Scholarly perspectives on environmental problems
and solutions, integrating concepts and analytical
skills drawn from the natural sciences, social
sciences, and humanities. Foundation for all
subsequent courses in the environmental studies
major. Lectures, faculty and guest presentations,
regular online assignments, individual and group
research projects.
Faculty-directed student engagement, connecting
environmental scholarship to people in a variety
of settings. Identification and finalization of
engagement opportunities; development of
communication, cultural competency, and related
skills; reflection on engagement experiences; and
authoring and sharing of outcomes. Engagement
projects build on partnerships with Portland-area
organizations.
Causes and consequences of "natural disasters"
(earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides,
tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, tsunamis), with a
focus on the interplay between the human and
physical landscapes that make these events so
deadly and imbued with diverse meanings.
Perspectives drawn from the humanities, social
sciences, and natural sciences to examine both
historical events whose consequences have played
out and recent dramas whose aftermaths are still
unfolding. Contrast of impacts and perceptions of
these events with select examples of anthropogenic
disasters (Chernobyl, Bhopal, Deepwater Horizon);
anticipation of future natural disasters and
consideration of the science of living with risk.
Projects emphasize local and regional issues.
Situates our understanding of forests in space and
time, focusing primarily on the ecology, history,
management, and controversy surrounding Pacific
Northwest coniferous forests and comparing these
nearby forests with others across the globe.
Field-intensive, with one overnight and two
daylong forest excursions, and fieldwork in
forests adjacent to Lewis & Clark. Students will
gain skills in tree and forest measurement, a more
variegated understanding of our region's forested
landscape, an opportunity to engage firsthand with
people who approach these forests in differing
ways, and a group-sourced context via multiple
small-team projects on forests in other parts of
the world. Lectures; reading discussions; guest
panels; fieldwork and field trips; team projects.
Introduction to issues in environmental law and
policy. Taught by environmental and natural
resources law faculty of Lewis & Clark Law School,
the course covers major areas in environmental
law. Topics vary and may include water law, the
Endangered Species Act, hazardous waste law,
environmental justice, environmental law
enforcement, the World Trade Organization, public
lands law, the Clean Air Act, and the National
Environmental Policy Act. Panels discuss careers
in law and study of law. A unique opportunity for
students interested in careers in environmental
law and policy.
Application of concepts and skills from ENVS 160
and ENVS 220 to the understanding of specific
environmental issues. Potential topics include
biodiversity, climate change, energy,
environmental justice, international agreements,
land use, natural-resource depletion, pollution,
sustainability, transportation, and urban sprawl.
May be taken twice for credit with change of
topic.

A planning space for ENVX symposium.