Environmental Initiative, Environmental Studies & Environmental Policy
Website: http://ei.cas.lehigh.edu/
Environmental Studies and the M.A. Program in Environmental Policy bring together faculty from the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities to deliver an interdisciplinary academic curriculum and promote environmental research and outreach. The curriculum includes courses from all five colleges and 10 departments in social sciences, humanities, education, science, mathematics and engineering. Students can earn an undergraduate BA degree in Environmental Studies, an undergraduate minor in Environmental Studies, and a graduate MA degree in Environmental Policy.
**The Environmental Studies subject code ES was recently changed to EVST. Those courses with subject code EVST are equivalent to the corresponding ES course. For example, the course EVST 002 fulfills the requirement for ES 002 in the Environmental Studies Program or any program listing ES 002 as a requirement.**
Undergraduate Studies
Website: http://ei.cas.lehigh.edu/
Program Honors
To graduate with honors in the program, an Environmental Studies major must maintain a 3.2 overall grade point average, attain a 3.5 average in the courses constituting the major program, and complete an honors thesis in the senior year.
Environmental Studies Major
The Environmental Studies (EVST) major consists of four required courses (11 credits), two core courses (8 credits), and seven courses (24-28 credits) in a selected concentration. Students should select their preferred concentration preferably by their junior year. Two 300-level EVST courses are required. EVST majors are encouraged to double major or minor in another discipline that complements their concentration or the Environmental Studies program in general.
Required Courses | ||
EVST 001 | Introduction to Environmental Studies | 4 |
EVST/EES 002 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
EES 022 | Exploring Earth: A Natural Science Laboratory Course | 1 |
EES 023 | Weather and Climate: Past, Present, and Future | 3 |
or EES 024 | Climate Change | |
or EES 025 | The Environment and Living Systems | |
or EES 026 | Energy – Origins, Impacts, and Options | |
or EES 027 | Natural Hazards: Impacts and Consequences | |
or EES 028 | Conservation and Biodiversity | |
or EES 029 | Human Health and the Environment | |
or another science course approved by the faculty advisor. 1 | ||
Core Courses 2 | ||
Select two of the following: | 8 | |
US Environmental Policy and Law | ||
The Politics of the Environment | ||
Environmental Planning for Healthy Cities | ||
Environment and Culture | ||
American Environmental History | ||
300-level courses | ||
Two EVST courses at the 300-level are required. | ||
Internships and Practicums | ||
Students are encouraged to participate in at least one practicum or internship experience. Faculty permission and direct supervision is required for EVST 393. Practicum course enrollments in EVST 294 must be approved for credit by the Program Director. A maximum of 8 internship or practicum credits can be counted toward the major as electives within concentrations. | ||
Suggested Math Courses | ||
Basic Statistics and Data Science | ||
or MATH 021 | Calculus I | |
Concentrations | 24-28 | |
There are four concentrations in the Environmental Studies major intended to serve a variety of different student interests and possible career choices. Each concentration has a skills, content, and elective sections. Preferably by their junior year, students will select one of the concentrations for their major program: 1) Health, 2) Policy, Planning & Law, or 3) Politics & Society. Many courses are found in more than one concentration, and while switching between concentrations is discouraged, it is possible if needed. In special cases, courses can be substituted within concentrations with the permission of the faculty advisor or program director. At least three EVST courses must be taken in a concentration and and at least one required content course in a concentration must be a 3-4 credit EVST course. Elective courses can be from the skills, content, or elective areas within a concentration. | ||
Total Credits | 43-47 |
- 1
A science course taken as a required course cannot be used to fulfill a concentration requirement.
- 2
Selected core courses cannot be used to fulfill concentration requirements.
CONCENTRATION: HEALTH
The Health Concentration is geared toward students who are interested in learning about the interconnections between health and environmental impacts, particularly how environmental degradation can affect age groups, races and countries. It includes mitigation of environmental pollution and degradation, impacts on food resources, and the effects that natural and built environments have on people's mental and physical health.
Required Skills Courses (choose 2) | 6-8 | |
EVST/POLS 319 | Mapping Data for Policymaking | 4 |
EVST/TLT 367 | Environmental Education | 3 |
EVST/TLT 368 | Teaching and Learning with Geospatial Tools | 3 |
EVST/TLT 369 | Applied Geospatial Tools | 3 |
ANTH 214 | How to Study Culture | 4 |
CEE 272 | Environmental Risk Assessment | 2 |
CGH 106 | Qualitative Methods in Health Research | 3 |
CGH 375 | Community Based Participatory Research Methodology | 3-4 |
DOC/FILM 150 | Introduction to Documentary Storymaking | 4 |
SOC 211 | Research Methods and Data Analysis | 4 |
SOC 226 | Computational Text Analysis | 4 |
Required Content Courses (choose 2) 1 | 7-8 | |
EVST/HMS/POLS 110 | Environmental Planning for Healthy Cities | 4 |
EVST/HMS/POLS 320 | Food Justice in Urban Environments | 4 |
EVST 323 | Health and Environmental Controversies | 4 |
EVST/ANTH/GS 353 | Ethnobotany: People and Plants | 4 |
CGH 103 | Biological & Environmental Determinants of Health | 4 |
EES 029 | Human Health and the Environment | 3 |
HMS/PHIL/REL 116 | Bioethics | 4 |
POPH 001 | Introduction to Population and Public Health | 4 |
POPH 106 | Global Environment and Human Welfare | 3 |
Elective Courses (choose 3) 2 | 11-12 | |
EVST 170 | Special Topics | 1-4 |
EVST 127 | Urban Permaculture | 1-4 |
EVST 181 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
EVST 294 | Practicum in Environmental Studies | 1-4 |
EVST/ANTH 304 | Socio-cultural Foundations of Environmental Policy | 4 |
EVST 310 | Foundations of Sustainable Development Practice | 4 |
EVST/PSYC 357 | Psychology of Environmental Issues | 4 |
EVST/SOC/GS 370 | Globalization and the Environment | 4 |
EVST 371 | Special Topics | 1-4 |
EVST 391 | Honors Thesis | 1-4 |
EVST 393 | Supervised Internship | 1-4 |
ANTH 377 | Archaeology Of Death | 4 |
ECO 311 | Environmental Economics | 3 |
CGH 103 | Biological & Environmental Determinants of Health | 4 |
CGH 108 | Food Justice | 3 |
CGH 313 | Health Policy and Politics | 3 |
CGH 316 | Global Environmental Disasters & Policy | 3 |
CGH 375 | Community Based Participatory Research Methodology | 3-4 |
EES 027 | Natural Hazards: Impacts and Consequences | 3 |
ENGL/EVST 341 | Contemporary US Literature of Environmental Crises | 3-4 |
HMS/ENGL 115 | Topics in Literature, Medicine, and Health | 4 |
HMS/COMM 150 | Health Communication | 4 |
HMS/ENGL 315 | Topics in Literature, Medicine, and Health | 4 |
HMS/GS/SOC 322 | Global Health Issues | 4 |
POPH 106 | Global Environment and Human Welfare | 3 |
- 1
One course must be a 3-4 credit EVST course.
