ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES (ENV) Introduction to Environmental Studies (ENV 1001) Environmental Studies is a critical, interdisciplinary, problem-solving major that seeks to cultivate students capable of analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information from multiple sources so that they can render reasoned decisions and take appropriate, effective action. This course is designed to introduce you to the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Studies. To that end, Students will be acquainted with a variety of environmental issues, and the way various disciplines address that issue. This course will introduce the areas you will study further in the Environmental Studies majors through a case study method. This course will also help you develop an understanding of contemporary bioregional theory and apply this understanding to your new bioregion. 3 credits. Fundamentals of Organic Agriculture (ENV 1011) This course is an introduction to the history, ethics, and fundamental principles of the organic agriculture movement and its relationship to sustainable food, fiber, and seed production. This course will examine the biological, economic, and ethical dimensions of designing a small farm or market-based garden system. Concepts covered will include garden design and rotation, seed selection, plant morphology, soil structure and composition, seedling production, transplanting, season extension, diseases and pests, harvest methods, and marketing. 3 credits. Farming Skills Intensive (ENV 1075) Many components of an integrated farm system draw on a specialized skill set and body of knowledge and are best learned in an intensive setting that combines theory and practice. This course will immerse students in a particular aspect of sustainable farming. Students will work with agricultural faculty and agricultural practitioners, generally in the field or at the practitioner’s operation, to explore and apply the theory and knowledge regarding the topic at hand in a workshop format. Potential topics include greenhouse management, plant propagation, winter farming, draft animal driving and training, and draft animal utilization. (Note: Topics with sufficient depth and demand will be presented in a two course series, e.g. season extension design and season extension crop management.) 1 credit. Introduction to Cerridwen Farm (ENV 1211) Students in this course will be responsible for one morning chore shift a week at Cerridwen Farm (two hrs/week). This will include helping with vegetable management in season (cultivating, harvesting, processing) as well as animal management and care—feeding, cleaning, and moving animals, gathering eggs, milking the cow, etc. In addition, all farm hands will meet for one hour a week with the farm manager to discuss and learn about various aspects of managing Cerridwen Farm. 1 credit. Food Preservation (ENV 2002) Throughout most of human history, domestic-scale food preservation has been of vital significance. Today, as an alternative to industrially processed products, small-scale food preservation can play an integral role in sustaining locally-based food systems. This course gives students the opportunity to investigate the history, theory, and practice of such traditional means of food preservation as lactic fermentation, pickling, drying, salting, and root cellar storage of seasonal products, such as fish, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Students will learn the fundamentals of preservation processes through hands-on, in-class, and field-based activities and experiences, and, in particular, work in collaboration with Green Mountain College’s Cerridwen Farm in doing group projects demonstrating principles of food preservation with portions of the fall season’s harvest. The course will survey the history and diversity of food preservation practices and technologies that have evolved in response to the problems of place (tropical vs. temperate), and scale (home use vs. market commodity). It will explore different processes, ranging from ancient techniques to more modern methods, for preserving a diversity of local products and investigate how they were preserved in different types of traditional food systems (hunting-gathering, pastoral, and farming). 3 credits. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (ENV 2010) A geographic information system is a computer-based system that stores, retrieves, visualizes, queries, and analyzes digital data. This data can represent such actualities as topography, soils, population, infectious disease outbreaks, areas of pollution, town zoning, rivers, town boundaries, and protected environments. GIS is used to address numerous areas of inquiry, including: (1) natural and social sciences, (2) community planning, (3) resource management, (4) habitat assessment & ecological monitoring, (5) environmental modeling, and many others. This class will introduce you to the fundamental theories and concepts of a GIS, cartographic design, database management, spatial analysis, and provide hands on experience through a service-learning project. 4 credits. Public Policy & the Environment (ENV 2011) This course is an introduction to the environmental policy process in the United States. It focuses on the history and evolution of political institutions, federal and state roles in decision-making, and the global context of U.S. environmental policy, emphasizing the intersection of science and policy. Specific topics include federalism, mechanics and elements of policy formation, the political uses of science, risk assessment and management, scientific uncertainty, environmental justice, and implementation and enforcement of environmental policies. 3 credits. Environmental Advocacy, Public Policy & Corporate Responsibility (ENV 2015) Throughout history, citizen action has brought about significant changes in public policies and corporate behavior for environmental and social improvement. This course investigates the role that individuals and advocacy groups play in the development of environmental policy and demanding corporate environmental responsibility. The full range of options for citizen participation in the democratic and market processes are reviewed. 