ES 110-02 Spring 2008
Introduction to Environmental Science

MWF 10-11 am
Steffee Hall B.102

Course Objectives: This course is designed to provide you with an introduction to some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, as well as some of the efforts being made to address them at the local, regional and global scale. You will learn not only the science behind these issues (e.g. what causes global climate change), you’ll also be exposed to the economic, political and social factors that influence environmental change and shape our responses to it. We will see that environmental problems are often characterized by significant levels of uncertainty, a situation that can result in contentious policy debates and lack of clear-cut technical solutions. We will examine various efforts being made to address our most challenging environmental issues and see that some of the most promising go far beyond the usual regulatory “fixes” and instead involve a complete re-thinking of the way we produce, consume and dispose of the products we use every day. While this class will bring to your attention the very real and growing environmental challenges we face in the years ahead, we also hope that it will provide you with the knowledge to move beyond the “red state / blue state,” “logger vs. tree hugger” mindset that seems to characterize environmental debates in the media and that can alienate even the most well-intentioned individual from getting involved. We also hope that it will raise your awareness of exciting efforts being made to address environmental problems throughout the world, and empower you, even slightly, to join in these efforts toward positive change.

Readings: This course is an experiment in “text-free,” web-based teaching. All of the readings required for this class will be available on-line at the course website. You are to do the course readings for a particular class in advance of the class meeting on that day. For example, the readings for January 18 on stratospheric ozone depletion should be completed before you come to class on that day, otherwise there is a good chance that you won’t know what’s going on and you’ll be forced to look out the windows (too bad our classroom doesn’t have any windows), pick your nose, fight off sleep (and maybe lose), or nod your head up and down like you know what we’re saying even though it’s obvious that you don’t. When you click on the readings for a particular day you will be instructed on what to read and you’ll usually be provided with some questions to consider while doing the readings. The web page will also have links to homework assignments and other class handouts, as well as a link to the Power Point presentations used during our lectures (these will be posted after each class). We recommend that you stay on top of current environmental happenings — one of the best sources is the online environmental journal, Grist, to which we have provided links for you.

Participation: Please note that a significant portion of your grade is determined by your regular attendance and your contribution to class discussions. You will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• A for class participation is awarded when students regularly initiate discussion. This means coming to class thoroughly familiar with the assigned readings and prepared to raise questions, open discussion, and actively engage other students in discussion. This does not mean monopolizing a discussion, shutting other comments or ideas out or talking for its own sake rather than making a point on the topic. Students who are self-starters and do not rely on the instructors questions to set the agenda for discussion will be awarded a grade of A for participation as opposed to a B.
• B for class participation is awarded to students who participate regularly and productively in class discussion, who are prepared, and who are willing to engage.
• C for class participation is awarded to those who participate on a regular but less frequent basis than the B student. C discussants will be prepared for class, but their contributions will indicate that less thought has been given to the assigned materials.
• D for class participation is given to those who contribute infrequently to the discussion and whose contributions do not appear to arise from thoughtful consideration of the assignments.
• F for non-participation. Of course, participation is impossible if you don't attend class. Frequent absences mandate an F grade.