College of Arts & Sciences Catalog
Environmental Studies
The mission of environmental studies at Bethel is to guide students in the pursuit of truth about the workings of creation and the human place in it, and to enable them to practice environmental stewardship in lifestyle and profession. Caring for the whole of creation is an immense privilege and responsibility, and we prepare students for this task through a curriculum that integrates knowledge and perspective from a variety of established disciplines (e.g., biology, chemistry, economics, geology, history, political science). Environmental studies combines classroom and laboratory instruction with a variety of field experiences. Students cap their education in environmental studies by designing and conducting a specific research project under the direction of a faculty mentor. Those who complete the program successfully will be prepared for a variety of types of employment (e.g., natural resource conservation, outdoor education, environmental advocacy) or for graduate school. The number of such opportunities is continually increasing as is the need for educated, committed environmental stewards.
Courses
ENS102D • Environment and Humanity (fall, spring) 4 credits
Introduction to environmental studies. Interrelationships and interactions of humans with the natural environment in which they live. Causes of and potential solutions to environmental problems like overpopulation; pollution of water, air, and soil; extinction of wildlife; and degradation of natural and human ecosystems are examined, using the science of ecology as a knowledge base. Lab includes some outdoor and off-campus investigations. Includes 2.5 lab hours.
ENS201 • Introduction to GeographicInformation Systems (fall, odd # yrs) 2 credits
An introduction to the science, hardware, and software of mapping geographic locations and analyzing information about those locations. Investigation of remote sensing, GPS data collection, GIS data types, editing GIS data, and spatial data analysis and display, with emphasis on applications to creation stewardship problems. (Carries cross-credit in geography.)
ENS205L • Sustainable Living (spring) 3 credits
A multidisciplinary approach to the challenges of living a sustainable life in a complex world. Considers how ecological, ethical, and cultural understandings inform our responsibility for personal and global decisions. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.
ENS301 • Wildlife Ecology and Management (spring, even # yrs) 4 credits
Analysis of terrestrial vertebrate populations, communities, and habitats. Exploration of how these analyses are applied to the manipulation, exploitation, protection, and restoration of animal populations and communities. Laboratory sessions emphasize field investigation of animal populations and habitats with ecological and management techniques. Includes three lab hours. Prerequisites: Two semesters of college biology, including BIO113D or BIO311; junior or senior standing. (Carries cross-credit in biology.)
ENS305K • Transforming Technology: Environmental Perspectives (spring, odd # yrs) 3 credits
An examination of the pervasive influence of technology in shaping our views, values, society, and environment. Develops ability to critically analyze technology and the social and environmental influences and impacts of technology. Basic concepts of environmental science serve as a focal point, leading to an understanding of the value-laden nature of technology in our modern society and how such technologies and technological artifacts have changed our environments, our social structures, and our values. Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) course; Mathematics (M) course.
ENS310K • Human Impacts on Coral Reefs (interim) 4 credits
Travels to the Philippines and Hawaii to study exotic coral reefs and associated environmental issues. Coral reefs worldwide are currently subject to severe anthropogenic stress. Allows students to get in the water to see reefs firsthand, to explore the science and human technology relating to coral reefs, and to meet individuals who are working to address environmental problems. Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) course; Mathematics (M) course. (Carries cross-credit in biology and general studies.)
ENS318K • Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands: Natural History and Future Prospects (interim) 4 credits
Travel from base in Quito throughout Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, surveying the land, climate, plants, animals, homes, transportation, and industries, noting especially the impact of human culture, presence, and activities. Sites include the Amazon rainforest, Andean cloud forests, volcanic mountains, highlands, towns, cities, and the Galápagos Islands. Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) course; Mathematics (M) course. (Carries cross-credit in biology and general studies.)
ENS330K • Science, Values, and the Making of Environmental Policy (fall, odd# yrs) 3 credits
What role do citizens and experts play in the public policy process? Do people approach scientific evidence with competing value perspectives? These questions are examined in order to understand the interplay between key people, institutions, values, and power that is present in a series of environmental policy case studies. Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) course; Mathematics (M) course. (Carries cross-credit in political science.)
ENS335K • Environmental Ethics (interim) 3 credits
An examination of the intersection of science, society, and technology as they pertain to issues in environmental ethics. The course moves from theory by considering science, society, and technology philosophically to application by concluding with a major research project on an applied issue in environmental ethics involving scientific data and technological choice. Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) course; Mathematics (M) course. (Carries cross-credit in philosophy.)
ENS341K • Environmental Writing (fall or spring) 3 credits
As the environmental crisis has deepened, American nature writing has evolved into a richly creative endeavor to understand the complex interactions of nature, technology‚ and society. A study of environmental writing as a means for valuing biodiversity and for envisioning changes in global policies, applications of technology‚ and environmental ethics. Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) course; Mathematics (M) course. (Carries cross-credit in English.)