3 credits. Special Topics on Energy & the Environment (ENV 2019) This course offers students an opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation of a current topic on energy and the environment. Each time the course is offered, it will focus on a different topic. Topics may include transportation, electric utility deregulation, renewable energy, or energy use and global climate change. A topic for the course will be selected from current issues facing society and based on students’ interests. This is a policy-oriented course that is designed to provide students with a hands-on, research-oriented learning experience. 3 credits. Biodiversity Issues in Agriculture: Seeds & Trees (ENV 2060) This course will take a comparative approach to understanding the role of biodiversity in agriculture using cultural, biological, and geographic perspectives. It will cover the emergence and diffusion of crop diversity in different traditional agricultural systems, and trace the erosion of this heritage with the rise of scientific breeding and industrial agriculture. We will also investigate a range of contemporary agrobiodiversity issues: ex situ vs. in situ conservation, participatory breeding, global policy, the threat of GM (genetically modified) crops, and the relationship between biological and cultural diversity. 3 credits. Biodiversity Issues in Agriculture: Livestock (ENV 2061) A diverse array of livestock breeds are disappearing across the globe at alarming rates. The landscapes, management practices, and cultural traditions associated with these livestock are also threatened. The remaining predominate breeds suffer from perilous genetic erosion. This course will examine the conservation strategies and issues surrounding rare breeds of livestock in the U.S. and abroad. 3 credits. Animal Husbandry (ENV 2067) Appropriate animal husbandry is a critical economic, ecological, and ethical element of farming. This course will provide an overview of basic physiological processes and needs of common livestock species, with an emphasis on management techniques that can help maximize livestock health and minimize veterinary investments and interventions. 3 credits. Independent Study (ENV 2090/3090) Independent reading, research, and project work with individual conferences and evaluation. By permission of instructor only. 3 credits. Appropriate Technologies in Agriculture (ENV 2070) Students will be expected to work five hours on the farm plus take a share of daily chores (maximum two hours a week). In addition, they will spend six to nine hours a week in curricular activities as outlined below. The course will feature experiential learning and independent study and research in addition to an average of four contact hours each week, equivalent to a standard 15-week term’s contact hours. 3 credits. Renewable Energy Technology & Applications (ENV 2100) Most of us are aware that society’s current energy systems are unsustainable, but few of us can clearly articulate why or what the alternatives may be. This course begins with an assessment of the energy problem and then provides an overview of various renewable energy technologies and their applications. Students will learn about the latest developments in solar energy technology, wind power, geothermal, ocean energy and hydroelectric power production. This course emphasizes a quantitative assessment of the resource potential for each form of renewable energy and the challenges associated with large-scale deployment of these systems. Finally, the course highlights the different policy and regulatory approaches to promote greater energy efficiency and increased use of clean, renewable forms of energy. 3 credits. Special Topics in Environmental Studies (ENV 3000) This course is an advanced reading and/or research seminar on issues, theories and/or methods in environmental studies. The course may be repeated for credit if the topic has changed. 3 credits. Building Sustainable Communities (ENV 3004/SUS 3003) This upper level course will provide students with an understanding of the tools and philosophy required to rebuild and grow communities in ways that respect natural resources and promote diversity (human, natural and economic) and grassroots empowerment. Using case study and perhaps field-based approaches, students will study such techniques as asset-based mapping, Natural Step analysis, growth management, and watershed protection. Additionally, students will learn the fundamentals of financing sustainable community projects. Examples include financing redevelopment of industrial sites, pollution prevention, passive solar systems for residential, commercial, and municipal buildings, watershed agreements, and the like. For this part of the course, guest lecturers from the Vermont National Bank’s “Socially Responsible Banking Fund” program may be invited. 3 credits. Environmental Law (ENV 3011) This course is a survey of the leading federal and state statutes and cases on environmental issues. Questions examined during the course of the semester include: Who can bring suit on environmental issues? What results from those lawsuits? How effective are federal and state statutes and regulations in solving environmental problems? How are the implementation and enforcement of environmental statutes affected by the interactions between the branches of government? Prerequisite: ENV 2011 Public Policy & the Environment. 3 credits. Nonprofits Management & Policy (ENV 3012) This class is an introduction to the world of nonprofit organizations. Covering the business, legal, management, planning, funding, and organizational challenges of nonprofit organizations, students learn the basics of this unique business model. Students then delve into the culture of nonprofit by profiling Vermont nonprofit organizations, creating their own models, and reviewing national and international case studies of nonprofits and NGOs. Through this work, students are exposed to the wide array of career opportunities in the nonprofit sector and are given the opportunity to network with nonprofit organizers and leaders. 