190’s and 290’s are considered Introductory-Level.
390’s and 490’s are considered Advanced-Level.
ENVSC 290 00, Earth’s Climate System
MWF 9:00 AM 9:50 AM
Professor Griffin
Credits: 4
A study of the past, present and future of Earth’s climate system. In order to understand current and future climate, it is imperative to understand the forces that drive both natural and anthropogenic climate change. Students explore how components of the Earth system – the atmosphere, oceans, ice, geosphere, and biosphere – interact with each other to determine climatic variability over the course of Earth’s history. Topics will include energy balance, general circulation of the atmosphere and oceans, the greenhouse effect, climate change in the geologic record, and modern climate observation and modelling. The goal of this course is to provide a systems-based understanding of climate change, and place current global-environmental change issues into the context of historical variation, as a basis for addressing the consequences of anthropogenic change.
ENVSC 395 00, Soils and Society
TTH 11:00 AM 12:15 PM Lab T 1:30 PM 4:20 PM
Professor Geyer
Credits: 4
A study of the geological and biological fundamentals of soil science along with the ecosystem services soils provide to society. Students examine applications of soil science to address basic human needs and 21st century ‘grand challenges’ including biodiversity conservation (soil as habitat), sustainable agriculture (soil health), climate change (soil-climate feedbacks), and ecosystem management like bioremediation. Students practice field work and observation, in-lab sample analysis, data analysis, and discussion of topics through reading of popular and primary scientific literature. Lab emphasizes practical skills to survey soils and soil properties, laboratory measures of soil diversity and fertility, and work with community partners to address local needs.
Prerequisites: ENVSC 210 or a lab-based course in the Natural Sciences (ENVSC 210 or BIO 220) or instructor permission
WGSS 290 00, Trans Cultural Production
TTH 3:00 PM 4:15 PM
Professor Giardini
Credits: 4
A study of cultural production by trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming artists, writers, poets, filmmakers, and musicians. Students examine how this body of work engages with and contests cultural norms around gender and sexuality, and relate it to contemporary and historical writing by trans theorists. This course focuses on the aesthetic possibilities of artworks and literature and their relationship to questions of community formation, selfhood, activism, and the contemporary conditions of trans life.