- 2
Can include any required skills or content courses not taken in another part of the concentration or the core courses.
CONCENTRATION: POLICY, PLANNING & LAW
The Policy, Planning and Law Concentration is geared toward students who are interested in learning about local, national and international regulations and programs designed to conserve the natural environment, to ensure that cities and neighborhoods are built in sustainable ways, and to protect vulnerable groups from bearing the brunt of environmental hazards.
Required Skills Courses (choose 2) | 6-8 | |
EVST/POLS 319 | Mapping Data for Policymaking | 4 |
EVST/TLT 367 | Environmental Education | 3 |
ANTH 214 | How to Study Culture | 4 |
CEE 272 | Environmental Risk Assessment | 2 |
CGH 106 | Qualitative Methods in Health Research | 3 |
CGH 375 | Community Based Participatory Research Methodology | 3-4 |
ECO 001 | Principles of Economics | 4 |
POLS 321 | Research Methods | 4 |
SOC 211 | Research Methods and Data Analysis | 4 |
SOC 226 | Computational Text Analysis | 4 |
Required Content Courses (choose 2) 1 | 7-8 | |
EVST 105 | US Environmental Policy and Law | 4 |
EVST/POLS 106 | Environmental Values and Ethics | 4 |
EVST/POLS 107 | The Politics of the Environment | 4 |
EVST/ANTH 304 | Socio-cultural Foundations of Environmental Policy | 4 |
EVST/POLS 312 | Urban Environmental Policy Workshop | 4 |
EVST/HIST 315 | American Environmental History | 4 |
EVST/POLS/HMS 320 | Food Justice in Urban Environments | 4 |
EVST/POLS 328 | U.S. Politics and the Environment | 4 |
ENGL/EVST 341 | Contemporary US Literature of Environmental Crises | 3-4 |
EVST/POLS 355 | Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | 4 |
EVST/POLS 366 | Advanced Environmental Policy | 4 |
EVST/SOC/GS 370 | Globalization and the Environment | 4 |
Elective Courses (choose 3) 2 | 11-12 | |
EVST/HMS/POLS 110 | Environmental Planning for Healthy Cities | 4 |
EVST/ANTH 121 | Environment and Culture | 4 |
EVST 127 | Urban Permaculture | 1-4 |
EVST 170 | Special Topics | 1-4 |
EVST 181 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
EVST 294 | Practicum in Environmental Studies | 1-4 |
EVST 305 | Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices | 4 |
EVST 310 | Foundations of Sustainable Development Practice | 4 |
EVST/POLS 311 | Environmental Valuation for Policy Design | 4 |
EVST/POLS 312 | Urban Environmental Policy Workshop | 4 |
EVST 323 | Health and Environmental Controversies | 4 |
EVST/POLS 328 | U.S. Politics and the Environment | 4 |
EVST/POLS 355 | Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | 4 |
EVST/PSYC 357 | Psychology of Environmental Issues | 4 |
EVST/TLT 368 | Teaching and Learning with Geospatial Tools | 3 |
EVST/SOC/GS 370 | Globalization and the Environment | 4 |
EVST 371 | Special Topics | 1-4 |
EVST 391 | Honors Thesis | 1-4 |
EVST 393 | Supervised Internship | 1-4 |
ANTH/GS 126 | Urban Anthropology | 4 |
CGH 103 | Biological & Environmental Determinants of Health | 4 |
CGH 316 | Global Environmental Disasters & Policy | 3 |
ECO 311 | Environmental Economics | 3 |
EES 023 | Weather and Climate: Past, Present, and Future | 3 |
EES 027 | Natural Hazards: Impacts and Consequences | 3 |
ENGL/EVST 341 | Contemporary US Literature of Environmental Crises | 3-4 |
POLS 115 | Technology As Politics | 4 |
POLS 103 | Introduction to Public Administration | 4 |
POLS 115 | Technology As Politics | 4 |
POLS 347 | Constitutional Law and Politics | 4 |
POLS 352 | Civil Rights and Civil Liberties | 4 |
- 1
One course must be a 3-4 credit EVST course.
- 2
Can include any required skills or content courses not taken in another part of the concentration or the core courses.
CONCENTRATION: POLITICS & SOCIETY
The Politics and Society Concentration is geared toward students who are interested in learning about how human-environment relationships are shaped by cultural practices, politics and broader social institutions, and how these cultural, political, and social factors might be changed to create more sustainable and socially just relationships.
