NTRES 2010 - Environmental Conservation

(HA)

Spring. 3 credits.

J. Yavitt.

Our lives are touched increasingly by questions about environmental degradation at local, regional, and global scales. Business-as-usual is being challenged. This course stimulates students to go beyond the often-simplistic portraits of the environmental dilemma offered by the mass media to gain a firmer basis for responsible citizenship and informed action on environmental issues. Students will practice and apply critical-thinking skills.

Outcome 1: Demonstrate an understanding of the history of environmental thought and how ideas in the past shape present-day environment management.

Outcome 2: Apply the basic principles of physical, chemical, biological and social sciences to understand environmental problems and solutions to those problems., including climate change; human population growth; agriculture; energy and the environment; ecosystem and species management, biodiversity; and, pollution.

Outcome 3: Demonstrate an understanding of critical thinking by arguing for a solution to an environmental problem but also recognizing the counter argument.

Outcome 4: Debate the fundamental concepts of environmental management, both in written and oral format.

Outcome 5: Analyze the major national and international policies enacted to manage environmental problems.