ENS399 • Introduction to Research (fall) 1 credit
An introduction to research methodology in environmental studies and environmental science. Experience in the use of environmental literature and an examination of how to distinguish and evaluate different types of scientific writing and presentations. Development of a proposal for a research project to be completed in ENS496 and formally presented in ENS498. Prerequisites: Major in environmental studies or environmental science; junior standing.
ENS481 • Internship in Environmental Studies (fall, spring, or summer) 4 credits
Off-campus field experience working with an environmental organization, business, or governmental agency. Prerequisite: Major in environmental studies or environmental science.
ENS496 • Research in Environmental Studies (fall, spring) 1 credit
An opportunity to become involved in an independent research project of student’s own choosing in some area of environmental studies. Experience in the collection, manipulation, analysis, and portrayal of information; development of skills needed to be effective in environmental research. Prerequisite: ENS399.
ENS498 • Seminar in Environmental Studies (spring) 1 credit
A senior capstone course for environmental studies and environmental science majors centered on a multidisciplinary discussion of current environmental issues in society. Discussion of research completed in ENS496 leads to formal written and oral presentations of research. Prerequisite: ENS496.
Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies
Several courses in the environmental area are available during the interim and summer terms through the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies. Summer term courses offered on a regular basis include Field Botany, Natural Resources Practicum, Animal Ecology, and Water Resources. See the Au Sable advisor in the Department of Biology for additional course offerings and further details.
Creation Care Study Program
Fall or spring off-campus study is available for students who want to take on the challenge of learning how to care for God’s earth and all its creatures. Courses offered include Tropical Ecosystems, God and Nature, and Sustainable Community Development. See the environmental studies program director for additional information.
Programs
In this section, semester credit hours will be shown after the course number and description.
Major in Environmental Science (B.S.)
| BIO113D* | Introduction to Organismic Biology | 4 |
| BIO311 | Ecology | 4 |
| ENS102D* | Environment and Humanity | 4 |
| ENS/GEO201 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 2 |
| ENS205L* | Sustainable Living | 3 |
| ENS305K* | Transforming Technology: Environmental Perspectives | 3 |
| ENS/PHI335K* | Environmental Ethics | 3 |
| ENS/ENL341K* | Environmental Writing | 3 |
| ENS399 | Introduction to Research | 1 |
| ENS481 | Internship in Environmental Studies | 4 |
| ENS496 | Research in Environmental Studies | 1 |
| ENS498 | Seminar in Environmental Studies | 1 |
| GEL167D* | Geology | 4 |
| HIS/GEO320K* | History and the Human Environment | 3 |
| Choose from: | 8 | |
| CHE103D*-10 | Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry I & II | |
| CHE111D*-21 | General Chemistry I & II | |
| Choose from: | 12 | |
| BIO/ENS301 | Wildlife Ecology and Management | |
| BIO308 | Invertebrate Biology | |
| BIO321 | Aquatic Biology | |
| BIO361 | Plant Taxonomy and Ecology | |
| BIO366 |
Environmental Plant Biology |
|
| CHE221 | Organic Chemistry I | |
| CHE222 | Organic Chemistry II | |
| CHE331 | Analytical Chemistry I | |
| CHE332 | Analytical Chemistry II | |
| Total | 60 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| Electives | 10-11 | |
| TOTAL | 122 |
With permission of the program director, appropriate courses taken in off-campus programs may substitute for those listed above.
Students are strongly urged to meet the “M” General Education requirement by taking PSY230M Introduction to Statistical Methods and Experimental Design.
* A student may also choose this course to meet a General Education requirement.
Major in Environmental Studies (B.A.)
| BIO113D* | Introduction to Organismic Biology | 4 |
| BIO311 | Ecology | 4 |
| ENS102D* | Environment and Humanity | 4 |
| ENS205L* | Sustainable Living | 3 |
| ENS305K* | Transforming Technology: Environmental Perspectives | 3 |
| ENS335K* | Environmental Ethics | 3 |
| ENS341K* | Environmental Writing | 3 |
| ENS399 | Introduction to Research | 1 |
| ENS481 | Internship in Environmental Studies | 4 |
| ENS496 | Research in Environmental Studies | 1 |
| ENS498 | Seminar in Environmental Studies | 1 |
| HIS/GEO320K* | History and the Human Environment | 3 |
| Six additional | 3- or 4-credit courses from one or two departments. At least three courses must be 300-level or above | 18-23 |
| Total | 55-60 | |
| General Education | 51-52 | |
| Electives | 12-19 | |
| TOTAL | 122 |
With permission of the program director, appropriate courses taken in off-campus programs may substitute for those listed above.
Students are strongly urged to meet the “M” General Education requirement by taking PSY230M Introduction to Statistical Methods and Experimental Design.
* A student may also choose this course to meet a General Education requirement.