Environmental Studies and science 100: Water, wildlife, and windmills
This is the gateway for majors in Environmental Studies and Science. This course is designed around three problem-based learning modules, using focused questions to teach students the relationship between science and policy. The specific questions will be related to three basic topics: resources (water), biodiversity (wildlife) and sustainable energy (windmills).
Course Objectives:
In this course students will learn to:
· Understand relationships between humans and the nonhuman world.
· Discuss the cultural and political frameworks that shape environmental decision-making.
· Identify and justify key stakeholders that need to be a part of sustainable resource management.
· Explore the way environmental conditions are experienced unfairly and unequally.
(Teaching Fall 2023, in person and online asynchronous)
Earth and Environmental Sciences 1201: intro to environmental science
What is “The Environment”? How do people come to understand, interact with, and study their environments, particularly in cities? What tools of Science can be used to quantitatively and qualitatively observe and describe ongoing dynamics and changes in environmental systems? How can these scientific tools be used to assess and ultimately steward environments? This course will introduce students to the following big ideas: a) systems science: understanding the Earth and its various environments as interacting systems of the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, pedosphere, and biosphere (which includes the anthroposphere – humanity); b) critical thinking: synthesizing and evaluating data, as well as attention to power in systems; and c) hands-on and applied knowledge: field and lab-based analytical methods and communication.
(Taught Fall 2022, Course Website for Spring 2023)
Urban Studies 101: Urban Poverty and Affluence
This course serves as an introduction to the field of Urban Studies. We analyze why cities are places of economic and political opportunity for some and places of deprivation and discrimination for others. We explore how urban restructuring since the 1970s has increased the income gap in major metropolitan areas such as New York City. We also discuss the central problem of inequality in a variety of policy areas, including housing, education, and climate change. Our case studies will take us from Los Angeles to Milwaukee, Cabrini Green to Sunset Park.
(Taught from Fall 2017 - Spring 2020)
Earth and Environmental Sciences 1101: The Dynamic Earth
From the Earth’s formation 4.56 billion years ago through the present moment, our planet has been constantly changing. This course introduces students to the forces driving such changes, the ongoing processes that provide insights into our past, and the Earth materials that shape our planet and life as we know it. This course will emphasize the roles of humans as geologic agents, and various ways in which our species influences aspects of our environment. In order to comprehend the form and function of our world, students participate in lectures, class discussions, and hands-on laboratory exercises. I encourage students to ask questions, test hypotheses, and ensure they comprehend the vital concepts embedded in this science. We live on a remarkable planet, and over the course of a semester, students learn a great deal about how it works.
(Taught from Fall 2014 - Spring 2016)
Soil Science I and II: Soil Physical and Chemical Properties
We all begin and end with soil. These courses introduce students to the remarkable worlds sustaining life on land.
In Soil Science I, we explore how soils form and continually change; how observable physical properties give soils their identities and tell us about their pasts; the dynamic relationship between soils, water, and air; the many ways in which our species has learned to care for the skin of the Earth for long term conservation and sustainability.
In Soil Science II, we focus on feeding the soil so it can feed plants. Students develop an understanding of the cornerstones of soil chemistry: pH and its effects on nutrient availability to plants and the ionic exchange capacities of soil. Macronutrient cycles in the soil are studied with emphasis on the complex nitrogen cycle and its importance for broader sustainability. We discuss the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and composted soil amendments.
In both courses, students analyze their own soil samples in class, and we emphasize hands-on experiments throughout the course.
(Taught from Spring 2015 - Spring 2016)