Environmental Policy & Advocacy Courses
CORE for all concentrations in the Environment and Sustainability major:
ENV 1401
Water & Land: Conserv & Ecolog
A study of the broad issues of environmental science and the interaction of humans and the environment with a focus on human connections to land and water from an ecological and management perspective, with particular emphasis on the need to use our understanding of land and water resources to solve real-world problems.
ENV 1402
Air, Energy, Dev & Climate Chg
A study of broad issues of environmental science and the interaction of humans and the environment with a focus on atmosphere, climate change, development and sustainable use of energy resources.
ENV 1403
Sustainability Sci & Envir Pol
An examination of the interface of science and policy surrounding land, water and air, focusing on how diverse scientific perspectives can inform methods and instruments for effective policy-making toward sustainable solutions.
ENV 1404
Environ Field & Skills Lab
A laboratory experience that provides students with an introduction to field and lab methods commonly used in the environmental sciences.
ENV 1405
Environmental Leadership Sem
An introduction to the theories and practices of leadership and organizational behaviors in the environmental field. Through a series of discussions as well as individual and collaborative activities, participants will begin to understand and appreciate the challenges faced by environmental leaders.
ENV 1406
Environmental Educ & Comm
A practical introduction to the strategies, methods, and tools of environmental education and communication. Students will investigate concepts that are foundational to environment literacy. Students will complete initial requirements for North Carolina Environmental Education Certification and explore national competencies for leadership development in the field. Social media platforms will be used to elevate opportunities for networking, education, and marketing.
ENV 4250
Experiential Learning Env
An integrative learning experience that blends academic work with a department-approved practical field experience. Formal evaluation, supervision, and direction of the in-field experience are provided by an outside agency in coordination with a faculty member. Formal evaluation, supervision, and direction of the academic work are provided by a faculty member. Cannot be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Major or minor in Environment & Sustainability, a department approved in-field experience, and permission of instructor.
ENV 4501
Capstone in Environ & Sustain.
A culminating experience for major and minor students in their senior year that draws upon the knowledge and training the students bring from their academic experience in the major. This course will examine leadership and the various approaches to achieve successful careers in environment and sustainability related work. The course will examine how alumni are now successfully applying the skills and knowledge they have gained while attending Catawba College to their roles in their work and community activities. Prerequisites: ENV 1401, ENV 1402, ENV 1403 and Senior Standing.
Environmental Policy and Advocacy
ENV 2405
Socio-Ecological Systems
A comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of systems thinking, emphasizing complexity, emergent properties, and whole picture solutions as a means to understand socio-ecological systems. This course links advocacy to empowerment and policy discourse to visions of formalized change. Prerequisite: ENV 1403.
ENV 2415
Media, Culture & Environment
A study of current communications pertinent to environment and sustainability news and media; myriad mainstream and independent sources are critically examined in order to understand the role and influence of strategic communication on cultural change. Prerequisite: ENV 1401 or 1402 or 1403.
ENV 3580
International Policy Ag & Clim
A multidisciplinary and multi-faceted examination of the intersections of agricultural and climate-oriented policies; notions of climate preparedness and agricultural efficiency serve as integrative pillars from which to explore novel development approaches, good governance, policy reforms, and nascent institutional prospects. Prerequisites: ENV 1403 and ENV 1401 or ENV 1402.
ENV 3615
Env Justice & Advocacy
An advanced study of environmental justice, emphasizing strong correlation among ecological integrity, social equity, and economic solidarity. Case studies demonstrating persistent inegalitarianism converge to convey the importance of community resilience, and invite critical thinking pursuant to effective forms of advocacy. Prerequisites: ENV 1403 and ENV 2405.
ENV 3715
Ecological Law & Policy
A contextual, systemic, and integrative investigation into classic environmental law, contemporary policy, statute, and regulation. Blending environmental/biophysical sciences, behavioral/ecological economics, and civic/political ecologies, students acquire profound comprehension of the transdisciplinary challenge that is effectively-applied ecological law and policy. Prerequisites: ENV 1403 and ENV 2405 (ENV 3615 recommended).
