Courses
Environmental Studies
Energy and the Physical World (ENVS 112; 3 credits)
The unifying theme of energy molds the physical concepts of motion, gravitation, electromagnetism, heat, radiation, and nuclear physics. Solar, wind, nuclear, tidal, hydroelectric, and thermal electric energy conversion processes are also included. This course is intended for the general student with no special background in mathematics or science.
Environmental Forays (ENVS 130, 4 credits)
In this course students will explore the relationship between humans and the physical environment by 1) reading seminal texts that address this relationship, such as A Sand County Almanac and Silent Spring, 2) studying basic ideas and concepts central to environmental studies and, 3) using the prairie-forest border region of Northeast Iowa as a laboratory for investigating how humans interact with the natural world.
Environmental Conservation (ENVS 133; 4 credits)
An introduction to conservation of the natural environment. Emphasizing ecological principles, the course covers the history of environmental conservation, the soil, air and water components of the biosphere, and biological diversity. Laboratory/field trips emphasize the ecology of major habitats of northeastern Iowa and human efforts to solve environmental problems.
Environmental Geology (ENVS 134; 4 hours)
The study of geology as it relates to human activities, with an emphasis on applied environmental studies. Rocks and minerals; plantlet; earthquakes; volcanoes; streams and flooding; water, soil, and mineral resources; mass movements; energy resources; field geology techniques. Laboratory/field trips emphasize the environment of northeast Iowa. (Same as science 134.)
Special Topics (ENVS 139, 239, 339, 439; Credit arr.)
Environmental Philosophy (ENVS/PHIL 140; 4 credits)
A study of the philosophical response to the environmental crisis. The course begins with a survey of environmental problems and a brief history of the environmental movement. It then examines various philosophical attempts to reevaluate human attitudes and responsibilities toward the nonhuman environment. Offered every year.
Physical Geography (ENVS 140; 4 credits)
Physical geography synthesizes and connects elements fob our physical environment, emphasizing patterns of interaction between elements and with humankind. This course will provide a framework for understanding the spatial relationships and processes that operate in the physical environment around us. The course will cover the major components of the earth system (atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere) including regulatory processes, distribution patterns, and impacts of human activity.
First-year Seminar (ENVS 185; 3 credits)
A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January term. In the past, courses have included: {Science and Politics of Climate Change: This course will focus on 1) the scientific evidence used to evaluate the nature and degree of climate change and 2) the politics involved in determining whether climate change is a problem and, if so, how best to address it. The course will include a global stimulation aimed at evaluating and moving the Kyoto Protocol. Open to first-year students only.} {Natural Disasters: From space Earth looks like an idyllic world, but it can often be a hostile environment. This course will provide an in-depth, hands-on study of natural hazards, their geography, and their impact on societies worldwide. Students will explore the causes, effects, and societal response to disasters. A variety of natural hazards will be reviewed including flooding, volcanoes, landslides, earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis. 1st-year students only.}
Introduction to GIS (ENVS 175; 2 credits)
A comprehensive introduction to the principles of geographic information systems (GIS) and their applications. GIS is a method to capture, store, visualize, manipulate, analyze, and display all types of spatially referenced geographic information. Topics include getting data into a GIS, displaying data on maps, editing data, querying data sets, and displaying the results. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Environmental Politics and Policy (ENVS/POLS 258; 4 credits)
In this course, students will identify and examine environmental issues confronting the United States, as well as the larger world. Students will identify and evaluate both current and proposed policies for addressing those issues. We will pay particular attention to the range of actors involved in the making of environmental policy and will emphasize the relationship among politics, economics, ethics, and science in the making of environmental policies in the United States and internationally.
Soil Genesis, Morphology and Classification (ENVS 320; 4 credits)
Simply put, life depends on soil. Soils effectively link the physical, biological and chemical environments and the study of soils is paramount to understanding and integrating concepts in archaeology, biology, chemistry, geology, and environmental science. Students will gain a basic understanding of soil formation processes and the relationships between soils and other Earth systems as well as conducting basic field description of soils and interpreting the environmental history recorded in soil profiles.
Internship (ENVS 380; 2-4 credits)
Supervised work-study placement with a public or private organization engaged in environmental concerns. Prerequisites: consent of department head.
Seminar (ENVS 485; 3 credits)
This course will be an interdisciplinary seminar for students completing the environmental studies major and minor. It will be topical in nature and will combine lecture and seminar approaches to the exploration of environmental issues and policies. Prerequisites: completion of all other courses, or consent of instructor.
Anthropology
Cultural Anthropology (ANTH 101; 3 credits)
A survey of the behavioral adaptations humans have assumed and integrated to govern their relationships with the cosmos, the earth, and each other. Religion and art, gathering or manufacturing, socialization and marriage provide the focus for studying practices that declare people the same even as they are different.
Physical Anthropology (ANTH 102; 4 credits)
Physical anthropology examines humans and human nature from a biological perspective.