Required Skills Courses (choose 2) | 6-8 | |
EVST 127 | Urban Permaculture | 1-4 |
EVST/PHIL 301 | Philosophical-Policy & Legal Design: Methods & Applications | 4 |
EVST/POLS 319 | Mapping Data for Policymaking | 4 |
EVST/TLT 367 | Environmental Education | 3 |
EVST/TLT 368 | Teaching and Learning with Geospatial Tools | 3 |
ANTH 214 | How to Study Culture | 4 |
ARCH/CEE 010 | Engineering/Architectural Graphics and Design | 3 |
CGH 375 | Community Based Participatory Research Methodology | 3-4 |
DOC/FILM 150 | Introduction to Documentary Storymaking | 4 |
ECO 001 | Principles of Economics | 4 |
ENGL 100 | Working with Texts | 4 |
POLS 321 | Research Methods | 4 |
SOC 211 | Research Methods and Data Analysis | 4 |
SOC 226 | Computational Text Analysis | 4 |
Required Content Courses (choose 2) 1 | 7-8 | |
EVST/POLS 105 | US Environmental Policy and Law | 4 |
EVST/POLS 106 | Environmental Values and Ethics | 4 |
EVST/POLS 107 | The Politics of the Environment | 4 |
EVST/PHIL/ETH 119 | Environmental Ethics | 4 |
EVST/ANTH 121 | Environment and Culture | 4 |
EVST/ASIA/REL 254 | Buddhism and Ecology | 4 |
EVST/ANTH 304 | Socio-cultural Foundations of Environmental Policy | 4 |
EVST/POLS 312 | Urban Environmental Policy Workshop | 4 |
EVST/HIST 315 | American Environmental History | 4 |
EVST/POLS/HMS 320 | Food Justice in Urban Environments | 4 |
EVST/POLS 328 | U.S. Politics and the Environment | 4 |
ENGL/EVST 341 | Contemporary US Literature of Environmental Crises | 3-4 |
EVST/POLS 355 | Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | 4 |
EVST/POLS 366 | Advanced Environmental Policy | 4 |
EVST/GS/SOC 370 | Globalization and the Environment | 4 |
Elective Courses (choose 3) 2 | 11-12 | |
EVST 170 | Special Topics | 1-4 |
EVST 181 | Independent Study | 1-4 |
EVST 127 | Urban Permaculture | 1-4 |
EVST 294 | Practicum in Environmental Studies | 1-4 |
EVST 305 | Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices | 4 |
EVST 310 | Foundations of Sustainable Development Practice | 4 |
EVST/POLS 312 | Urban Environmental Policy Workshop | 4 |
EVST/HMS/POLS 320 | Food Justice in Urban Environments | 4 |
EVST 323 | Health and Environmental Controversies | 4 |
EVST/ANTH/GS 353 | Ethnobotany: People and Plants | 4 |
EVST/PSYC 357 | Psychology of Environmental Issues | 4 |
EVST/SOC/GS 370 | Globalization and the Environment | 4 |
EVST 371 | Special Topics | 1-4 |
EVST 391 | Honors Thesis | 1-4 |
EVST 393 | Supervised Internship | 1-4 |
ANTH 377 | Archaeology Of Death | 4 |
CGH 316 | Global Environmental Disasters & Policy | 3 |
ECO 311 | Environmental Economics | 3 |
EES 029 | Human Health and the Environment | 3 |
ENGL 380 | Contemporary American Literature | 4 |
ENGL/EVST 341 | Contemporary US Literature of Environmental Crises | 3-4 |
GS 013 | Religion and Food | 4 |
HIST 008 | Technology in Modern America | 4 |
HIST/GS 101 | Histories of Globalization | 4 |
HIST/GS 107 | Science and Technology in the Making of the Modern World | 4 |
HMS/REL/PHIL 116 | Bioethics | 4 |
PHIL 128 | Philosophy Of Science | 4 |
POLS 115 | Technology As Politics | 4 |
POLS/AAS 230 | Social Movements From the 1960s to Present | 4 |
REL/GS 013 | Religion and Food | 4 |
SOC/AAS 313 | Keep the Change: Social Movements in Society | 4 |
- 1
One course must be a 3-4 credit EVST course.
- 2
Can include any required skills or content courses not taken in another part of the concentration or the core courses.
Minor in Environmental Studies
A minor in Environmental Studies consists of four courses for a total of 15-16 credits.
EVST 001 | Introduction to Environmental Studies | 4 |
One additional course from the core set of courses for the major | 3-4 | |
Two additional EVST courses at the 100-level or above. | 8 | |
Total Credits | 15-16 |
M.A. Environmental Policy
For more information visit Environmental Initiative
We are in a pivotal time for confronting environmental issues and studying the policies and tools necessary to create the communities and world we want to live in. The Master of Arts (MA) in Environmental Policy prepares students to act on the challenges presented by climate change, loss of biodiversity, urbanization, and agriculture. The program’s interdisciplinary coursework covers the legal and political structures that do (or might) oversee, regulate, manage, subsidize, or otherwise affect environmental sustainability, environmental injustices, and environmental health. It also teaches about the social practices, moral authority and economic dynamics that affect interventions. Students gain deep insights and pragmatic skills through independent research and community-based projects and internships.
Applicants for the MAEP will be placed into one of three tracks (Thesis, Internship or Community Fellows).
