ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ENV)

College of Liberal Studies

Program Director: Keith Beyer

443 Cowley Hall, 608.785.8292

www.uwlax.edu/envstudies

Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary minor open to all students at UW-L. While housed in the College of Liberal Studies, the minor reaches across campus and involves environmentally concerned faculty and students from all three colleges. Its purpose is to study the environment from a broad perspective, incorporating the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities.

Environmental Studies Minor

(All colleges) — 24 credits – ENV 201, 303 (can be repeated for a total of six credits), 496; a minimum of three credits from each of the following three areas:

A) natural sciences: BIO 102, 307, 341; CHM 100, 412; ESC 211; GEO 200, 425, 427, 460; HON 295;

B) social sciences: ARC 404; CI 381; ECO 346; HED 335; POL 318; REC 306, 480, 481; SOC 311, 328, SOC/ANT 360; SOC/ERS 363; C) humanities: ART 272; CST 215; ENG 445; HIS 317, 321; HIS/WGS 371; PHL 341. ENV 450 and 499, while not fulfilling requirements in categories A, B, or C, may be used to reach the total of 24 credits.

Some departments, because they offer several of their own courses for the environmental studies minor, limit the number of credits that their majors may apply to the environmental studies minor. Biology majors may not apply any biology credits toward the minor. Geography majors may apply a maximum of six credits to the minor. Health education and health promotion majors may not apply HED 335 to the minor. Sociology or archaeological studies majors may apply a maximum of three credits to both their major and minor.

+ above a course number indicates a

General Education course.

ENV 201 Cr. 3

Introduction to Environmental Studies

An interdisciplinary, introductory seminar which will explore current environmental issues from a variety of perspectives (scientific, historical, and social) and disciplines (natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities). Attitudes toward the natural world and approaches to public and private decision-making will also be examined. Some field trips will be used to examine local and regional practices and issues. Offered Fall, Spring.

ENV 303 Cr. 3

Issues in Environmental Studies

This fully interdisciplinary seminar provides the opportunity to gain understanding of the scientific, historical, and ethical issues in ecological literacy and environmental responsibility by focusing on a specific environmental concern. Selected environmental issues with a specific focus will be offered. Examples are forestry, ground water, air pollution, ozone depletion, sustainable agriculture, overpopulation. Each offering will have a specific title according to the topic. Prerequisites: ENV 201 and six credits from the environmental studies minor list. Repeatable for credit — maximum six. Offered Fall, Spring.

ENV 450 Cr. 3

Internship in Environmental Studies

Direct work experience with an agency or organization that deals with environmental issues or problems from an interdisciplinary perspective. The student works under supervision of both faculty adviser and agency staff member. Examples of sites include governmental agencies, advocacy groups, environmental education centers, alternative technologies companies, and environmental compliance divisions of corporations. Prerequisites: ENV 201; declared environmental studies minor; consent of environmental studies director; junior standing. All internships must be approved in the semester prior to the semester that the internship occurs. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

ENV 496 Cr. 3

Integrative Seminar in Environmental Studies

This capstone course, offered in seminar style, will focus on research and responsible environmental action. It will discuss, review, and assess course work done in the environmental studies minor. Students will evaluate previous course work and design and conduct research projects or other environmental projects/activities. This seminar will be oriented toward integration of various aspects of the minor, within the context of a bioregional emphasis, a focus on environmental issues on campus, and a component aimed at environmental action. Prerequisites: ENV 201, 303; 12 credits from the list of supporting courses. Offered Spring.

ENV 499 Cr. 1-3

Independent Study in Environmental Studies

Under supervision of instructor, individualized study in environmental studies on issues/topics not available in existing courses. Prerequisites: ENV 201; declared environmental studies minor; consent of environmental studies director. All independent studies must be approved in the semester prior to the semester that the independent study occurs. Repeatable for credit — maximum three. Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.