Course Descriptions

Anthropology 348: Economy, Nature, and Culture

A comparative survey and analysis of differing modes of acquisition, allocation and distribution of scarce resources in primarily pre-industrial societies of differing levels of socio-cultural integration and in differing time frames. Prerequisite: Anthropology 102.                      

Biology 325: Field Ecology

An introductory field ecology course that will cover comparative, experimental and theoretical approaches to basic and applied questions in ecology. Field and laboratory exercises will treat various levels of organization including populations, communities and ecosystems. Studies will be carried out in a variety of local aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Students will gain first-hand experience with modern sampling and analytical techniques in ecology. Prerequisite: Biology 105 and Biology 349 (may be taken concurrently). (Fall)

Biology 326: Introduction to Limnology

The physical, chemical and biological character of lakes and streams. Methods of field measurements, collection and analysis of water samples. Investigation of aquatic communities. Prerequisite: One term of general biology, one year of general chemistry, and consent of instructor. (Fall)

Biology 327 Microbial Ecology

A study of the activities of microorganisms in a variety of natural habitats and their relevance to the overall quality of the environment. Emphasis will be on specific processes; transformations in biogeochemical cycles, symbiotic relationships, microbial relationships with other living organisms, hydrocarbon oxidations, and biotransformation of novel compounds. Prerequisite: Biology 231, 233, 309 or consent of instructor. NOTE: This course has not yet been officially approved for the major. At this point students wishing to count this course for the major must contact David Barnhill and arrange for a curriculum modification.

Biology 336 Fresh Water Algae

Classification, biochemistry, physiology and ecology of fresh water algae. Emphasis on the roles algae play in aquatic ecosystems and on applications in environmental monitoring, aquaculture, and as experimental systems for basic research in photosynthesis. Prerequisite: Biology 231, Biology 233 or Biology 309. NOTE: This course has not yet been officially approved for the major. At this point students wishing to count this course for the major must contact David Barnhill and arrange for a curriculum modification.

Biology 349: Ecology and Evolution

Basic principles which influence and govern the plant and animal relations with their environments.  An explanation of the distribution, abundance, and specialization of the present-day organisms, and of extinction.  Prerequisite: One term of general biology. (Fall/Spring)

Biology 376: Population and Community Ecology

An introduction to the study of populations and communities. Examines population-level phenomena (e.g., density, demography, reproduction) and population-level interactions within biological communities (e.g., competition, predation, parasitism). Labs involve discussions of papers from the literature, data analysis, and computer simulations. Prerequisite: Biology 349 or consent of instructor. (Fall)

Biology 386: Systems Ecology

An introduction to the study of ecosystems with an emphasis on biogeochemical cycles, energy budgets, and other emergent properties.  Laboratory will focus on comparative and experimental approaches to the study of local ecosystems (streams, lakes, wetlands, forests). Students will acquire hands-on experience with techniques used by ecosystem ecologists such as nutrient analysis of streamwater, determination of ecosystem metabolism, and analysis of forest and wetland soils.  Prerequisite:  Biology 349 or consent of instructor.

Chemistry 103: Introduction to Environmental Chemistry (NS).

The chemistry of such environmentally relevant topics as air pollution, ozone depletion, water pollution, acid rain, solid waste disposal and energy production will be covered. Occasionally, tangentially related topics such as drug design and nutrition may also be discussed. This course is intended as a terminal chemistry/science course for nonscience students and as an introduction to chemistry for students with litter or no high school preparation. Note: Chemistry 103 is not a prerequisite for higher level chemistry courses.

Economics 355: Natural Resource Economics

An application of microeconomic principles to optimum use of land, water, energy, and other more specific resources. Alternative public policies are evaluated for the solution of resource allocation problems. Prerequisite: Economics 206 or 208 and Economics 207 or 209.

Economics 360: Environmental Economics and Policy

A study of environmental problems and their causes in a free market context. Economic policy alternatives are evaluated for solving pollution and other environmental problems. Prerequisite: Economics 206 or 208 and Economics 207 or 209.

