ES 172 - Introduction to Environmental Studies
Such topics as conserving biological diversity,
sustaining energy, shaping cities, strengthening
global environmental governance. Human roles and
responsibilities, the scientific, political, economic,
and ethical issues involved in the attainment of a
sustainable future.
Offered Fall and Spring semesters

ES 375 - Environmental Communication
Through case studies of past, current, and future
environmental issues, students will learn how to communicate science and solutions for the environment
to the general public.

Offered Fall and Spring semesters

ES 475 Climate Change Communication
This course will enable students to effectively communicate about climate change to various audiences through the application of social science research on public opinion, understanding, acceptance, and action.
Offered Spring semester

AT 14 Is There a War on Science?
Why do some people believe the earth is flat? Why are more and more children unvaccinated? Why is there controversy about climate change? How have scientifically settled topics become matters of public debate? Is there a "War on Science"? In this class we will try to answer these questions and more (GMOs? Nuclear energy?) by examining social science research on public opinion, trust, and understanding of science. We will discuss the nuances of the public?s relationship with science as a whole, and the multiple perspectives and interests involved in the portrayal of ?controversial? science to the public. We will finish out the course with a unit on effective science communication, applying the ideas and information we have gathered throughout the term. This course aims to expand your understanding of this hot-button phrase, the ?War on Science,? and to help you see where misunderstandings of science, ideology, and worldviews collide in discussions of ethically-charged scientific issues. Throughout this course we will work on learning to understand scientific literature, challenging our preconceived notions, and building effective skills for communicating science to the general public.
Offered Select Autumn Terms

WT 2E - Climate Futures in Fiction and Film
This course will cover works of climate change science fiction in literature and film, and will
describe and explain the possible future effects of climate change as they relate to themes and events in the fictional depictions. The consequences of climate change depicted in these works and dealt with in class will include desertification, flooding, high-impact extreme weather events, and the resultant social unrest or positive reimaginings of the future. This class will include analysis of short stories, science fiction novels, graphic novels, and film, as well as relevant principles of climate science. Students will also engage in a creative project generating a storyboard using themes and climate science principles discussed in class. Through these fictional works, we will seek to identify various possible consequences of climate change, as well as possible responses to these consequences. Fulfills the Environmental Perspective requirement.
Offered Select Winter Terms