Core Courses 1 | 9 | |
EVST/EES 402 | Scientific Foundations for Environmental Policy Design | 3 |
EVST 404 | Socio-cultural Foundations of Environmental Policy | 3 |
or EVST/POLS 466 | Advanced Environmental Policy | |
POLS 402 | Methods Of Policy Analysis | 3 |
or POLS 434 | Quantitative Applications in Political Science | |
or POLS 422 | The Politics of Data | |
Elective Courses | 15 | |
Environmental Risk Assessment | ||
Global Environmental Disasters & Policy | ||
Economic Development | ||
Geographic Analysis in EES | ||
Remote Sensing of Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments | ||
Teaching and Learning with Geospatial Tools | ||
Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices | ||
Foundations of Sustainable Development Practice | ||
Environmental Valuation for Policy Design | ||
Urban Environmental Policy Workshop | ||
Mapping Data for Policymaking | ||
Food Justice in Urban Environments | ||
Ethnobotany: People and Plants | ||
Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
Public Administration | ||
Advanced Environmental Policy | ||
Human-Climate Interactions | ||
Social Entrepreneurship: How to Change the World | ||
Gender and Third World Development | ||
Political Economy | ||
Urban Greenspace and Health | ||
Social Epidemiology | ||
The Political Economy of Globalization | ||
Global Health Issues | ||
Tracks | 3-6 | |
Thesis track 2 | ||
Thesis | ||
Internship Track 3 | ||
Internship in Environmental Policy | ||
Community Fellows Track 4 | ||
A one year Master’s Program in which students work for 15 hours a week in a non-profit organization as part of their academic experience. Please see the program website at www.lehigh.edu/communityfellows. | ||
Community Fellowship I | ||
Community Fellowship II |
- 1
Electives selected from approved list may include one additional course (up to a total of 6 credit hours) from the Skills/Methods category of required courses. Students are urged to select electives which allow for concentrated study in a particular area of academic interest.
- 2
Required courses (12 credits) + Elective courses (12-15 credits) + EVST 490 Thesis (3-6 credits) = Total 27-33 credits
- 3
Required courses (12 credits) + Elective courses (15 credits) + EVST 480 Internship in Environmental Policy (3-6 credits) = Total 30-33 credits
- 4
Required courses (12 credits) + Elective courses (12 credits) + POLS 464 Community Fellowship I (3 credits) + POLS 465 Community Fellowship II (3 credits) = 30 credits
CONCENTRATIONS WITHIN EP
The EP program provides students the opportunity to explore and focus on a variety of areas of academic and/or professional interest. In the table below are examples of five possible concentrations that are especially suited to faculty expertise and program resources. A total of 12-15 credits of electives comprise each concentration, plus a related internship experience or thesis topic. Students are also eligible to receive a “Graduate Certificate” in any of these concentration areas (see certificate program below).
Concentration in Environmental Policy and Planning | ||
Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices | ||
Urban Environmental Policy Workshop | ||
Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
Advanced Environmental Policy | ||
Political Economy | ||
Concentration in Sustainable Development | ||
Global Environmental Disasters & Policy | ||
Economic Development | ||
Human-Climate Interactions | ||
ENTP/SDEV 307 | ||
Foundations of Sustainable Development Practice | ||
Ethnobotany: People and Plants | ||
Gender and Third World Development | ||
The Political Economy of Globalization | ||
Concentration in Environmental Health | ||
Ethnobotany: People and Plants | ||
Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
Globalization and Social Well-Being | ||
Global Health Issues | ||
Urban Greenspace and Health | ||
Concentration in Environmental Justice | ||
Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices | ||
Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
Social Movements From the 1960s to Present | ||
Interest Groups, Power, and Democracy in American Politics | ||
Globalization and Social Well-Being |
CONCENTRATIONS WITHIN EP
The EP program provides students the opportunity to explore and focus on a variety of areas of academic and/or professional interest. In the table below are examples of five possible concentrations that are especially suited to faculty expertise and program resources. A total of 12-15 credits of electives comprise each concentration, plus a related internship experience or thesis topic. Students are also eligible to receive a “Graduate Certificate” in any of these concentration areas (see certificate program below).
Concentration in Urban Environmental Policy and Planning | ||
Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices | ||
Urban Environmental Policy Workshop | ||
Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
Land Use, Growth Management, and the Politics of Sprawl | ||
Advanced Environmental Policy | ||
American Environmental Policy | ||
Concentration in Environmental Law and Policy | ||
(Domestic and International) | ||
Environmental Valuation for Policy Design | ||
Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
Advanced Environmental Policy | ||
American Environmental Policy | ||
Political Economy | ||
Concentration in Sustainable Development | ||
Economic Development | ||
Foundations of Sustainable Development Practice | ||
Ethnobotany: People and Plants | ||
Social Entrepreneurship: How to Change the World | ||
Gender and Third World Development | ||
Land Use, Growth Management, and the Politics of Sprawl | ||
International Social Entrepreneurship | ||
The Political Economy of Globalization | ||
Global Health Issues | ||
Mapping Data for Policymaking | ||
Concentration in Environmental Health | ||
Health and Environmental Controversies | ||
Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
Globalization and Social Well-Being | ||
Concentration in Environmental Justice | ||
Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices | ||
Environmental Valuation for Policy Design | ||
Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
Social Movements From the 1960s to Present | ||
Social Entrepreneurship: How to Change the World | ||
Interest Groups, Power, and Democracy in American Politics | ||
American Environmental Policy | ||
Organizing For Democracy | ||
Globalization and Social Well-Being |
Graduate Certificate PROGRAMS
Each graduate certificate requires a minimum of 12 credit hours (4 courses) from the list of EP core and elective courses specific to each area of study. A graduate of the EP program is only eligible to receive ONE of the following certificates. Certificate courses can be counted towards the master's, as appropriate, and must be completed in a maximum of 3 years.
Environmental Law and Policy
Core Course | 3 | |
Philosophical-Policy & Legal Design: Methods & Applications | ||
or EVST 404 | Socio-cultural Foundations of Environmental Policy | |
Elective Courses 1 | 9 | |
Select any three of the following: | ||
Environmental Valuation for Policy Design | ||
EVST 433 | ||
EVST 442 | ||
EVST 443 | ||
Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
Advanced Environmental Policy | ||
Human-Climate Interactions | ||
American Environmental Policy | ||
Political Economy | ||
Total Credits | 12 |
- 1
Additional courses selected in consultation with the program adviser may fulfill program requirements. No more than 6 credits can be taken at the 300 level.
