Environmental Studies

ENST 100. Introduction to Environmental Studies (4)

This course introduces students to Environmental Studies, an interdisciplinary field examining the complex relationship between people and their environments. We will explore how natural and cultural forces interact to form our ecosystems, our experiences, and our imaginations. Analyzing evidence, arguments, and concepts from across multiple disciplines, we will examine important environmental issues past and present, as well as efforts to understand and to address those issues. ENST100 is a survey of theoretical frameworks and analytical techniques from scientific, artistic, economic, political, historical, and philosophical perspectives on the environment. Consequently, our focus is as much on concepts and critical thinking as on content. By providing students with the opportunity to interact with peers and learn about abundant environmental opportunities at St. Mary’s College and beyond, the course also foster community and environmental citizenship. This course satisfies the requirement for the ENST Minor of ENST 233 Environmental Perspectives. Students who have taken ENST 280 may not take this course.

ENST 199/299/399/499. Independent Study (1-4E)

This course consists of an independent creative or research project designed by the student and supervised by an environmental studies faculty member. The nature of the project, the schedule for accomplishment and the means of evaluation must be formalized in a learning contract prior to registration.

ENST 245. Topics in Environmental Studies (4)

Various topics in environmental studies are considered in this course, which can vary across disciplines, but be suitable for all students participating in the environmental studies program. Subjects may include climate change adaptation and resilience, environmental justice, green technology and biomimicry, food systems, or environmental history. The subject matter of the course may vary each time the course is offered. This course may be repeated for credit, provided the topic or focus changes significantly. For a description of each course, see the current online Schedule of Classes. Prerequisites: see course description.

ENST 250. Environmental Science (4)

Environmental science is a multidisciplinary study of the environmental and environmental problems. It relies on integrating traditional fields of biology, chemistry, and physics to create an understanding of dynamic environmental systems. The prerequisite is successful completion of any of the following: BIOL 101, BIOL 105, BIOL 106, CHEM 101, CHEM 103, CHEM 106, PHYS 103, PHYS 104, PHYS 105, PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 141, PHYS 151 or PHYS 152.

ENST 265. Earth Systems (4)

This course in Earth Systems explains the geology of the Earth in the context of the natural environment. The course covers basics of the solid Earth (rocks, minerals, volcanoes, and earthquakes); surface systems (biosphere and weathering), fluid systems (surface water, oceans, groundwater, atmosphere; and the dynamic Earth (plate tectonics, energy transfer, and climate change). It discusses how the physical characteristics of the Earth and human interactions impact environmental change, global warming, and other issues. The course includes a laboratory providing hands on experience with the subject matter. This course satisfies elective credit in the Environmental Science track for the ENST major and minor. This course fulfills the CORE Curriculum requirement for Natural Science with a lab requirement

ENST 275. Topics in Environmental Humanities (4)

Various topics for the Environmental Humanities track in environmental studies are considered in this course, which can vary across disciplines, but be suitable for all students participating in the environmental studies program. The subject matter of the course may vary each time the course is offered. This course may be repeated for credit, provided the topic or focus changes significantly. For a description of each course, see the current online Schedule of Classes. Prerequisites: see course description.

ENST 285. Topics in Environmental Policy & Social Sciences (4)

Various topics for the Environmental Policy and Social Sciences track in environmental studies are considered in this course, which can vary across disciplines, but be suitable for all students participating in the environmental studies program. The subject matter of the course may vary each time the course is offered. This course may be repeated for credit, provided the topic or focus changes significantly. For a description of each course, see the current online Schedule of Classes. Prerequisites: see course description.

ENST 295. Topics in Environmental Science (4)

Various topics for the Environmental Sciences track in environmental studies are considered in this course, which can vary across disciplines, but be suitable for all students participating in the environmental studies program. The subject matter of the course may vary each time the course is offered. This course may be repeated for credit, provided the topic or focus changes significantly. For a description of each course, see the current online Schedule of Classes. Prerequisites: see course description.

ENST 345. Advanced Topics in Environmental Studies (4)

ENST 375. Advanced Topics in Environmental Humanities (4)

Various advanced topics for the Environmental Humanities track in environmental studies are considered in this course, which can vary across disciplines, but be suitable for all students participating in the environmental studies program. The subject matter of the course may vary each time the course is offered. This course may be repeated for credit, provided the topic or focus changes significantly. For a description of each course, see the current online Schedule of Classes. Prerequisites: see course description.