3 credits. Watershed Management & Policy (ENV 3014) This class considers the way watersheds and watershed boundaries are being used for ecological, land use, and social planning in Vermont and throughout the United States. Using the Mettowee River watershed and other local watersheds as resources, students learn the laws governing watershed planning, the tools necessary to plan watershed management, and the issues and policy considerations that come into play when considering watershed issues. Students will explore the watershed in field trips, and work extensively with local citizens, businesses, farmers, activists, planners, political leaders, and other stakeholders on a long-term class project. 3 credits. Land Use Planning (ENV 3016) This class introduces students to the legal, political, and economic considerations of land use planning. Starting with an overview of land use planning in the United States, students consider different eras of planning and land use law in the United States, specific land use tools (the Town Plan, zoning bylaws, conditional uses, variances, etc.), as well as the current application of land use law. Students also work through Vermont’s Act 250 as both an example of statewide land use planning regimes, and as a template for a variety of land use issues including wastewater treatment, impact fees, and traffic considerations. Drawing on the work of Christopher Alexander and others, students contemplate the larger questions of human use and manipulation of space and examine western preference for spatial arrangements. 3 credits. Sustainable Development: Theory & Policy (ELA/ENV 3021) To alleviate poverty and raise living standards, third world nations need to aggressively pursue economic development. If the resource- and energy-intensive western model of development is followed in these countries, severe resource shortages and widespread environmental degradation are likely to ensue. Sustainable development theory has emerged to describe an alternative path to economic development that averts potential resource and environmental crises. This course analyzes these theories and critically evaluates alternative sustainable development policies. 3 credits. Human Ecology (ENV 3023/SOC 3001) This course draws strongly on anthropology and ecology, as well as a variety of other disciplines, in order to study humans and human societies from ecological perspectives. We will examine both the benefits and difficulties associated with the application of ecological concepts to humans. Topics include human adaptation, continuity and change in human ecosystems, human epidemiology and infectious disease, and the role of symbolic cognition, politics and power, and globalization as they affect human ecosystems. 3 credits. Animal Ethics (ENV 3026/PHI 3025) What is the appropriate ethical relationship between humans and nonhuman animals? This course is a systematic study of animal ethics, a field that has emerged as a response to the profound impact of human practices on other species. Topics will include animal experimentation, hunting, bushmeat, livestock agriculture, landscape sustainability, biodiversity, companion animals, vegetarianism, activism, suffering, animal intelligence, animal cultures, animal emotions, animal rights law, and the tension between animal rights and environmental ethics. 3 credits. Wildlife Law & Policy (ENV 3028) This is a course about the birds and the bees. No, not that kind of course, but one where we look at how we as a society protect wildlife through laws and policies. In the first part of the course we will examine the wildlife law and policy in the United States. We will look at the various actors and their roles in the system. In the second part of the course we will turn our focus beyond the domestic borders and look at how international law addresses wildlife protection. Students will get to select specific topics for case studies in the final portion of our course. 3 credits. Environmental Studies Teaching Practicum (ENV 3031) Teaching experience for advanced students arranged with an individual faculty member. The course aims to enhance a student’s ability to communicate information and skills learned in the major. Prerequisites: Junior standing and a 3.3 GPA. 1-3 credits. Comparative Environmental Politics (ENV 3035) This upper-division seminar for ES majors and other students interested in politics and the environment is a political science course rooted in the sub-discipline of comparative politics. Each time the course is offered, it focuses on a different salient topic (for example: Water wars, Native American environmental politics, or agricultural policy and politics). As a repeatable special topics course, it offers Green Mountain College students, over the course of their educational experience, the opportunity to take a close look at relationships between environmental problems, politics, and policy in diverse places across the globe. 3 credits. International Environmental Politics & Policy (ENV 3037) This course is designed to give students an overview of the legal and political framework that constitutes international environmental law. In the first part of the course we will examine the characteristics of international law and distinguish it from domestic law. We will then look at the various actors and their roles in the system. Students will become familiar with the key principles of international environmental law, such as the precautionary principle, sovereignty, and sustainable development. In the later part of the course we will examine major international environmental law topics such as climate change, the oceans, and the relationship between trade and the environment. Students will select four of these major areas for our study. 3 credits. Sustainable Farming Systems (ENV 3054) “Sustainable agriculture” tends to progress from scientific/ecological theories, to a set of guiding principles, to on-farm applications, to evaluations of economic viability. These sets of guiding principles generally evolve into systematic approaches to agriculture and how some farmers in our region have utilized these systems in farm design and practice. Systems studied will include holistic farm management, grass-based farming, Amish systems, agroforestry, and permaculture. Students will spend extensive time on an assigned farm and will design an agriculturally-based campus land use model. 