Sustainability and Environmental Studies Courses
Spring 2027
ENV 101 - Intro to Sustainability and Environmental Studies
This interdisciplinary, introductory seminar explores current sustainability and environmental issues from a variety of perspectives (historical, social, and scientific) and disciplines (humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences). Attitudes toward the natural world and approaches to public and private decision-making are examined in terms of environmental justice issues. Field trips are taken to examine local and regional practices and issues. CGER NSW-MBP Natural Science & Wellness: Mind, Body, & Planet
Alysa Remsburg TuTH 9:25-10:50 am
Jan Wellik TuTh 11:00-12:25 pm
TuTh 12:40-2:05 pm
Richard Frost MW 2:15-3:40 pm
MW 3:55-5:20 pm
Tim Sprain TuTH 3:55-5:20 pm
Margot Higgins TuTh 11:00-12:25 pm
TBA INTERNET
ENV 315 -Sustainability: Principles and Practices
This seminar course approaches sustainability using multiple academic disciplines and practical experiences to examine how both individuals and society can meet current needs without harming future generations. Students discuss environmental sustainability for multiple scales, including personal lifestyles, organizations, businesses, and public infrastructure systems.
Alysa Remsburg TuTh 2:15-3:40 pm
ENV 316 -Occupying the Driftless: Culture, Place, and Environment
This course examines the social, cultural, and ecological formations that shape the area popularly known as the Driftless, which includes northeastern Iowa, northern Illinois, southeastern Minnesota, and southwest Wisconsin, including La Crosse. The Driftless is marked physically by the action of glaciers and shaped by diverse human and non-human communities, including the enduring presence of indigenous nations. Students learn about the origins and effects of environmental and social challenges in the region through guest speakers including indigenous community leaders, farmers, scholars, activists, writers, and artists. Additionally, student learn how to engage with community partners using storytelling and oral histories for public good.
Margot Higgins Mon 5:30-8:15 pm
ENV 350 - Justice, Injustice, and Activism
In this seminar course, students broadly examine social movements including the relationship between the history of environmental inequalities and the environmental movement, as well as recent political movements that seek to rectify environmental injustices and develop new possibilities for a more equitable future. This course draws on the work of scholars, activists, and local organizers to bring attention to the ways that race, ethnicity, class, and gender have been absent and disenfranchised by historic and present efforts to resolve environmental problems. The discussion-based format prepares students to grapple with and consider complex and often conflicting perspectives about the environmental movement. Students apply the theory and practical skills learned in class to develop a grassroots campus campaign with a focus on campus sustainability issues that tie into the La Crosse Climate Action Plan.
Margot Higgins Wed 1:10-3:55 pm
ENV 496 - Community-Engaged Sustainability Capstone
The first goal of this course is to take action locally on an environmental or sustainability service-learning project. Action in the community builds professional skills, offers networking, and solidifies student interests. The second purpose is to help students clarify personal and career goals based on their environmental philosophy. Students learn from recent graduates and professionals in environmental fields with a wide variety of perspectives and ideas as they consider their future decisions. Prerequisite: nine credits from ENV; a sustainability & environmental studies or sustainable business minor.
Alysa Remsburg Fri 8:50-10:45 am
COURSES PLANNED FOR FUTURE SEMESTERS
Fall 2027
ENV 313 Woodlands of the Driftless
ENV 314 Bicycling the Wisconsin Landscape
ENV 351 Feeding the Planet: Environmental Justice of our Food Systems
Spring 2028
ENV 311 Mississippi River : Mighty and Managed
ENV 316 Sustainability: Principles and Practices
ENV 352 Global Parks and Wilderness
Fall 2028
ENV 310 Food, Culture, and the Environment
ENV 353 Rural Livelihoods
ENV 354 Sustainability, Indigenous Knowledge, and the Environment
Spring 2029
ENV 313 Woodlands of the Driftless
ENV 314 Bicycling the Wisconsin Landscape
ENV 351 Feeding the Planet: Environmental Justice of our Food Systems