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Environmental policy courses will integrate the principles of ethical reasoning and the study of environmental law and policy. This will include a survey of environmental law in the United States, and international environmental law. Students will learn to apply their understanding of environmental law to contemporary environmental issues, and to propose new policies or adjustments to policies that address environmental concerns.

Since our environment is not just the physical environment but the culture that shapes both the environment and the way we view it, this course will introduce students to new ways of examining the culture and environment around us. This course will examine the relationship between culture and environment, analyze the ways culture and environment influence one another, and evaluate different cultural approaches to understanding our environment and our place in it.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to fundamental principles and concepts behind the use and application of geographic information systems (GIS). Students will learn how to think spatially, become familiar with information technology, and learn how to conduct data analysis with GIS. Key concepts and ideas are reinforced through assignments, activities, and construction of a GIS portfolio.