes digital data. This data can represent topography, soils, population, infectious disease outbreaks, areas of pollution, town zoning, rivers, town boundaries, protected environments, etc. GIS is used to address numerous areas of inquiry, including: (1) natural and social sciences, (2) community planning, (3) resource management, (4) habitat assessment & ecological monitoring, (5) environmental modeling, and many others! This class will introduce you to the fundamental theories and concepts of a GIS, cartographic design, database management, spatial analysis, and provide hands on experience through a service-learning project. 4 credits.

Public Policy & the Environment (ENV 2011)
An introduction to the environmental policy process in the United States. Focuses on the history and evolution of political institutions, federal and state roles in decision-making, and the global context of U.S. environmental policy. Emphasizes the intersection of science and policy. Specific topics include federalism, mechanics and elements of policy formation, the political uses of science, risk assessment and management, scientific uncertainty, environmental justice, and implementation and enforcement of environmental policies. 3 credits.

Environmental Advocacy, Public Policy & Corporate Responsibility (ENV 2015)
This course investigates the important role that citizen action plays in bringing about positive environmental and social change. Throughout history, citizen action has brought about significant changes in public policies and corporate behavior for environmental and social improvement. This course investigates the role that individuals and advocacy groups play in the development of environmental policy and demanding corporate environmental responsibility. The full range of options for citizen participation in the democratic and market processes are reviewed. 3 credits.

Special Topics on Energy & the Environment (ENV 2019)
This course offers students an opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation of a current topic on energy and the environment. Each time the course is offered, it will focus on a different topic. Topics may include transportation, electric utility deregulation, renewable energy, or energy use and global climate change. A topic for the course will be selected from current issues facing society and based on students’ interests. This is a policy-oriented course that is designed to provide students a hands-on, research-oriented learning experience. 3 credits.

Biodiversity Issues in Agriculture (ENV 2061)
This course will take a comparative approach to understanding the role of biodiversity in agriculture using cultural, biological, and geographic perspectives. It will cover the emergence and diffusion of crop and livestock diversity in different traditional agricultural systems, and trace the erosion of this heritage with the rise of scientific breeding and industrial agriculture. We will also investigate a range of contemporary agrobiodiversity issues: ex situ vs. in situ conservation, participatory breeding, global policy, the threat of GM (genetically modified) crops, and the relationship between biological and cultural diversity. 3 credits.

Animal Husbandry (ENV 2067)
Appropriate animal husbandry is a critical economic, ecological, and ethical element of farming. This course will provide an overview of basic physiological processes and needs of common livestock species, with an emphasis on management techniques that can help maximize livestock health and minimize veterinary investments and interventions. 3 credits.

Independent Study (ENV 2090)
Independent reading, research, and project work with individual conferences and evaluation. By permission of instructor only. 3 credits.

Special Topics in Environmental Studies (ENV 3000)
This course is an advanced reading and/or research seminar on issues, theories and/or methods in environmental studies. The course may be repeated for credit if the topic has changed. 3 credits.

Building Sustainable Communities (ENV 3004/SUS 3003)
This upper level course will provide students with an understanding of the tools and philosophy required to rebuild and grow communities in ways that respect natural resources and promote diversity (human, natural and economic) and grassroots empowerment. Using case study and perhaps field-based approaches students will study such techniques as asset-based mapping, Natural Step analysis, growth management and watershed protection. Additionally, students will learn the fundamentals of financing sustainable community projects. Examples include financing redevelopment of industrial sites, pollution prevention, passive solar systems for residential, commercial and municipal buildings, watershed agreements and the like. For this part of the course, guest lecturers from the Vermont National Bank’s “Socially Responsible Banking Fund” program may be invited. 3 credits.

Environmental Law (ENV 3011)
This course is a survey of the leading federal and state statutes and cases on environmental issues. Questions examined during the course of the semester include: Who can bring suit on environmental issues? What results from those lawsuits? How effective are federal and state statutes and regulations in solving environmental problems? How are the implementation and enforcement of environmental statutes affected by the interactions between the branches of government? 3 credits.

Nonprofits Management & Policy (ENV 3012)
This class is an introduction to the world of nonprofit organizations. Covering the business, legal, management, planning, funding, and organizational challenges of nonprofit organizations, students learn the basics of this unique business model. Students then delve into the culture of nonprofit by profiling Vermont nonprofit organizations, creating their own models, and reviewing national and international case studies of nonprofits and NGOs. Through this work, students are exposed to the wide array of career opportunities in the nonprofit sector and are given the opportunity to network with nonprofit organizers and leaders. 3 credits.

Watershed Management & Policy (ENV 3014)
This class considers the way watersheds and watershed boundaries are being used for ecological, land use, and social planning in Vermont and throughout the United States. Using the Mettowee River watershed and other local watersheds as resources, students learn the laws governing watershed planning, the tools necessary to plan watershed management, and the issues and policy considerations that come into play when considering watershed issues. Students will explore the watershed in field trips, and work extensively with local citizens, businesses, farmers, activists, planners, political leaders, and other stakeholders on a long-term class project. 3 credits.