3 credits. Advanced Topics in Sustainable Agriculture (ENV 3057) This course will teach the application of systems theory and systems thinking to the challenge of understanding and designing farm systems. Students will learn how to develop conceptual and analytical models of various components of a farm system, including crops and other plants, insects, soil nutrients, energy, marketing strategies, and various farm technologies. Such models will be integrated in the development of a systems model for Cerridwen Farm. 3 credits. A History of Agriculture: Civilizations, Technology & the Environment (ENV/HIS 3058) Understanding how previous agricultural methods and technologies have impacted humans and the environment is critical to determining the best methods and technologies for contemporary agriculture—approaches that can best feed human populations while ameliorating the environment. Beginning with an overview of the evolution of agriculture, the course will then focus on the historical development of agriculture in the U.S., with an emphasis on soils, technologies, and on-farm practices. 3 credits. Integrated Farming Systems (ENV 3070) Students will be expected to work five hours on the farm plus take a share of daily chores (maximum two hours a week). In addition, they will spend six to nine hours a week in curricular activities as outlined below. The course will feature experiential learning and independent study and research in addition to an average of four contact hours each week, equivalent to a standard 15-week term’s contact hours. 3 credits. The Environmental Professional (ENV 3093) This class provides Environmental Studies majors with the interpersonal skills and knowledge necessary to become professionals in environmental fields. Students study methods of resolving a wide variety of environmental disputes using local case studies and close interaction with local environmental practitioners. Students will assess their strengths and areas of challenge in terms of work, communication and conflict resolution skills, in anticipation of their last year of undergraduate education. Students prepare professional materials, including a portfolio of their academic work, in anticipation of junior year review, internship and professional interviews. 1 credit. REED External Practicum (ENV 3100) The external practicum allows students to enroll in skills-based courses offered by external institutions related to renewable energy and ecological design. Possible schools include Solar Energy International, Yestermorrow Design/Build School, Ecosa, and others pending faculty approval. 3 credits. Ecological Design (ENV 3125) Students in Ecological Design will apply their knowledge of ecological design principles and their skills in drawing and design to a real-world design problem. Through research, field study, site analysis, drawing and modeling, students will work through a sustainable building design process from start to finish. Prerequisite: ELA 1135 The Nature of Design. 3 credits. Watershed Alliance Practicum (ENV 3190) The Green Mountain College Watershed Alliance internship will entail learning about stream ecology and watershed science, group management skills and techniques in the field and classroom, and science as inquiry. After the successful completion of training, students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills working in the field and classroom with local secondary schools. Students must be a junior or senior to apply. 1 credit. Topics in Energy and the Environment (ENV 4000) This course provides students with the opportunity to explore in great detail emerging issues in energy policy and markets. The transition to a sustainable energy future requires innovative approaches to policy and rules governing energy market operations. Topics may include peak oil and the global petroleum market, or emerging federal policy to combat global climate change. The topics for this course will be selected based on current events and student interests. 3 credits. Environmental Policy Research, Writing, & Analysis (ENV 4015) The course goal is for groups of students to draft legislation for Vermont’s legislature on environmental issues. To accomplish this we will select and research issues in consultation with state environmental groups. We will explore legal and non-legal research, inside and outside the library, electronic and in print. We will analyze existing legislation on our issue for its effectiveness and political aspects. We will study legislative drafting through studying the principles of drafting, examining existing legislation, and drafting statutes ourselves. Finally, we will lobby our issues with members of the state legislature. We will read deeply in policy analysis and apply what we learn to current environmental issues. 3 credits. Environmental Design/Build (ENV 4025) Design/Build offers students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world, hands-on projects aimed at benefitting their community. Students will learn about greenbuilding materials and methods, construction tools and techniques, and the design/build process. As a group, students will analyze a site, interview the client, craft a program, collectively work toward an appropriate design solution and work as a team bringing it to life. Prerequisite: ELA 1135 The Nature of Design. 3 credits. Agroecology (ENV 4054) Agroecology is the application of ecological theory to farms as ecosystems. It is also an approach to the sustainable management of farm systems that has arisen out of the perspective of crop and livestock systems as ecosystems. This course will review the theoretical and practical underpinnings of agroecology and teach the fundamentals of an agroecological approach to farming. In particular, it will teach students how to collect and analyze ecological data within the context of a working farm and use this information to develop more sustainable practices. 