Course descriptionEnvironmental Studies is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the interaction between the human and non-human components of the biosphere. It strives to apply the diverse orientations of the social sciences, humanities and natural sciences to environmental issues. The major is divided into three areas of study: human ecology, which explores humankind’s relationship with the nonhuman world, human origins, cultural ecology and the impact of human populations on the earth; environmental policy, which investigates the politics, economics, and ethical implications of ecology; and natural sciences, which encompass the study of biological systems, ecology, natural resources and conservation. Resources for field research include: the Pitzer in Costa Rica Program, Pitzer’s John R. Rodman Arboretum and the Bernard Field Station. Environmental Studies can provide an integrated, unifying perspective on life, as well as a program for effecting positive change. The perspectives provided by this program will help prepare students for graduate work and careers in teaching, public policy and administration, law, environmental sciences, international affairs, and the nonprofit
sector. Environmental Studies students are encouraged to consider a combined major or minor in another discipline.
The Environmental Studies major consists of course work in three broad areas: human ecology, environmental policy and natural science. In order to achieve breadth in the field, all majors are required to complete at least eleven (11) courses,
including the following:
* • Envs 10: Environment & Society
* • Human Ecology: Three courses.
* • Policy: Envs 95 U.S. Environmental Policy and one additional environmental policy course.
* • Science: Three courses in natural science, one of which must be advanced (numbered 100 or above).
* • Environmental fieldwork, an appropriate study abroad program, or a relevant internship or clinic course.
* • In order to achieve some depth, majors must take two (2) additional courses from within one of the main topic areas: Human Ecology, Policy, or Natural
* • Science.