This course serves as an introduction to the various lines of inquiry that comprise this
sub-field of anthropology. Primary topics covered include a survey of human biological
and cultural evolution, genetics and the mechanics of evolution, non-human primates, and
forensic anthropology. The course includes weekly laboratory exercises as a means of
exploring fundamental concepts.
Archaeology (ANTH 104; 4 credits)
This course introduces students to the basic tenets of archaeology as practiced the world over. We will look at past cultures, high civilizations, and archaeological sites from across the globe while developing an understanding of the fundamental tools, techniques, and strategies that underlie interpreting the past. Normally, one hour a week will be set aside for videos/ slides and hands-on labs.
Art
Scandanavian Fine Handcrafts (ART 264; 4 credits)
Working in a variety of natural materials, which may include raw wool, various yarns, wood, horn, bone, or birch bark, students will produce traditional useful objects with a Scandinavian aesthetic. Use of Vesterheim's collection along with studio experience. No prerequisite.
Biology
Insects, Humans and the Environment (BIO 112; 4 credits)
A study of relationships, among insects, humans, and the environment. Using insects as a model, biological concepts such as evolution, form and function, genetics, development, natural history, biodiversity, and conservation will be covered. Includes a presentation of why insects are so successful, giving attention to their behavior and ecological roles in nature, impacts on human society as causes of famines, plagues and epidemics, and importance in human cultures. Laboratory includes field trips and an investigate approach to learning insect biology. No prerequisites.
Principles of Biology I, II (BIO 151, 152; 4, 4 credits)
A two-course introduction to fundamental biological principles as exhibited by microbes, plants, and animals. Designed as an introduction to the biology major; required for the biology major and minor. A student may take 152 without having had 151. Lectures and laboratory. No prerequisite.
Plant Taxonomy/Identification (BIO 244; 2 credits)
A field study of taxonomy and ecology of local species of flowering plants. Family recognition characteristics and plant identification using technical keys are emphasized. Meets the first half of fall semester or the second half of spring semester. Prerequisites: BIO 121, 122.
Ecology of Equador (BIO 245; 4 credits)
An introduction to the ecology, evolution, and natural history of the flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest and Galapagos Islands, and the customs and culture of Ecuador. The class will spend time in Quito, the Amazon rainforest, and the Galapagos archipelago. Offered on an irregular basis. Prerequisites: 122 and consent of instructor.
Ornithology (BIO 246; 2 credits)
An introduction to the biology and diversity of birds. Structure, function classification, behavior, ecology, and techniques for studying birds are covered. Laboratory emphasizes field identification of local species. Two lectures and two laboratory/field trips per week. Meets the second half of spring semester. Prerequisites: BIO 121, 122.
Subtropical and Marine Biology (BIO 247; 4 credits)
An introduction to the ecology and taxonomy of coral reef, tide pool, tidal creek, high and low energy beach, hypersaline lake, mangrove, and upland organisms and ecosystems. In addition to field excursions, students develop and carroy out independent research projects. Consent of instructor required. Offered approximately every other year. Prerequisites: 121, 122.
Genetics (BIO 248; 4 credits)
A study of Mendelian genetics, gene structure, mechanisms of gene expression, mutagenesis and population genetics. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: Biology 121, 122
Entomology (BIO 251; 4 credits)
An introduction to the biology and diversity of insects, particularly the life histories, form and function, ecology, and behavior of various insect groups found in various habitats. Lectures and laboratory. Offered fall of odd-numbered years. Prerequisites: Biology 121, 122.
General Botany (BIO 252; 4 credits)
A study of the anatomy, physiology, and evolution of the major groups of plants. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 121, 122.
Vertebrate Natural History (BIO 258; 4 credits)
A study of the classification, natural history, and distribution of the various species of vertebrates. Laboratory emphasis placed on the identification and field study of species typical of this geographical area. Lectures stress principles of vertebrate biology. Lectures and laboratory. Prerequisites: BIO 121, 122.
Chemistry
The Environment: A Chemical Perspective (CHEM 114; 4 credits)
A study of the environment with emphasis on the relationship between technology and our surroundings. Laboratory work includes field studies in the surrounding area. The course is designed for non-science students with little or no science background. No prerequisite. Fulfills laboratory science requirement; does not count toward a science major. (F)
Chemical Principles I, II (CHEM 121,122; 4, 4 credits)
General course intended primarily for students concentrating in the science area. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Algebra skills are assumed. No prerequisite for 121, Prerequisite for 122: 121. (F,S)
Economics
Environmental Economics (ECON 255; 304 credits)
The application of economic principles to environmental issues. Valuation of environmental damage and environmental improvements, including non-market approaches. Methods of environmental regulation, such as taxes, standards, and transferable permits. Other topics such as climate change and species loss may also be covered. Prerequisite: ECON 130.
English
Environmental Writing (ENG 139; 3 credits)
A writing course for students interested in exploring the environment. Writing will include journals, essays, and responses to other peoples' writing. The course will involve regular workshops, reading discussions, and field trips to local sites.
