Sustainability and Environmental Studies (SENS)

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 012

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

The concept of sustainability is explored as it relates to human-dominated and natural ecosystems at spatial scales from local to global. The major environmental problems facing the United States and the world are evaluated in terms of interactions among ecological, social, economic, and spiritual factors. Emphasis is placed on understanding the methods by which sustainability is evaluated and actions that can be taken to increase the sustainability of a community or society. Local ecosystems will be used as a context for learning. Three lectures or laboratory/field exercises each week. Practical Reasoning (PR).

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008)

An introduction to the concept of sustainability as applied to communities in the Appalachian region. Ecological, social, and economic characteristics of Appalachia are reviewed as a context for case studies of communities within the region. A variety of approaches to sustainable development are explored. Students learn techniques for evaluating community sustainability, and participate in a service-learning or community-based research project that assists a local community to become more sustainable. African Americans', Appalachians', Women's Studies Perspective. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed GST/SENS 210.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (first offered Spring 2009)

This course is an introduction to the study of Environmental Justice and issues associated with access to, and equitable sharing of, the products of a healthy environment, including clean water and air, healthy food, non-toxic communities, and environmental security. The history of the environmental justice movement beginning with its foundations in the Civil Rights and Environmental movements will be studied, followed by a survey and analysis of current issues of environmental justice, particularly in relation to minority and poor communities in the United States and worldwide. Emphasis is placed on the role of women and African Americans as participants in the environmental justice movement, and the analysis of environmental justice issues in Appalachia. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. NOTE: Noncredit for students who took SENS 460 in Fall 2005 or Fall 2006.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: A laboratory-science course

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2008)

An introduction to the basic ecological principles of terrestrial and aquatic systems. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning through field and laboratory studies. Principles of energy flow, material cycles, physiological ecology, population ecology, ecological succession, community ecology, and biological diversity are addressed. Hands-on exercises and experiments are integrated with lectures, discussion groups, student research projects, and computer exercises to demonstrate the process of scientific inquiry into ecological issues. Two class periods and one laboratory period each week.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Completion or waiver of MAT 115 or, 125; OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically alternate years (first offered Fall 2008)

An introduction to the basic principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and the related technology of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), through demonstration and practice with GIS software. Examples from a variety of disciplines will be presented to illustrate how GIS are used to manage spatial data. Students will develop beginning competency in applying GIS software to example problems. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). NOTE: Noncredit for students who have completed this course as SENS 386.

1 Course

Prerequisite: SENS 100 or GSTR 332 or a laboratory-science course

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

An exploration of the principles and practice of ecological design--the purposeful integration of human actions with the structures and functions of the natural world. Emphasis is placed on the application of ecological principles to the design of sustainable technologies, buildings, communities, and landscapes. Topics include solar energy, biomimicry, ecological machines, sustainable agriculture, ecological architecture and building, aquaculture, ecovillages, bioremediation, eco-industrial systems, and sustainable communities.

1 Course

Prerequisite: One of the following courses--SENS 340, ART 246, TEC 111, or TEC 130

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

A survey of the developing field of ecological, or "green," architecture. Topics include innovative design methodology, alternative building materials, energy conservation and renewable energy sources, indigenous architecture, and ecologically engineered waste management systems. Material will be presented in the context of a dialogue between conventional and ecological architecture. Laboratory exercises are complemented by experiential learning through student involvement in campus and community building projects.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisites: SENS 100 and approval of the SENS Director

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

An experiential learning activity that normally occurs beyond the classroom setting, may be on or off campus, and will involve students in activities central to SENS learning objectives under the direction of a SENS faculty member. Successful completion of a SENS 395/495 (Internship), 140 hours in an approved labor position, or a student-faculty undergraduate research project may satisfy this requirement.

Noncredit Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Declared SENS minor; SENS 100 and completion or concurrent enrollment in all other SENS minor requirements

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

Advanced analysis of a current sustainability and environmental issue integrating the diverse knowledge, experiences, and points of view that students have developed in the SENS minor. This course integrates elements of the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, and emphasizes specific problem solving as well as abstract thinking. Students are expected to process and synthesize complex concepts and ideas by drawing upon the fundamentals learned in SENS 100, the breadth gained from their selection of electives, and their specific skills and perspectives developed through the experiential component.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisites: SENS 100 and approval of the SENS Director

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

An experiential learning activity that normally occurs beyond the classroom setting, may be on or off campus, and will involve students in activities central to SENS learning objectives under the direction of a SENS faculty member. Successful completion of a SENS 395/495 (Internship), 140 hours in an approved labor position, or a student-faculty undergraduate research project may satisfy this requirement.

Noncredit Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course