Land Use Planning (ENV 3016)
This class introduces students to the legal, political, and economic considerations of land use planning. Starting with an overview of land use planning in the United States, students consider different eras of planning and land use law in the United States, specific land use tools (the Town Plan, zoning bylaws, conditional uses, variances, etc.), as well as the current application of land use law. Students also work through Vermont’s Act 250 as both example of statewide land use planning regimes, and as a template for a variety of land use issues including wastewater treatment, impact fees, and traffic considerations. Drawing on the work of Christopher Alexander and others, students contemplate the larger questions of human use and manipulation of space and examine western preference for spatial arrangements. 3 credits.

Sustainable Development: Theory & Policy (ENV 3021)
To alleviate poverty and raise living standards, third world nations need to aggressively pursue economic development. If the resource- and energy-intensive western model of development is followed in these countries severe resource shortages and widespread environmental degradation are likely to ensue. Sustainable development theory has emerged to describe an alternative path to economic development that averts potential resource and environmental crises. This course analyzes these theories and critically evaluates alternative sustainable development policies. 3 credits.

Human Ecology (ENV 3023/SOC 3001)
This course draws strongly on anthropology and ecology, as well as a variety of other disciplines, in order to study humans and human societies from ecological perspectives. We will examine both the benefits and difficulties associated with the application of ecological concepts to humans. Topics include human adaptation; continuity and change in human ecosystems; human epidemiology and infectious disease; and the role of symbolic cognition, politics and power, and globalization as they affect human ecosystems. 3 credits.

Animal Ethics (ENV 3026/PHI 3025)
What is the appropriate ethical relationship between humans and nonhuman animals? This course is a systematic study of animal ethics, a field that has emerged as a response to the profound impact of human practices on other species. Topics will include animal experimentation, hunting, bushmeat, livestock agriculture, landscape sustainability, biodiversity, companion animals, vegetarianism, activism, suffering, animal intelligence, animal cultures, animal emotions, animal rights law, and the tension between animal rights and environmental ethics. May be taken as PHI 3025. 3 credits.

Environmental Studies Teaching Practicum (ENV 3031)
Teaching experience for advanced students arranged with an individual faculty member. The course aims to enhance a student’s ability to communicate information and skills learned in the major. Prerequisite: Junior standing and a 3.3 GPA. 1-3 credits.

Comparative Environmental Politics (ENV 3035)
This upper-division seminar for ES majors and other students interested in politics and the environment, is a political science course rooted in the sub-discipline of comparative politics. Each time the course is offered, it focuses on a different salient topic (for example: water wars, Native American environmental politics, or agricultural policy and politics). As a repeatable special topics course, it offers Green Mountain College students, over the course of their educational experience, the opportunity to take a close look at relationships between environmental problems, politics, and policy in diverse places across the globe. 3 credits.

International Environmental Politics & Policy (ENV 3037)
This is an upper-division course for ES majors who want to explore the international politics of the environment. A political science course rooted in the sub-discipline of international relations, it introduces paradigms and traditions in international relations that influence perception of the environment and environmental problems in international politics. Students are empowered with understanding of the formulation and implementation of international environmental policy. We examine current and historical international environmental problems, types of solutions available, as well as agreements, institutions, regimes, and other efforts to make and implement a body of international environmental policy to solve them. 3 credits.

Sustainable Farming Systems (ENV 3054)
“Sustainable agriculture” tends to progress from scientific/ecological theories to a set of guiding principles to on-farm applications to evaluations of economic viability. These sets of guiding principles generally evolve into systematic approaches to agriculture and how some farmers in our region have utilized these systems in farm design and practice. Systems studied will include holistic farm management, grass-based farming, Amish systems, agroforestry, and permaculture. Students will spend extensive time on an assigned farm and will design an agriculturally-based campus land use model. 3 credits.

Advanced Topics in Sustainable Agriculture (ENV 3057)
This course will teach the application of systems theory and systems thinking to the challenge of understanding and designing farm systems. Students will learn how to develop conceptual and analytical models of various components of a farm system including crops and other plants, insects, soil nutrients, energy, marketing strategies, and various farm technologies. Such models will be integrated in the development of a systems model for Cerridwen farm. 3 credits.

The Environmental Professional (ENV 3093)
This class provides Environmental Studies majors with the interpersonal skills and knowledge necessary to become professionals in environmental fields. Students study methods of resolving a wide variety of environmental disputes using local case studies and close interaction with local environmental practitioners. Students will assess their strengths and areas of challenge in terms of work, communication and conflict resolution skills, in anticipation of their last year of undergraduate education. Students prepare professional materials, including a portfolio of their academic work, in anticipation of junior year review, internship and professional interviews. 1 credit.

Environmental Policy Research, Writing, & Analysis (ENV 4015)
The course goal is for groups of students to draft legislation for Vermont’s legislature on environmental issues. To accomplish this we will select and research issues in consultation with state environmental groups. We will explore legal and non-legal research, inside and outside the library, electronic and in print. We will analyze existing legislation on our issue for its effectiveness and political aspects. We will study legislative drafting through studying the principles of drafting, examining existing legislation, and drafting statutes ourselves. Finally, we will lobby our issues with members of the state legislature. We will read deeply in policy analysis and apply what we learn to current environmental issues. 3 credits.