English 342: (also ES 342): Literature of the Romantic Era: Green Romanticism

A study of major figures, genres, and themes from the Romantic Era, 1798-1836, with special attention given to critical reading and analytical skills. This is a variable content course. To count for the ES, it must be designated as the Green Romanicism version. .  Prerequisite: English 281 or consent of instructor.

English 343: (also ES 343): Nature Writing

A course in reading and writing about the natural world. Writers discussed may include Henry David Thoreau, Aldo Leopold, Annie Dillard, and others. Student writing will represent a significant portion of the coursework.  Writing assignments may include essays on natural history, journal entries, environmental advocacy pieces, eco-fiction, and others consistent with the focus of the course. Cross-listed: English 343/Environmental Studies 343.  Students may receive credit for only one of the two cross-listed courses. Prerequisite: English 281 or consent of instructor.

ENV STDS 101: Seminar on Environmental Issues (SS)

An interdisciplinary course exploring the complex relationships between humans and ecosystems. Conservation biology, social science, and environmental ethics will be introduced to illuminate contemporary environmental issues (specific topics will vary). The course will facilitate critical questioning about the proper relationship between humans and the natural world, while providing an introduction to the field of environmental studies. Every semester.

ENV STDS 162 (Religious Studies 162): Environmental Ethics (HU)

Examines diverse perspectives regarding values and environmental responsibility as well as the social actors and movements which embody them. Foci may include: Western Civilization and environmental ethics, environmental values in non-western cultures, environmental values in small scale societies, the aesthetics of nature (including as represented in visual art), religious perceptions of place, environmental values in fiction, prose and poetry, and ecological ethics and technology. Credit cannot be received for both Environmental Studies 162 and Religious Studies 162. Every spring.

ENV STDS 188: Nature and Society (SS)(EN)

An interdisciplinary, theme-based inquiry seminar exploring the complex relationships between humans and ecosystems. Explores diverse perspectives on the causes of and solutions to environmental degradation and provides opportunities for critical reflection on proper relationships between humans and the natural world. Credit cannot be received for both Environmental Studies 101 and 188.

ENV STDS 243: Introduction to Nature Writing (HU)

An introduction to American nature writing from a variety of authors, with special attention to Terry Tempest Williams and Edward Abbey. The essays discuss the “sense of place,” the continuing relevance of Native American culture, anarchist environmentalism from desert solitude, “erotics of place” in the Utah desert, and responses by nature writers to contemporary American culture. The social, political, and religious dimensions of nature writing are emphasized along with deep sensitivity to one’s personal relationship with nature.

ENV STDS 244: Japanese Nature Writing (HU) (NW)

An examination of selected Japanese literary works, with a focus on the significance of nature in Japanese literature. Although we will consider Japanese literature from 700 to the present, we will focus on one nature poet and one modern novelist: Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694), who wrote linked verse, haiku, haibun (poetic prose) and travel journals; and Kawabata Yasunari, a novelist who won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Throughout the course we will focus strongly on the vision of nature embodied in Japanese literature: the conception of nature, its value, the relationship between humans and nature, and the connection between nature's creativity and art. We also will consider the religious dimension of Japanese nature writing. All texts are in English translation. Meets University Non-Western and Humanities-Literature requirement.

ENV STDS 260 (Biology and Microbiology 260): Environmental Science

3 cr. A core course for the Environmental Studies minor that will provide an overview of: 1) scientific principles on which studies of the environment are based; 2) current understandings of environmental problems from a scientific perspective; and 3) evaluation of scientific evidence. Prerequisite: 100-level science course (biology, chemistry, geography, or physics). Credit cannot be received for both Environmental Studies 260 and Biology and Microbiology 260. Every spring.

ENV STDS 261 (Pol Sci 261; Soc 261): Environment and Society (SS)

Examines relationship between social structure, culture and natural environments; compares different modes of production and cultural systems. Examines economic, political and ideological structures of industrial and industrializing societies. Analyzes the impact of these structures upon natural environments and analyzes the impact of natural environment upon these structures. Credit cannot be received for both Environmental Studies 261 and Sociology 261. Usually every semester.

