Environmental Studies Courses
209 Environmental Geology 4 hours
An introduction to the relationship between humans and their physical environment in the field of geology. Topics covered include plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, soil weathering and pollution, landslides and mass wasting, subsidence and collapse, surface and ground water pollution, and solid and hazardous waste management. Laboratory exercises include basic rock and mineral identification, interpretation of topographic and geological maps, earthquakes, surface and ground water processes, and several field trips to local areas of interest. Also listed as Geology 209.
225 (INTD) Humans and the Environment -- Interdisciplinary 4 hours
The impact of humans on the environment is examined, relating patterns of natural ecosystems to human ecosystems, their functions, inter-relationships, problems, and limitations. The global perspective is studied; population growth, resource use patterns, food production, wildlife and other natural resource depletion, climate change, and economic, theological, and legal issues related to environmental problems and solutions. Listed as INTD 225.
240 American Environmental History 4 hours
This course will introduce students to the history of environmental issues and environmental activism in North America. Students will consider how Native Americans interacted with the with the natural environment prior to the European arrival, how the Europeans who entered North America looked upon the natural environment and how their views and practices differed from those of the Native Americans, and how the European settlement in North America affected the natural environment. Students will also explore how the growth of industrial capitalism and westward expansion affected the natural environments, and how Americans view the "wilderness" and the environment in the nineteenth century. Finally, students will explore the rise of a conservation movement and social activism to protect and preserve the environment, and they will study closely the rise and growth of a modern environmental movement in the late twentieth century. Also listed as History 240.
250 Introduction to Wildlife Management and Techniques 4 hours
Human population, attitudes, land use and climate changes are explored in relation to wildlife. Game and non-game species management plans are reviewed. Laws, values, ethics, endangered species, zoos, and poaching are a few of the topics studied. Major substantive questions regarding future habitat and species decline are examined. The student will develop a better understanding of the relationships between wildlife and humans for food, space, habitat and, ultimately, survival. Laboratories will cover management techniques and wildlife identification, and will include field experience.
260 Environmental Art
This course will incorporate environmental awareness with creative artistic responses to issues through the contemporary visual arts. It is intended to stimulate students seeking to learn about art placed in natural environments, art originating from natural objects, as well as to express statements on the environment through art. The primary focus will be on students creating their own art work in response to the study of environmental issues and existing works of contemporary environmental artists. Media to be explored include but may not be limited to: painting, site-specific installation work, assemblage with recycled materials, video. Included field trips to local areas of interest. Also listed as Art 260.
270 Environmental Philosophy 4 hours
An examination of the ethical, social, political, historical, and spiritual dimensions of human relations with nature. Course will explore recent developments in environmental theory, including deep ecology, ecological feminism, social ecology, bioregionalism, as well as alternative conceptions of nature in native and primary peoples. The history of American environmentalism and activism will also be addressed. Also listed as Philosophy 270.
275 Environmental Mapping 3 hours
GIS, or Geographical Information Systems, is a class of software that allows information to be geographically referenced using digital maps linked with a database. GIS has become an extremely important tool in support of activities that takes place in a geographical context (e.g., human economic activity and population movement, land use patterns). This is a hands-on course in which students learn to use current software and hardware by collecting geographical data and creating maps. After classroom instruction in basic cartography, the use of GIS software, and GPS (global positioning system) technology, students will collaborate on designing and completing a mapping project.
280 Seminar 1 - 4 hours
Offered to examine specific, contemporary environmental issues. Past topics have included Lake Erie, Endangered Species, Conservation Facilities Management, and Environmental Education.
281 Independent Study 1 - 4 hours
Prerequisites: Permission and Sophomore standing.
285 Nature Interpretation 3 hours
This course deals with making observations about the natural world around us and developing and communicating ensuing explanations of its structure, composition, and dynamics based on available scientific information. Specifically, exploration of regional geological history, the structural features it produced, regional climates, and past and present ecosystems are studied through relevant field trips to areas of interest. Field trip locations include Lake Erie, local rivers, forests, bogs, rock outcrops, marshes, and many areas of the Hiram College Field Station. Additionally, various nature education facilities and organizations will be visited to study how the public is informed and how natural resources are managed at each site. Each student will be required to develop her or his own nature education presentation.