Urban Environmental Policy and Planning
Core Course | 3 | |
Socio-cultural Foundations of Environmental Policy | ||
Advanced Environmental Policy | ||
Elective Courses 1 | 9 | |
Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices | ||
Urban Environmental Policy Workshop | ||
Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
Human-Climate Interactions | ||
Political Economy | ||
Total Credits | 12 |
- 1
Additional courses selected in consultation with the program adviser may fulfill program requirements. No more than 6 credits can be taken at the 300 level.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Core Courses | 3 | |
Socio-cultural Foundations of Environmental Policy | ||
Advanced Environmental Policy | ||
Elective Courses 1 | 9 | |
Food Justice in Urban Environments | ||
Ethnobotany: People and Plants | ||
Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
Human-Climate Interactions | ||
Globalization and Social Well-Being | ||
Urban Greenspace and Health | ||
Global Health Issues | ||
Total Credits | 12 |
- 1
Additional courses selected in consultation with the program adviser may fulfill program requirements. No more than 6 credits can be taken at the 300 level.
Environmental Justice
Core Courses | 3 | |
Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice | ||
Elective Courses 1 | 9 | |
Social Movements From the 1960s to Present | ||
Interest Groups, Power, and Democracy in American Politics | ||
Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices | ||
Human-Climate Interactions | ||
Greed: Social Policy for Profit | ||
Globalization and Social Well-Being | ||
Total Credits | 12 |
- 1
Additional courses selected in consultation with the program adviser may fulfill program requirements. No more than 6 credits can be taken at the 200/300 level.
Courses
ES 110 (EVST 110, HMS 110, POLS 110) Environmental Planning for Healthy Cities 4 Credits
An introduction to the topic of environmental planning, the course will review the roles of citizens, other stakeholders, political interests, and local governments in determining the use of land; unpack the meaning of "sustainability;" and grapple with the challenge of balancing communities' demand for development with the need to protect valuable natural resources. Students will be introduced to examples of successful and unsuccessful instances of environmental planning both at home and abroad.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
Courses
EVST 001 Introduction to Environmental Studies 4 Credits
This course surveys the dominant environmental issues confronting humanity and the natural world on a local, national, and global basis with an emphasis on critical thinking skills. Topics include humankind’s role in environmental change; cultural perceptions and economic valuation of nature; resource availability and social equity; sustainability and consumerism; environmental justice and ethics; and environmental regulation, law, policy and planning. This course fulfills a social science credit requirement. Please select ES 002 to fulfill the natural science requirement.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW, W
EVST 002 (EES 002) Introduction to Environmental Science 3 Credits
Focuses on natural and human-induced drivers and consequences of environmental change. Exploring options for mitigating and adapting to environmental change in ecosystems, physical and social systems, the course examines such topics as biogeochemical cycles, population pressure, ecosystem diversity, productivity and food security, energy, water resources, climate change, pollution, ozone, urban issues and sustainability. Stresses interactions using case studies. Intended for any student with an interest in the environment. May be combined with EES 022 or EES 004 for 4 credits.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, NS, NW
EVST 105 (POLS 105) US Environmental Policy and Law 4 Credits
Analysis of the framework that has been established to protect the environment and promote sustainable growth. Focus on the roles of the different branches of the U.S. government and the relative responsibilities of state and local governments within this framework. Consideration of the political nature of environmental issues and the social forces influencing environmental protection in different areas of domestic environmental policy, such as climate change, toxic waste disposal, and natural resources conservation.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW, W
EVST 106 (POLS 106) Environmental Values and Ethics 4 Credits
An introduction to the ethical perspectives and values that shape human relationships to the natural environment in contemporary society. What are the moral implications of these relationships for justice and human collective action? Given these implications, what policy responses to environmental problems are morally or politically justifiable? In answering these questions, the course explores ethical ideas developed in different schools of environmental thought, such as deep ecology and ecofeminism, in addition to ideas that emerge from social movements, such as.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, SS, W
EVST 107 (POLS 107) The Politics of the Environment 4 Credits
A survey of the major environmental, resource, energy and population problems of modern society, focusing on the United States. The politics of man’s relationship with nature, the political problems of ecological scarcity and public goods, and the response of the American political system to environmental issues.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
EVST 110 (ES 110, HMS 110, POLS 110) Environmental Planning for Healthy Cities 4 Credits
An introduction to the topic of environmental planning, the course will review the roles of citizens, other stakeholders, political interests, and local governments in determining the use of land; unpack the meaning of "sustainability;" and grapple with the challenge of balancing communities' demand for development with the need to protect valuable natural resources. Students will be introduced to examples of successful and unsuccessful instances of environmental planning both at home and abroad.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
EVST 119 (ETH 119, PHIL 119) Environmental Ethics 4 Credits
Evaluates the ethical and moral dimensions of humanity’s relationship to nature as well as our individual and collective moral duties to confront urgent environmental challenges. Topics may include the intersection of climate and social justice; responsibilities to future generations, distant others, and nonhuman animals; the limitations of traditional ethical, political, and economic frameworks for accommodating our obligations and commitments to justice; and possible legal and public policy responses.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU
EVST 121 (ANTH 121) Environment and Culture 4 Credits
Impact of environment upon cultural variability and change. Comparative study of modern and past cultures and their environments as well as current theories of human/ environmental interaction.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW, W
EVST 125 (JOUR 125) Environment, the Public and the Mass Media 4 Credits
Extensive exploration of local, national and international environmental problems and their social, political and economic impacts. Analysis of mass media coverage of complex environmental issues and the media's effects on public opinion and government environmental policies. Examination of environmental journalism principles and practices in the United States and around the world.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
EVST 127 Urban Permaculture 1-4 Credits
Students combine social, political, economic, engineering, and ecological modes of thinking in the design, construction, and evaluation of permaculture food gardens to serve as living laboratories and interactive classrooms to teach about sustainable urban living. Open to students from any major and college. Instructor permission required.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
EVST 170 Special Topics 1-4 Credits
Intensive, research-oriented study of a subject or issue in Environmental Studies not covered in other courses. For students of demonstrated ability and adequate preparation. Consent of program director required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: HU, SS
EVST 181 Independent Study 1-4 Credits
This course can be 1) directed readings on an environmental topic, 2) environmental research involving primary data collection and analysis, or 3) a project-based experience that puts students' understanding of environmental justice, environmental health, or environmental planning into practice. Consent of program director required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: HU, SS
EVST 223 Advanced Sustainability in Action I 1-4 Credits
Leadership and coordination of Sustainability in Action projects and activities for students in EVST 123. Experienced students who have completed the year-long Sustainability in Action sequence (EVST 123 and EVST 124) continue in course coordination role. Offered in coordination with the Campus Eco-Reps Program. Consent of instructor required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: EVST 123 and EVST 124
Attribute/Distribution: CC
EVST 254 (ASIA 254, ETH 254, REL 254) Buddhism and Ecology 4 Credits
Buddhism’s intellectual, ethical, and spiritual resources are re-examined in light of contemporary environmental problems. Is Buddhism the most green of the major world religions? What are the moral implications of actions that affect the environment?