3 credits. Internship (ENV 4090) Under the direction of an advisor, a student may arrange a period of practical experience that will make substantive use of the knowledge and skills acquired in the Environmental Studies major. Evaluative reports will be expected from both student and off-campus supervisor. Internship proposals will be evaluated by the Environmental Studies Committee, and the internship itself will be monitored and evaluated by the advisor. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. 3 credits. Research in Environmental Studies (ENV 4093) Under the direction of an advisor, a student may arrange to do a research project relating to some area of Environmental Studies. The project should be based on prior course work, and it should result in a formal product. Proposals for a research project will be evaluated by the Environmental Studies committee, but the research will be monitored and evaluated by the advisor. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. 3 credits. LEED Certification Exam Preparation (ENV 4100) This course is designed to prepare students for success when taking the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design New Construction (LEED-NC) Professional Accreditation (AP) Exam. The LEED AP serves to strengthen your green building qualifications and allows you to market your green building knowledge to potential employers and clients through this widely recognized credential. This course will be offered on an as needed basis and graded on a pass/fail basis. 1 credit. GEOLOGY (GLG) Geology in Film (GLG 1000) Have you ever watched a movie and wondered, “Is that really possible?” Geologists watching these same movies often find themselves thinking, “That’s ridiculous!” This course investigates a varying set of movies, discussing the pertinent geologic processes and evaluates the science behind “Hollywood’s” interpretation and representation of geologic processes and events. Grades will be evaluated based on in-class discussions in addition to outside readings and writing assignments. 1 credit. Introduction to Geology (ELA/GLG 1011) This course focuses on the Earth’s composition, structure, and systems. We will investigate the processes at work within the Earth as well as surface processes that shape the modern landscape. We will examine how geologic phenomena are linked together through dynamic systems and how they impact our environment, society, and economy. Laboratory experiences will place a regional emphasis on the geology of Vermont and New England when appropriate. Topics of discussion will include, but are not limited to: Geologic time, rocks and minerals, earthquakes, volcanoes, the oceans, the atmosphere, weathering, groundwater, glaciers, and plate tectonics. 4 credits. Natural Disasters (ELA/GLG 2110) This course will examine the basic geologic processes that drive natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, mass wasting, subsidence, flooding, severe weather, erosion, climate change, and meteorite impacts.)We will also discuss the interrelationships that exist between the effects of these natural events on humans, global ecology, economy and society, and discuss possible prevention and mitigation options. 3 credits. Soils (GLG 2031) This course will examine why soil types vary with time, climate, topography, and geologic materials. Students will learn various soil classification techniques and become familiar with soil taxonomy and basic soil chemistry. An emphasis will be placed on the application of soil science to ecology, geology, and agronomy. Laboratory experiences will consist of a balance between lab-based technical analyses and applied field-based mapping and description techniques. 4 credits. Geomorphology (GLG 2041) This course focuses on the origin and genesis of landforms and landscapes created by processes acting at or near the Earth’s surface. We will primarily focus on the development of continental landscapes (e.g. volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, oceans, etc.) throughout the Cenozoic. Laboratory experiences will investigate spatial relationships between landforms, topographic map interpretation and construction, aerial photograph interpretation, geomorphic mapping, and fluvial processes. Prerequisite: GLG 1011 Introduction to Geology. 4 credits. Geology Field Experience (GLG 2071) This course will travel to a regional, national or international geologic field site. Students will be responsible for trip planning, site logistics, and a field-based research project conducted during the spring or fall semester prior to traveling. The research projects will be directed at describing, analyzing, and explaining specific geologic processes, features, or events. 3 credits. Special Topics in Geology (GLG 3001) This course will be offered upon sufficient demand. The topics covered in the course will vary based on the interests and goals of the students and instructor. Student proposals for course topics can be submitted to the Environmental Studies program for consideration. This course will satisfy the requirement for a 3000 level elective. 3 credits. Hydrogeology (GLG 3041) Hydrogeology is the study of the interrelationship between Earth’s systems, with specific interest in the effects of precipitation and evaporation on the occurrence and character of water in streams, lakes, and groundwater. This course will focus on a fundamental understanding of hydrologic processes and reservoirs, the interaction between surface waters and groundwater, hydrologic techniques and instrumentation, and the relationship between human activity and these reservoirs. This course takes a quantitative approach to hydrology, so both homework and laboratory exercises will improve your proficiency with graphical depiction, data interpretation, and applied mathematics. 4 credits. Sedimentology & Stratigraphy (GLG 3051) This course will introduce you to the basic concepts and methods used in the study of the genesis, characteristics, and spatial distribution of sedimentary rocks. We will cover both sedimentary and stratigraphic principles, sedimentary processes and textures, the paleoenvironmental implications of sedimentary rocks, evaluate age relationships, and investigate the modern relationships between humans and sedimentary processes. Laboratory exercises will focus on field-based description and mapping techniques. 4 credits.