ENV STDS 282: Environment, Community, and Values

An interdisciplinary humanities course which considers environmental themes and case studies in terms of religion, ethics, and aesthetics. Explores the commonalities and differences among these three disciplines as well as their powers and limits in dealing with environmental issues. Explores also the connections between the humanities and the social sciences and sciences in an environmental context. Particular attention is paid to the bioregional movement as a way to apply environmental philosophy and politics in a way that combines spirituality, ethics, politics, and science. Every fall.

ENV STDS 332: Radical Environmentalism

Radical environmental groups have drawn increasing attention as they engage in lifestyle activism, civil disobedience, sabotage, and violence in their efforts to prevent and reverse environmental degradation. This course explores cultural tributaries and diverse forms of such movements, examining the worldviews (ecological understandings, cosmologies, religious perceptions, and political ideologies) that animate their members, the reactions they engender, and their various impacts and likely, future prospects.

ENV STDS 342 (English 342): Literature of the Romantic Era: Green Romanticism

Examines the important role romantic literature has played in the history of Western environmentalism and the role that environmental science and environmentalism have played in the romantic movements. Examines the relationships between people and how the landscape is imagined in poetry and prose, and how both literature and the land itself is structured by institutions of class, economics, gender, science and law. Prerequisite: English 281 or consent of instructor.

ENV STDS 343 (English 343): Nature Writing

A course in reading and writing about the natural world. Writers discussed may include Henry David Thoreau, Aldo Leopold, Annie Dillard, and others. Student writing will represent a significant portion of the coursework. Writing assignments may include essays on natural history, journal entries, environmental advocacy pieces, eco-fiction, and others consistent with the focus of the course. Cross-listed: English 343/Environmental Studies 343. Students may receive credit for only one of the two cross-listed courses. English 343/543. Prerequisite: English 281 or consent of instructor.

ENV STDS 365 (Women’s Studies 365): Gender and Nature

This course offers an introduction to the connections between concepts of gender and nature in the West. It examines ecological feminist theories about the relationship between the domination of nature and the subordination of women as well as the impact of gender differences on ideas and experiences of nature. Topics include: scientific explantions of the nature of gender, the feminization of nature in Western thought, the roles of men and women in the environmental movement, and the gendered division of environmental rist, work, and benefits in contemporary political economies.

ENV STDS 370: Environmental Science, Policy & Problem Solving

Drawing on interdisciplinary sources that comprise contemporary environmental science research, this course examines the capability of these sciences to provide solutions to environmental problems and enhances student abilities to critically evaluate environmental management, policy and modeling tools. The influential role environmental scientists exert on local, regional, and national policies will be examined through case studies. Prerequisite: One of the following: Biology 104, Chemistry 103, Geology 150, Geography 121 or consent of instructor. Every fall.

ENV STDS 390: Special Topics

Special Topics courses in Environmental Studies focus on current environmental issues. The disciplinary approach and subject matter will vary. In keeping with the interdisciplinary nature of the Environmental Studies program, the scientific, social, and moral dimensions of the issue at hand will be explored. Students will normally be expected to carry out an original, interdisciplinary research project.

ENV STDS 395: Field Studies

Focuses on specific environmental issues. The primary disciplinary approach and subject matter will vary. Each course will attend to the scientific, social, and moral dimensions of the environmental issue under scrutiny. Cost for travel and related expenses will vary. Examples include: the study of pollution and politics in the Fox-Wolf watershed; the social ecology of Northern Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area; grassroots environmentalism, the Wise Use movement, and conflict over natural resources in North America; and efforts to construct ecologically sustainable livelihoods in the Highlands of Southern Mexico. Consult the appendix and contact the Environmental Studies program for course details.

ENV STDS 490: Environmental Senior Seminar

A capstone seminar for the Environmental Studies minor program that will examine the student's ability to integrate perspectives gained in previous environmental courses emphasizing science, society and values. Prerequisite: 18 units (crs.) toward the Environmental Studies minor (including Interdisciplinary 101) or consent of Environmental Studies Program Director. Every spring.

Geography 121: Physical Geography I - Weather and Climate (NS)

An introductory study of the elements and controls of weather, climate, and vegetation; their distribution and interaction with other elements of the global environment.

Geography 304: Soils

A study of the morphology, evolution, classification, and distribution of soils.

