Required Readings & Discussion Questions:
In lieu of a textbook, scientific articles and other materials relating to each class period will be posted on BlackBoard. Students are required to read these materials BEFORE each class period and prepare TWO DISCUSSION QUESTIONS for each reading. Groups of 2 students will also lead a discussion of the papers in each class.
Recommended Reading:
Daily reading of the New York Times, with special attention paid to articles on urban ecology and sustainability, will increase your enjoyment of this course. The “Science” section every Tuesday will prove particularly relevant. I will highlight important articles.
Grading:
Class Participation 10%
Discussion Questions 20%
Env. History Drafts 15%
Env. History Presentation 5%
Env. History Final Project 20%
Draft Poster Presentation 5%
Research Poster Assignment 20%
Sustainable Class Activities:
♦ asking questions before, during, or after class
♦ coming to office hours
♦ offering constructive feedback on the class, positive or negative
♦ inquiring about research experiences and other opportunities
Unsustainable Class Activities:
♦ arriving late or leaving early (unless absolutely necessary; let me know in advance)
♦ talking to classmates during the lecture
♦ texting, IM’ing, e-mailing, etc. NO LAPTOPS OR PHONES IN CLASS!
♦ Cheating / Plagiarism (will be met with swift and harsh punishment)
Baruch College Attendance Policy (Undergraduate Bulletin, p. 41):
“All students are required to attend every session of their courses. If a freshman or sophomore is absent in excess of twice the number of class sessions per week, the instructor must give the student a WU grade, which counts as an F. The instructor may give a junior or senior a WU grade (the equivalent of an F) for excessive absences. The WU grade may be given by the instructor at any time.” Absences should only be for serious illnesses and family emergencies.
Environmental Sciences Minors and Ad Hoc Major:
The Dept. of Natural Sciences offers a minor in environmental studies, or a Tier III Interdisciplinary Minor in Environmental Sustainability, for students that wish to pursue general intellectual interests or specific career objectives. For example, business students may improve their marketability with knowledge of current issues in environmental sustainability, and public affairs or pre-law students may gain knowledge for future specialization in environmental law or policy. For the environmental sciences minor, students take two environment courses at the 3000 level or above followed by the capstone course, ENV 4900—Topics in Environmental Science. New environmental studies courses are planned for future semesters. It is also possible to design an ad hoc major that combines ENV courses with additional sciences and courses in other fields. Please inquire for more information.
