Catalog & Student Handbook

Sustainability and Environmental Studies Courses

Please note that the frequency of course offerings below is subject to change without notice, because of changes in faculty availability, sabbaticals and leaves, and other circumstances. Please consult the latest Schedule of Classes (and supplement), myBerea, revisions to online Catalog & Student Handbook, and/or the Program Coordinator to determine if a course will be offered during a certain term or year, especially if Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a factor.

SENS 100

Intro-Sustainability & Environ

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 Credit

SENS 125

Humans & Nature in the Amer Ws

The Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Death Valley, Yellowstone: these are sites known around the world. The American West looms large in imaginations, but many who travel there fail to engage in deep reflection on the region¿s past. By travelling to these sites, hiking through the terrain, camping under the stars, and reading and writing about the natural and human history of this region, students in this course will actively explore the interactions of humans and nature in the American west. In addition to learning about its geological and geographic features, we will look at the complicated story of Native Americans by visiting a number of native sites, as well as speaking to living Yuroks and Hoopas who carry on many traditional ways. As we make the circuit, we will discover that Indian interactions with nature have been complicated and not entirely benign. The complexity and ambiguity of the past, likewise, will match the grandeur of the landscape, as we learn about the 150-year history of colonization and modernization undertaken by the most recent wave of Old World migrants. The conundrums of modernity are written across the American west with unprecedented starkness. In the morning, you can stand in Yosemite and understand the reverence of John Muir; in the evening, you can witness, atop Hoover Dam, the massive engineering foundation which supports modern civilization in the arid west. NOTE: Please note this course is physically demanding. Students must be in good physical condition. We will be hiking and backpacking nearly every day.
1 Course Credit

SENS 186

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by course 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 Credit

SENS 215

Sustainable Appal Comm (APS)

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2010)

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 Credit

SENS 225

Envr Justice(AFR/WST/PSJ/APS)

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2011)

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 Credit

SENS 286

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by course 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 Credit

SENS 305

Aquaculture & Aquaponics

An overview of system design and operation for temperate climate aquaculture and aquaponics systems. Students combine theory and content from classroom lectures and readings with hands-on experience with most aspects of the two systems. Course includes exploration of system design, water quality analysis, species selection, health and disease, harvest, processing, marketing, and economic and business planning. Labs and field exercises use the ANR aquaculture facility and the SENS aquaponics facility. Field trips to the Kentucky State University aquaculture facility, regional fish hatcheries, and local aquaculture producers complement on-campus activities.
1 Course Credit

SENS 310

Ecology

Prerequisite: A laboratory-science course

Offered: Not expected to be offered in future

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 Credit

SENS 320

Intro-Geographical Info System

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

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2010)

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 Credit

SENS 340

Intro to Ecological Design

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 Credit

SENS 345

Ecological Architecture (TAD)

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 Credit

SENS 386

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by course 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 Credit

SENS 390A

Independent Study

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 and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

SENS 390B

Independent Study w/o ALE

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 and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

SENS 394

Experiential Learning Proj

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), 150 hours in an approved labor position, or a student-faculty undergraduate research project may satisfy this requirement.
Non-Credit Course

SENS 395

Internship

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 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two 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. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
1 to 3 Course Credits

SENS 397A

Team Initiated Study

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 the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

SENS 397B

Team Initiated Study w/o ALE

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 the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

SENS 398

Directed Study

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 Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
1 Course Credit

SENS 460

Sustainability Capstone

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 Credit

SENS 486

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by course 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 Credit

SENS 490A

Independent Study

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 and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

SENS 490B

Independent Study w/o ALE

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 and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
1 Course Credit

SENS 494

Experiential Learning Proj

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), 150 hours in an approved labor position, or a student-faculty undergraduate research project may satisfy this requirement.
Non-Credit Course

SENS 495

Internship

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 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two 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. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
1 to 3 Course Credits

SENS 497A

Team Initiated Study

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 the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

SENS 497B

Team Initiated Study w/o ALE

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 the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
1 Course Credit

SENS 498

Directed Study

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 Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
1 Course Credit

Notice and Disclaimer

This online publication is the official text of the Berea College Catalog & Student Handbook. Berea College reserves the right to amend, revise, or modify content within this publication at any time.

Sustainability and Environmental Studies (SENS)