Geography 313: Wisconsin

The interrelationships between the state's physical environment and its people are stressed. Included are: physiographic history, landscape regions, climate, natural vegetation, soils, population distribution and composition, agricultural patterns, mineral production, manufacturing, and tourism. NOTE: This course has not yet been officially approved for the major. At this point students wishing to count this course for the major must contact David Barnhill and arrange for a curriculum modification.

Geography 314: Environmental Conservation

An examination of natural resource utilization, methods of exploitation, policies governing their development, and their relationship to cultural geographic patterns.

Geography 363: Biogeography

Examines the role and nature of biophysical processes and their significance to the spatial and temporal patterns at various scales. Topics include the investigating functional relationships between climate, soils, and vegetation, as well as introducing approaches to land systems analysis focusing upon ecosystems and other land system interactions. Prerequisite: Geography 121 or Biology and Microbiology 349.

Geography 364: Water Resource Management

A study of the characteristics and behavior of water on a global scale. Emphasis on the geographic location of water, its significance, its use by man, and the problems of water management. Prerequisite: 8 units (crs.) of Physical Geography or Physical Geology.

Geography 371: Cartography

An introduction to mapping: Historical development of mapping, map design, construction and lettering, topographic map analysis, representation of landforms, map projection and theory, coordinate systems, legal descriptions, techniques of data representation on base maps, and elements of map reproduction. NOTE: This course has not yet been officially approved for the major. At this point students wishing to count this course for the major must contact David Barnhill and arrange for a curriculum modification.

Geography 377: Population and Environment

Examination of the relationship between population and environment, particularly the importance of demographic change in shaping the environment, forces that influence this relationship, theoretical perspectives used in the analysis of population-environment relationship, and how population dynamics affect various aspects of environmental change.  The topics are studied from historical and global perspectives with comparisons of population-environmental change.  The topics are studied from historical and global perspectives with comparisons of population-environmental links in various parts of the world and those in the United States.  Prerequisites: Geography 102, 111 or 213; or Environmental Studies 101; or consent of instructor.

Geography 382: Remote Sensing of the Environment

The focus is on the interpretation and application of data obtained by major remote sensing techniques to the detection and monitoring of the physical and cultural landscape. Includes orbital and suborbital photography, electronic sensing in the ultraviolet, thermal, passive and active microwave and multispectral. Prerequisite: Geography 381, 391 or consent of instructor. NOTE: This course has not yet been officially approved for the major. At this point students wishing to count this course for the major must contact David Barnhill and arrange for a curriculum modification.

Geography 414: Natural Resource Management

Examines techniques for the biophysical and socio-economic analysis of natural environments. The course will emphasize the variety of perspectives from which environmental management policies and modeling tools can be developed. Prerequisite: Geography 314.

Geography 419: Natural Hazards and Disaster Planning

Examination of various atmospheric and geologic events which threaten human activities. The physical characteristics of the threats, human perceptions of the threats, and various hazard mitigation measures (including structural adjustments, land use planning, and evacuation preparations) will be studied. Prerequisite: 8 units (crs.) of Physical Geography or Geology.

Geography 471 Geographic Information Systems

Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the utilization of spatial data for solving geographic problems. Both theoretical concepts of GIS technology and practical applications of GIS will be studied. Prerequisite: Geography 371 and either Geography 391 or 3 units (crs.) of computer science. NOTE: This course has not yet been officially approved for the major. At this point students wishing to count this course for the major must contact David Barnhill and arrange for a curriculum modification.

Geology 150: Environmental Geology (NS).

The physical environment and human interaction with it. Emphasis on earth processes which affect humans, such as rivers, erosion, groundwater, landslides, and earthquakes. Includes a laboratory with study of rocks and minerals, soils, water quality, maps, hydroprocesses, and a local field trip. Course is recommended for non-majors. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: Geology 102, 110, or 150.

Geology 320: Geomorphology

Fundamentals of surficial geology and landscape form and process. Laboratory work includes study of topographic maps, geologic maps, and air photos which are representative of major physiographic provinces in the United States. A field trip is required. Prerequisite: Geology 109. (Fall-even years)

Geology 328: Oceanography

Basic phenomena and conditions of the oceans, development of the science of oceanography, structure of the ocean basins, chemistry and physics of sea water, circulation of oceans, life in the sea and the deposits on the floor of the sea. Prerequisite: Eight units (crs.) of lab science. NOTE: This course has not yet been officially approved for the major. At this point students wishing to count this course for the major must contact David Barnhill and arrange for a curriculum modification.