298 Practicum: Field Experience 1 - 4 hours
304 Research Methods in Field Biology 4 hours
Field biology is the study of organisms in their natural environment. There are two important components of field biology: taxonomy and ecology. Taxonomy is the science of identifying and naming species, and ecology is the study of how organisms interact with their environment. In this course, we will learn to identify the fauna of the J. H. Barrow Field Station and learn basic research techniques used in field research including studies of distribution and dispersion, habitat association, and community structure. Prerequisites: Biology 141 or Biology 142 or 241. This course is also listed as Biology 304.
338 Environmental Policy 4 hours
This course will examine the economic and environmental impact of individual and organizational actions. Global relationships among economic growth, resource development and environmental quality will be analyzed. Consideration will be given to the issue of sustainability as we study market allocation and depletable, recyclable, reproducible, renewable, and replenishable resources and local, regional global pollution. Prerequisites: Economics 201 (see Correlative Courses) or permission of instructor. Listed as Economics 338.
340 Environmental Legislation 3 hours
Legislative development of environmental statutes and regulations. A thorough evaluation of environmental regulatory programs through review and analysis of the legal requirements, scientific application, and implementation by regulatory agencies. Focus will primarily be on examples from the State of Ohio, with reflections on the Federal level, and will be complemented with selected examples of case studies and site tours. Prerequisite: Interdisciplinary 225 or permission of instructor.
344 Conservation Biology 3 hours
Conservation Biology is the study of species diversity in human-impacted landscapes. As human populations grow and the demand for natural resources increases human activities inevitably erode the integrity of natural ecosystems. This erosion leads to the loss of species, both locally and globally. In this course we will study what biodiversity is, how it arises and why it is important both for ecosystem functions and human well-being. We will also examine how human economic activities impact the natural world, the ecological mechanisms at work in the process of species extinction, and how research in conservation biology has led to the development of ways to halt or even reverse species loss. Prerequisites: Biology 141 or Biology 142 or 241. This course is also listed as Biology 344.
355 Wetlands, Rivers, and Coastal Areas 4 hours
The geological origins, structure, functional dynamics, and species ecology of wetland, fluvial, and coastal ecosystems. Historic relationships of human cultures and civilizations to surface waters. Current human impacts, legislative protection, and management procedures will be considered. Field trips and practical experiences will be conducted to areas that exemplify concepts studied. Prerequisites: sophomore standing.
385 Exploring and Developing an Area of Concentration 1 hour
A seminar course required of all EVST majors in the fall term of their junior year. Weekly meetings will guide students through the process of exploring, developing, and defining individual Area of Concentration proposals in a group process. By the end of the seminar, each student will have a finished, printed Area of Concentration statement, which will then be publicly presented.
388 Soils, Food Production, and Population: Global Perspective 4 hours
As the world population continues to grow, as population centers shift increasingly from rural to urban, global agriculture systems are placed under increasing pressures to provide more food for those populations. At the very base of food production are soils; where, what kind, how much. Soil types, erosion/soil loss, conservation/cropping systems, management are some basic topics covered. Building on this we will then look at different methods of food production, associated environmental problems, changing economics of agriculture, quantity and quality of food produced, global implications of increased population of both modern and modernizing countries on actual food supply and demand. The historical development of agricultural systems, what happens when a population mis-uses or outgrows soil and food production capabilities, and possible solutions are explored. Soils, food production and population of the U.S., China, and Java will be compared/contrasted throughout the course.
480 Senior Seminar 3 hours
Intended to be a capstone course. Case study and library research approaches are used to study important, current environmental problems. Taught as an advanced seminar since enrollment will be self selective and limited. Topics may vary, depending on class interest and current events. Prerequisites: Environmental Studies core courses, senior standing, and permission of Environmental Studies advisor.
481 Independent Research 1 - 4 hours
Provides an on-campus alternative to the Internship (below). Students investigate an environmental concern through library research, personal investigation, interviews, etc., and produce a paper, report, or brochure that assembles findings and conclusions. Students must receive approval from the Environmental Board before registering for this course. Prerequisites: Environmental Studies core courses, senior standing, and permission of Environmental Studies advisor(s).
498 Internship 1 - 4 hours
Developed in consultation with the student's Environmental Studies advisor(s), the internship will be tailored to the interests and needs of the student and can be served in a wide variety of private and public organizations. Because Hiram College has no control over outside institutions, internships cannot be guaranteed for every student. Prerequisites: Junior standing.