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, W
EVST 294 Practicum in Environmental Studies 1-4 Credits
Practical experience on or off campus in local, state or national environmental activities. Students must present a work plan that describes the activities included in the practicum, the activity’s sponsor, expected outcomes and the number of credits requested. Must have program director’s approval.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: ES 001 and ES 002 and (ES 105 or ES 107 or ES 110 or ES 121 or ES 125)
Can be taken Concurrently: ES 001, ES 002, ES 105, ES 107, ES 110, ES 121, ES 125
Attribute/Distribution: HU, NS, SS
EVST 296 1-4 Credits
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
EVST 301 (PHIL 301) Philosophical-Policy & Legal Design: Methods & Applications 4 Credits
A basic class on the idea of policy design, as opposed to standard economic analysis of public policy and its application to various domestic and international areas of law, including environmental law. The course will introduce Philosophical-Policy Methods, or the protocol employing integrated philosophical systems to justify specific policy-legal design arguments, through the use of a variety of distinct policy paradigms.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, W
EVST 304 (ANTH 304) Socio-cultural Foundations of Environmental Policy 4 Credits
This course is based on the premise that social and ecological sustainability require new policy approaches. Drawing on social, organizational, and behavioral theory, students will learn techniques for analyzing and critiquing existing environmental policies and designing more effective policies. Case studies highlight how cultural values, social norms, public opinion and politics shape policies and their outcomes. We examine the entire policy process from how environmental problems are defined, to how organizations implement policies and how policies are evaluated.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW, W
EVST 305 (AAS 305, POLS 305) Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices 4 Credits
This course is an introductory planning course, with an emphasis on housing and community development policy. It will examine historical and contemporary aspects of urban politics; the economic, demographic, and spatial evolution of American cities; and various urban problems, such as the spatial mismatch between people and jobs, housing quality and affordability, and residential segregation. Finally, the course will review how planners have addressed conditions in cities and regions over time.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
EVST 310 Foundations of Sustainable Development Practice 4 Credits
This course introduces students to the foundational themes of sustainable development, including food and nutritional security, social service delivery, energy policy, water resource management, urbanization, infrastructure, human rights, biodiversity, adaptation to climate change, greenhouse gas reductions, and sustainable business and governance. Students are mentored by Lehigh faculty as they engage with world leaders in sustainability through the Global Classroom, an instructional platform pioneered by Columbia University and the Global Masters of Development Practice Association (http://globalmdp.org/).
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW
EVST 311 (POLS 311) Environmental Valuation for Policy Design 4 Credits
Seminar on how to value the environment for the purpose of designing and analyzing environmental policies. Review of the "contingent valuation method" currently used to price environmental resources, and assessment of this method's empirical and normative strengths and weaknesses. Evaluation of "deliberative monetary valuation" as an improved method for environmental assessment. Consideration of non-monetary approaches to environmental valuation as alternatives to understanding the environment's relationship to human well-being in policy contexts.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
EVST 312 (POLS 312) Urban Environmental Policy Workshop 4 Credits
An urban environmental planning and policy course in which students explore an issue affecting the local community, evaluate current policy responses and possible alternatives, and present recommendations to public officials, local organizations, and community members. Student research and analysis will draw on primary and secondary data, as well as feedback from conducting individual interviews, focus groups, and community meetings. Prior projects include determining how Bethlehem's new City Revitalization improvement Zone (CRIZ) might best benefit the South Side of Bethlehem, PA.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW, W
EVST 315 (HIST 315) American Environmental History 4 Credits
Relationship between Americans and their natural environment from the colonial period to the present: impact of European settlement, attitudes toward wilderness, role of technological development, rise of preservation and conservation movements, establishment of national parks, recent environmental protection legislation.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, SS
EVST 319 (POLS 319) Mapping Data for Policymaking 4 Credits
This research methods course teaches students to highlight important conditions and trends – ones that warrant policymakers’ attention – using publicly available data sources (like the Census). Conveying information in a clear and persuasive way, one that motivates decision-makers to act, is a key step in any policymaking process. Students will become familiar with these databases and proficient at generating charts, graphs and maps using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and ArcMAP (three programs central to most jobs in policy-related fields).
Attribute/Distribution: Q, SS
EVST 320 (HMS 320, POLS 320) Food Justice in Urban Environments 4 Credits
This course will review how urban agriculture and city greening programs and policies are part of a growing movement working to strengthen neighborhoods, promote healthier living, and create more localized and sustainable food economies. This class will explore research and readings from multiple disciplines on these programs and policies, and will also delve into individual case studies that illustrate how efforts to improve food access, beautify vacant land, and reduce farm-to-table distances get creatively and successfully combined.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
EVST 323 (HMS 323, JOUR 323) Health and Environmental Controversies 4 Credits
Exploration of health and environmental controversies from the perspectives of scientific uncertainty and mass media coverage. Examines genetic engineering, biotechnology, environmental health risks and nanotechnology. Includes discussion of ethical and social responsibilities and interactions with the public.
Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW
EVST 328 (POLS 328) U.S. Politics and the Environment 4 Credits
An examination of contemporary American politics and policy dealing with environmental issues. Current controversies in the legislative and regulatory areas will be covered to examine environmental issues and the political process. Significant portions of the course readings will be taken from government publications.
Attribute/Distribution: SS
EVST 341 (ENGL 341) Contemporary US Literature of Environmental Crises 3-4 Credits
This course addresses how contemporary US literature depicts toxic America and the environmental crises as well as the human (and other animal) tragedies that result from a variety of contemporary practices that deny connectivity to/dependence upon ecosystems. Students will engage with some of the most important novels written in the contemporary period that call readers to address human impact on the environment, to imagine alternative & less ruinous ways of being in the world, and to imagine more sustainable futures.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, W
EVST 353 (ANTH 353, GS 353) Ethnobotany: People and Plants 4 Credits
This course explores the meanings and uses given to plants by diverse cultures in their unique ecological settings. Ethnobotany combines botany and cultural anthropology to study how people classify, use, and manage plants for medicine, food, and ritual. This course introduces the history, methods, theory, and practical applications of ethnobotany, including plant conservation, sustainable development, and cultural survival. Special emphasis will be placed on learning to do ethnobotany through student research projects.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW, W
EVST 355 (POLS 355) Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice 4 Credits
This course explores the various ways in which environmental law and policy can have discriminatory effects. It examines the rise and evolution of environmental justice movement, and the impact of environmental justice claims on administration policies, especially at the federal level. Considering the role of politics in the ongoing struggle for environmental justice, it reviews theories of substantive and procedural justice, and uses them to consider strategies for advancing equity in environmental law and policy.
Prerequisites: POLS 105 or ES 105
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
EVST 357 (PSYC 357) Psychology of Environmental Issues 4 Credits
Environmental problems and solutions begin with the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individual people. We will examine Western ways of relating to nature and the beliefs people hold about it, how they reason about environmental issues, and how they perceive environmental risk and make decisions. We will also consider environmental communication and attitude and behavior change, exploring arenas ranging from patterns of consumption and recycling to climate change. Research methods for investigating these issues will be introduced.
Prerequisites: PSYC 001
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
EVST 366 (POLS 366) Advanced Environmental Policy 4 Credits
An introduction to the history of domestic environmental policy and contemporary policy trends, such as the rise of legal adversarialism and public participation in regulatory decisions. The role of market instruments in policy implementation, the emergence of rights-based approaches to environmental protection, and the role and value of distributional analysis will also be covered. Students will develop knowledge of a particular area of environmental policy at the federal, state, and/or level depending on their interests and current opportunities.
Prerequisites: POLS 105 or ES 105
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS
EVST 367 (TLT 367) Environmental Education 3 Credits
Introductory environmental education course designed to prepare students to implement environmental education opportunities in formal and non-formal education settings. Topics include history and philosophy of environmental education, environmental laws and regulations, GIS, environmental issues and decision making, curriculum integration and environmental education teaching methodologies. This is a Web enhanced containing both online and fieldwork components.
EVST 368 (TLT 368) Teaching and Learning with Geospatial Tools 3 Credits
Exploration of geospatial tools, including but not limited to global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), and related visualization tools (e.g. Google Earth). Application of these tools and techniques to instructional settings, including appropriate pedagogy and assessment. Not available for credit for students who have completed EVST/TLT 369.
EVST 369 (TLT 369) Applied Geospatial Tools 3 Credits
Introduction to geospatial tools--including but not limited to global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), and related visualization tools (e.g. Google Earth)--and related concepts such as geo-databases, map projection, and remote sensing. Application of these tools and techniques to research, policy, business, public health, and communications. Not available to students who have taken EVST/TLT 368.
EVST 370 (GS 370, SOC 370) Globalization and the Environment 4 Credits
This course investigates how globalization has influenced society-nature relationships, as well as how environmental conditions influence the globalization processes, focusing on the rapidly evolving global economic and political systems that characterize global development dynamics and resource use. Particular attention is paid to the role of multi-national corporations, international trade, and finance patterns and agreements. Questions related to consumption, population, global climate change, toxic wastes, and food production/distribution are key themes.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW, W
EVST 371 Special Topics 1-4 Credits
Intensive, research-oriented study of a subject or issue in Environmental Studies not covered in other courses. For students of demonstrated ability and adequate preparation. Consent of program director required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: HU, SS
EVST 391 Honors Thesis 1-4 Credits
Directed undergraduate research thesis required of students who apply and qualify for graduation with program honors. Consent of program director required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: HU, SS
EVST 393 Supervised Internship 1-4 Credits
Experiential learning opportunities supervised by ES faculty including real-world experience with environmental organizations or governmental agencies, field work or research experience, all related to environmental studies. Students should collaborate with the supervising ES faculty member to develop a work plan that describes the activities included in the internship, the expected outcomes and the number of credits requested. Instructor permission required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: ES 001 and ES 002 and (ES 105 or ES 107 or ES 110 or ES 121 or ES 125)
Attribute/Distribution: HU, NS, SS
EVST 401 Philosophical-Policy & Legal Design: Methods & Applications 3 Credits
A basic class on the idea of policy design, as opposed to standard economic analysis of public policy and its application to various domestic and international areas of law, including environmental law. The course will introduce the idea of Philosophical-Policy Methods, or the protocol employing integrated philosophical systems to justify specific policy-legal design arguments, through the use of a variety of distinct policy paradigms.
EVST 402 (EES 402) Scientific Foundations for Environmental Policy Design 3 Credits
This course explores the science behind the environmental issues that bear on policy process at local, national and global scales. The course delves into the science of selected environmental issues that have either arisen from anthropogenic activities, that impact social systems, or that help policy-makers understand the consequence of different policy options. The course consists of readings and discussions of timely topics and one major project.