Agroecology (ENV 4054)
Agroecology is the application of ecological theory to farms as ecosystems. It is also an approach to the sustainable management of farm systems that has arisen out of the perspective of crop and livestock systems as ecosystems. This course will review the theoretical and practical underpinnings of agroecology and teach the fundamentals of an agroecological approach to farming. In particular, it will teach students how to collect and analyze ecological data within the context of a working farm and use this information to develop more sustainable practices. 3 credits.

Internship (ENV 4090)
Under the direction of an advisor, a student may arrange a period of practical experience that will make substantive use of the knowledge and skills acquired in the Environmental Studies major. Evaluative reports will be expected from both student and off-campus supervisor. Internship proposals will be evaluated by the Environmental Studies Committee, and the internship itself will be monitored and evaluated by the advisor. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. 3 credits.

Research in Environmental Studies (ENV 4093)
Under the direction of an advisor, a student may arrange to do a research project relating to some area of Environmental Studies. The project should be based on prior course work, and it should result in a formal product. Proposals for a research project will be evaluated by the Environmental Studies committee, but the research will be monitored and evaluated by the advisor. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. 3 credits.

GEOLOGY (GLG)
Geology in Film (GLG 1000)
Have you ever watched a movie and wondered, “Is that really possible?” Geologists watching these same movies often find themselves thinking, “That’s ridiculous!” This course investigates a varying set of movies, discussing the pertinent geologic processes and evaluates the science behind “Hollywood’s” interpretation and representation of geologic processes and events. Grades will be evaluated based on in-class discussions in addition to outside readings and writing assignments. 1 credit.

Introduction to Geology (GLG 1011)
place a regional emphasis on the geology of Vermont and New England when appropriate. Topics of discussion will include but are not limited to: geologic time, rocks and minerals, earthquakes, volcanoes, the oceans, the atmosphere, weathering, groundwater, glaciers, and plate tectonics. 4 credits.

Natural Disasters (GLG/ELA 2110)
This course will examine the basic geologic processes that drive natural disasters (e.g. - earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, mass wasting, subsidence, flooding, severe weather, erosion, climate change, and meteorite impacts. We will also discuss the interrelationships that exist between the effects of these natural events on humans, global ecology, economy and society, and discuss possible prevention and mitigation options. 3 credits.

Soils (GLG 2031)
This course will examine why soil types vary with time, climate, topography, and geologic materials. Students will learn various soil classification techniques, become familiar with soil taxonomy and basic soil chemistry. An emphasis will be placed on the application of soil science to ecology, geology, and agronomy. Laboratory experiences will consist of a balance between lab-based technical analyses and applied field-based mapping and description techniques. 4 credits.

Geomorphology (GLG 2041)
This course focuses on the origin and genesis of landforms and landscapes created by processes acting at or near the Earth’s surface. We will primarily focus on the development of continental landscapes (e.g. – volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, oceans, etc) throughout the Cenozoic. Laboratory experiences will investigate spatial relationships between landforms, topographic map interpretation and construction, aerial photograph interpretation, geomorphic mapping, and fluvial processes. Prerequisites: GLG 1011 Introduction to Geology. 4 credits.

Geology Field Experience (GLG 2071)
This course will travel to a regional, national or international geologic field site. Students will be responsible for trip planning, site logistics, and a field-based research project conducted during the spring or fall semester prior to traveling. The research projects will be directed at describing, analyzing and explaining specific geologic processes, features or events. 3 credits.

Special Topics in Geology (GLG 3001)
This course will be offered upon sufficient demand. The topics covered in the course will vary based on the interests and goals of the students and instructor. Student proposals for course topics can be submitted to the Department of Environmental Studies for consideration. This course will satisfy the requirement for a 3000 level elective. 3 credits.

Hydrogeology (GLG 3041)
Hydrogeology is the study of the interrelationship between Earth’s systems, with specific interest in the effects of precipitation and evaporation on the occurrence and character of water in streams, lakes, and groundwater. This course will focus on a fundamental understanding of hydrologic processes and reservoirs, the interaction between surface waters and groundwater, hydrologic techniques and instrumentation, and the relationship between human activity and these reservoirs. This course takes a quantitative approach to hydrology, so both homework and laboratory exercises will improve your proficiency with graphical depiction, data interpretation, and applied mathematics. 4 credits.

Sedimentology & Stratigraphy (GLG 3051)
This course will introduce you to the basic concepts and methods used in the study of the genesis, characteristics, and spatial distribution of sedimentary rocks. We will cover both sedimentary and stratigraphic principles, sedimentary processes and textures, the paleoenvironmental implications of sedimentary rocks, evaluate age relationships, and investigate the modern relationships between humans and sedimentary processes. Laboratory exercises will focus on field-based description and mapping techniques. 4 credits.