ENST 382. GIS Applications (4)

This interdisciplinary course teaches the students how to apply geographic information systems (GIS) to solve geographic problems. The course covers how GIS can be applied in multiple disciplines including biology, environmental studies, archaeology, anthropology, economics, and sociology, and meets the Environmental Studies program requirements. It covers basic GIS theory including vector and raster GIS data formats, global positioning system (GPS), projections and coordinate systems, tabular and geospatial analysis, and accuracy issues. The laboratory portion of the course gives students hands on experience using ArcGIS to create and manage GIS data, collect GPS data, perform geospatial analyses, and create cartographically sound maps. A semester project enables students to learn how to design, perform, and document results of a GIS project.

ENST 385. Advanced Topics in Environmental Policy & Social Sciences (4)

Various advanced topics for the Environmental Policy and Social Sciences track in environmental studies are considered in this course, which can vary across disciplines, but be suitable for all students participating in the environmental studies program. The subject matter of the course may vary each time the course is offered. This course may be repeated for credit, provided the topic or focus changes significantly. For a description of each course, see the current online Schedule of Classes. Prerequisites: see course description.

ENST 390. Applied Sustainability Practicum (4)

This course carefully considers sustainability. Class sessions will combine seminar style discussion of classic and cutting edge readings in the history, contemporary context, and challenge of global environmental issues with hands-on workshops to advance student-initiated local projects in critical environmental topics. Students will work independently and in groups on research, writing assignments, presentations, creative projects, and a web presence focused on interdisciplinary solutions to pressing environmental issues. Suitable subjects include energy management, food systems, social justice, conservation ecology, campus sustainability, natural disasters and resilience, climate change adaptation, and other student interests. Students will develop important skills in self-directed learning, build partnerships across campus and the community, and engage in applied problem-solving. Pre-requisites: ENST 100, ENST 233, ENST 280, or permission of instructor.

ENST 395. Advanced Topics in Environmental Science (4)

Various advanced topics for the Environmental Sciences track in environmental studies are considered in this course, which can vary across disciplines, but be suitable for all students participating in the environmental studies program. The subject matter of the course may vary each time the course is offered. This course may be repeated for credit, provided the topic or focus changes significantly. For a description of each course, see the current online Schedule of Classes. Prerequisites: see course description.

ENST 398/498. Off-Campus Internship (4-16E)

A variety of off-campus experiential learning opportunities can be arranged through the Career Development Center and study abroad. The off-campus internship is an individually designed experience that allows the student to explore the relationships between learning in the classroom and the practical application of knowledge in everyday work situations. Prerequisites: admission to the Internship Program and approval of the environmental studies coordinator. Credit/no credit grading.

ENST 450. Seminar in Environmental Studies (4)

Various topics in environmental studies are considered in this course, which can vary across disciplines, but be suitable for all students participating in the environmental studies program. The subject matter of the course may vary each time the course is offered. This course may be repeated for credit, provided the topic or focus changes significantly. For a description of each course, see the current online “Schedule of Classes.” Prerequisites: see course description.

ENST 490. Environmental Keystone Seminar (4)

This seminar provides upper-level Environmental Studies majors with a forum for synthesizing insights from multiple disciplines to reflect on the philosophical and pragmatic underpinnings of environmental citizenship. This course prepares students for the SMP. Students will integrate the work of leading environmental thinkers to identify which theories and techniques are appropriate for addressing particular environmental questions. In preparation to enter the workforce, advance new knowledge, and foster cultural understanding and cooperation, the seminar will incorporate the ethical principles of effective communication and explore how to manage uncertainty in environmental decision-making. We will ask critical questions about contributing to the common good in local, national, and global communities. This course is open to ENST majors. Prerequisite: ENST 100 and junior level standing or permission of the instructor.

ENST 493/494. St. Mary’s Project in Environmental Studies (1-8E)

This project, which may take many forms, draws on and extends knowledge, skills of analysis and creative achievement developed through previous academic work. The student initiates the project, identifies an area to be explored, and proposes a method of inquiry appropriate to the topic. The project should include a reflection on the social context, the body of literature, or the conceptual framework to which it is a contribution. It must be shared with the College community through posters, presentation, or other means. This course is repeatable up to eight credit hours. Pre- or co-requisite: completion of study area in environmental studies. Approval of faculty mentor, environmental studies coordinator and the department chair(s) of the student’s major.