EVST 404 Socio-cultural Foundations of Environmental Policy 3 Credits
This course is based on the premise that social and ecological sustainability require new policy approaches. Drawing on social, organizational, and behavioral theory, students will learn techniques for analyzing and critiquing existing environmental policies and designing more effective policies. Case studies highlight how cultural values, social norms, public opinion and politics shape policies and their outcomes. We examine the entire policy process from how environmental problems are defined, to how organizations implement policies and how policies are evaluated.
EVST 405 (POLS 405) Residential Segregation: Policies and Practices 3 Credits
This course is an introductory planning course, with an emphasis on housing and community development policy. It will examine historical and contemporary aspects of urban politics; the economic, demographic, and spatial evolution of American cities; and various urban problems, such as the spatial mismatch between people and jobs, housing quality and affordability, and residential segregation. Finally, the course will review how planners have addressed conditions in cities and regions over time.
EVST 410 Foundations of Sustainable Development Practice 3 Credits
This course introduces students to the foundational themes of sustainable development, including food and nutritional security, social service delivery, energy policy, water resource management, urbanization, infrastructure, human rights, biodiversity, adaptation to climate change, greenhouse gas reductions, and sustainable business and governance. Students are mentored by Lehigh faculty as they engage with world leaders in sustainability through the Global Classroom, an instructional platform pioneered by Columbia University and the Global Masters of Development Practice Association (http://globalmdp.org/).
EVST 411 (POLS 411) Environmental Valuation for Policy Design 3 Credits
Seminar on how to value the environment for the purpose of designing and analyzing environmental policies. Review of the "contingent valuation method" currently used to price environmental resources, and assessment of this method's empirical and normative strengths and weaknesses. Evaluation of "deliberative monetary valuation" as an improved method for environmental assessment. Consideration of non-monetary approaches to environmental valuation as alternatives to understanding the environment's relationship to human well-being in policy contexts.
EVST 412 (POLS 412) Urban Environmental Policy Workshop 3 Credits
An urban environmental planning and policy course in which students explore an issue affecting the local community, evaluate current policy responses and possible alternatives, and present recommendations to public officials, local organizations, and community members. Student research and analysis will draw on primary and secondary data, as well as feedback from conducting individual interviews, focus groups, and community meetings. Prior projects include determining how Bethlehem's new City Revitalization improvement Zone (CRIZ) might best benefit the South Side of Bethlehem, PA.
EVST 419 (POLS 419) Mapping Data for Policymaking 3 Credits
This research methods course teaches students to highlight important conditions and trends – ones that warrant policymakers’ attention – using publicly available data sources (like the Census). Conveying information in a clear and persuasive way, one that motivates decision-makers to act, is a key step in any policymaking process. Students will become familiar with these databases and proficient at generating charts, graphs and maps using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and ArcMAP (three programs central to most jobs in policy-related fields).
EVST 420 (POLS 420) Food Justice in Urban Environments 3 Credits
This course will review how urban agriculture and city greening programs and policies are part of a growing movement working to strengthen neighborhoods, promote healthier living, and create more localized and sustainable food economies. This class will explore research and readings from multiple disciplines on these programs and policies, and will also delve into individual case studies that illustrate how efforts to improve food access, beautify vacant land, and reduce farm-to-table distances get creatively and successfully combined.
EVST 453 Ethnobotany: People and Plants 3 Credits
This course explores the meanings and uses given to plants by diverse cultures in their unique ecological settings. Ethnobotany combines botany and cultural anthropology to study how people classify, use, and manage plants for medicine, food, and ritual. This course introduces the history, methods, theory, and practical applications of ethnobotany, including plant conservation, sustainable development, and cultural survival. Special emphasis will be placed on learning to do ethnobotany through student research projects.
EVST 455 (POLS 455) Environmental Justice: From Theory to Practice 3 Credits
This course explores the various ways in which environmental law and policy can have discriminatory effects. It examines the rise and evolution of environmental justice movement, and the impact of environmental justice claims on administrative rule making at state and federal level. Reviewing the history of case law concerning environmental justice suits filed under the 1964 Civil Rights Act, it also examines the future of environmental justice in environmental law and policy.
EVST 457 (PSYC 457) Psychology of Environmental Issues 3 Credits
Environmental problems and solutions begin with the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individual people. We will examine Western ways of relating to nature and the beliefs people hold about it, how they reason about environmental issues, and how they perceive environmental risk and make decisions. We will also consider environmental communication and attitude and behavior change, exploring arenas ranging from patterns of consumption and recycling to climate change. Research methods for investigating these issues will be introduced.
EVST 460 (POLS 460) Public Administration 3 Credits
The nature of administration; problems of organization and management; public personnel policies; budgeting and budgetary system; forms of administrative responsibility.
EVST 466 (POLS 466) Advanced Environmental Policy 3 Credits
An introduction to the history of domestic environmental policy and contemporary policy trends, such as the rise of legal adversarialism and public participation in regulatory decisions. The role of market instruments in policy implementation, the emergence of rights-based approaches to environmental protection, and the role and value of distributional analysis will also be covered. Students will develop knowledge of a particular area of environmental policy at the federal, state, and/or level depending on their interests and current opportunities.
EVST 470 Globalization and the Environment 3 Credits
This course investigates how globalization has influenced society-nature relationships, as well as how environmental conditions influence the globalization processes, focusing on the rapidly evolving global economic and political systems that characterize global development dynamics and resource use. Particular attention is paid to the role of multi-national corporations, international trade, and finance patterns and agreements. Questions related to consumption, population, global climate change, toxic wastes, and food production/distribution are key themes.
EVST 480 Internship in Environmental Policy 3 Credits
Students will gain practical experience working with governmental or non-governmental organizations or public officials formulating and/or implementing environmental policies at local, regional, national or international levels. Requires submission of a formal proposal drafted in collaboration with a faculty advisor and the professional mentor who will oversee the student’s internship. Upon completion of the internship, students will report project outcomes in oral presentation, written, or digital media format. Instructor permission required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
EVST 483 Independent Study 1-3 Credits
Independent Study.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
EVST 490 Thesis 1-6 Credits
Thesis.