Geology 335: Glacial Geology

The origin, movement, and decay of glaciers; landforms developed by glaciers; the glacial succession and associated environmental changes, and the economic aspects of glaciation. A field trip is required. Prerequisite: Geology 102, 110 or 150. (Fall-odd years)

Geology 365: Hydrogeology

This course explores various aspects of the water cycle.  Major topics include evaporation, precipitation, surface water hydrology, occurrence of soil moisture and groundwater, properties of aquifers, principles of groundwater flow, groundwater flow to wells, and the geologic settings of groundwater supplies.  Laboratory exercises will familiarize students with sources of hydrologic data and with mathematical and graphical methods of analyzing those data to solved applied problems.  Prerequisites: Geology 102, 110, or 150; Mathematics 108; or consent of instructor.

Geology 366: Ground Water Hydrology

The occurrence, nature and movement of ground water studied from both theoretical and practical viewpoints. Ground water resources, hydrogeochemistry, groundwater resource management and techniques of modeling ground water flow. Environmental applications are stressed. Prerequisite: Geology 365, Mathematics 171 and Chemistry 106. (Spring-even years) NOTE: This course has not yet been officially approved for the major. At this point students wishing to count this course for the major must contact David Barnhill and arrange for a curriculum modification.

Geology 370: Field Hydrogeology I

Prerequisite: Geol 365 or consent of instructor. NOTE: This course has not yet been officially approved for the major. At this point students wishing to count this course for the major must contact David Barnhill and arrange for a curriculum modification.

Geology 371: Field Hydrogeology II

NOTE: This course has not yet been officially approved for the major. At this point students wishing to count this course for the major must contact David Barnhill and arrange for a curriculum modification.

History 342: Environmental History

A survey of the major topics and issues in North American environmental history from the early native American experience through the twentieth century.

Nursing 361: Human Health and the Environment

A systems perspective is used explain the interconnections between human and ecosystem health as evident through current and emerging environmental health problems. Emphasis is on the influence of environmental agents on human health based on relevant epidemiologic, toxicologic, and exposure factors. Specific topics will include physical, chemical, and biological agents, routes and pathways of exposure, specific environmentally related diseases, vulnerable populations, and the legal context of environmental health.

Political Science 395: Global Environmental Politics

Examination of the role of environmental issues in international relations. We will look at such issues as global warming, global pollution, management of scarce resources, and eco-development. How have various countries responded to these problems? How should they respond? What is the role of international institutions such as the World Bank? What is the role of non-governmental organizations such as Greenpeace? How have countries and international institutions interacted to deal with these environmental problems? Prerequisite: Political Science 101,  115 or Sociology 161.

Public Administration 391: Environmental Energy Management

This course will introduce students of Public Administration to the growing fields of environmental protection and energy conservation. Students will be introduced to policy options addressing the diminishing supply of fossil fuels at the national as well as the state and local levels. Students will learn basic skills related to managing energy in order to develop and supervise energy conservation programs for units of local government and small organizations. Prerequisite: Public Affairs 221 or Criminal Justice 212. 391/591

Religious Studies 362: Religion and Earth Ethics

Examines human attitudes and behaviors toward the natural world, focusing on the historical evolution of religious environmental ethics in diverse cultures and traditions. Analyzes how religion serves as a resource for many contemporary environmental movements and yields varying public policy prescriptions. Provides an opportunity for a critical appraisal of competing religious environmental ethics. Prerequisite: Religious Studies 107, 262 or Environmental Studies 262.

Sociology 342: Social Ecology

Examine the manner in which different traditions of social theory address the relationship between human institution and natural systems. Compares different ways in which sociological theorists and other social thinkers have constructed theories of social life and the implications of these constructions for the natural environment. Analyzes the practical social implications of different theoretical perspectives.

Urban/Regional Studies 317: Land Use and Regulation

An overview of the purposes, theoretical and legal issues, tools, and techniques of land use planning and regulation.