History
Global Environmental History (HIST 239; 3 credits)
This course introduces students to the field of environmental history. Students will examine the ways in which humans, plants, animals, and microbiota have acted as agents in the history of the world. The course emphasizes historical developments after 1300 and especially investigates the roles of science, colonialism, capitalism and the state in changing the physical condition of the environment and the ways humans understand their surroundings. Students will analyze environmental history using the world as a systematic unit, and they will also investigate regional and local cases in Africa, the Americas, and Asia.
Paideia Capstone
Biodiversity (PCAP 450; 4 credits)
This course examines various aspects of Earth's most serious ecological crisis: the prospect of mass extinction of plant and animal species. The first part of the course surveys the evolutionary sources and the ecological significance of biological diversity, and assesses the fate of human cultures which failed to recognize and observe the limits of ecological disturbance and will assess the influence of intellectual, moral, and religious traditions both in creating and now attempting to respond to the biodiversity crisis.
Food and the Environment (PCAP 450; 4 credits)
Environmental problems resulting from our current system of food production and distribution threaten the sustainability of the planet. In this course we will explore these problems as well as the ethical and political dimensions of individual eating choices. Through readings, lectures, visits to local farms, and individual projects, we will examine both conventional food systems and sustainable alternatives with particular focus on the Upper Midwest.
Stewardship and Sustainable Development (PCAP 450; 4 credits)
U.S. Energy Policy Since energy is vital to all dimensions of life, patterns related to energy production and consumption pose a host of social, political, and environmental challenges that require moral deliberation. This course draws upon the Christian stewardship tradition and the concept of sustainable development to examine U. S. energy issues. The course gives special attention to the energy policy of the Bush Administration, the potential of renewable energy sources, and the long term disposal of high-level nuclear waste. Some laboratory work and a day-long field trip are required.
Philosophy
Environmental Philosophy (ENVS/PHIL 140; 4 credits)
A study of the philosophical response to the environmental crisis. The course begins with a survey of environmental problems and a brief history of the environmental movement. It then examines various philosophical attempts to reevaluate human attitudes and responsibilities toward the nonhuman environment. Offered every year.
Applied Environmental Philosophy (PHIL 322; 4 credits)
This course focuses on evaluating the worldviews, policies, and practices which support or threaten the integrity of the local bioregion and its varied ecosystems. Emphasis is on learning how to enhance the biodiversity of the local ecosystems by improving these policies and practices and the worldviews they express. The principal activity involves designing and implementing actions which help to sustain healthy biosphere functioning.
Political Science
Environmental Politics and Policy (ENVS/POLS 258; 4 credits)
In this course, students will identify and examine environmental issues confronting the United States, as well as the larger world. Students will identify and evaluate both current and proposed policies for addressing those issues. We will pay particular attention to the range of actors involved in the making of environmental policy and will emphasize the relationship among politics, economics, ethics, and science in the making of environmental policies in the United States and internationally.
Public Administration (POLS 354; 4 credits)
This course is about governing America in the 21st century. Course topics are: the effects of globalization on national and state governments; the relationship between government and the economy; the growth of individual rights, and government regulations; and the capacity of government to solve problems. Lectures, discussions, readings, videos, assignments and guest speakers will emphasize differing perspectives on these topics.
Religion
Environmental Ethics - at Holden Village (REL 341; 3 credits)
A critical examination of issues in environmental ethics from diverse Christian perspectives. The course examines root cause of environmental problems, philosophical and theological assumptions about nature, and resources for response in Christian traditions. Particular attention is given to demographic and economic factors at the global level as well as personal consumption decisions at the local level. Case studies ground reflection in concrete situation. Typically offered during alternate years at Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat center in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state. Prerequisite: one of REL 101, 111, or 112. Consent of instructor.
Science
Introduction to Meteorology (SCI 121; 3-4 credits)
Topics may include, but are not limited to, origin and composition of the atmosphere, atmospheric variables and measurement, solar radiation and the earth's energy budget, precipitation forms and processes. Significant attention is given to the mechanics and thermodynamics of atmospheric circulations on a broad range of scale: planetary (short-term climate considerations), synoptic (week-long circulations such as mid-latitude cyclones and hurricanes), and mesoscale (hours-long events such as convective complexes and supercells). Students will participate in forecasting activities.
Sociology
Environmental Sociology (SOC 356; 3 credits)
Emphasis on understanding the relationships between society and environment. Assessment of how social organization and social structure shape and are shaped by what we call "nature" or the "environment," with a focus on how distribution of power as well as construction of meaning and symbols affect ideas about nature and human-nature interactions. The course will also focus on the study of social processes such as culture, community, social institutions and the various forms of social inequalities to understand environmental problems. Prerequisite: SOC 101
Theatre/Dance
Movement Fundamentals I: Practices of Alignment and Function (THD 126; 3 credits)
An introductory movement course exploring vital intefrative connections between somatic practice and performance preparation. Somatic skills including dynamic alignment and functional anatomy provide the groundwork for embodied movement exploration. he study and practice of dynamic alignment and embodied anatomy unfolds new relationships between physical function adn expression. (S)