Environmental Studies

Associate Professor Mark O’Gorman, Coordinator

The Major in Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary program involving course work in the social and natural sciences. The major provides an excellent background for careers in ecosystem management; sustainable business administration and finance; city planning; regional and international nongovernmental organizations; environmental health care; biological testing; occupational safety; and outdoor recreation. Related careers in law, policymaking, education and journalism/writing may also be pursued.

The Major in Environmental Studies requires a minimum of 52 credit hours. Required courses are Environmental Studies 101, 316, 345, Economics 201, Sociology 101, Political Science 232, Social Science 301, Chemistry 121, Biology 113, Biology 222 or 311, Math 221 or 222 and Environmental Studies 343 (a minimum of 3 credit hours), 351 and 352. In addition, each student must complete at least 6 hours chosen from among Business 201, Economics 221 and 331, English 315, Outdoor Recreation 335, Political Science 212 and 321, Sociology 202, 211, and 222, and Environmental Studies 349.

Environmental studies students minoring in economics, political science and sociology cannot fulfill minor course requirements with courses serving as major electives in the Major in Environmental Studies.

Course Descriptions

101. Introduction to Environmental Issues
3 credit hours
An introduction to the origins and interrelationships of major contemporary environmental issues such as global climate change, sustainable development, population, ozone depletion, deforestation, energy, and water pollution. The course examines the complexity of the issues in environmental, political, social, and economic terms.
316. Population
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Sociology 101 or 211 and junior standing
A study of human population, including population structure and the processes of fertility, mortality, and migration. The course examines the impact of changing population, such as aging and urbanization, on social institutions and the environment. The course examines the role of population policy in achieving social and environmental goals.
337. Internship in Environmental Studies
7 to 15 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing and permission of the Division of Social Sciences Chair
Field experiences that provide practical applications in appropriate work settings. Internships require a time commitment equivalent to full-time employment, with credit allotted on the basis of one credit hour for each week of full-time employment.
343. Practicum in Environmental Studies
2 to 6 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing and permission of Environmental Studies faculty
Practical experience enabling students to apply classroom knowledge in work settings. One credit hour is associated with each three hours of work every week for a 14-week semester.
345. Environmental Politics
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing
A study of the political history, stakeholders, and topical issues related to American and global environmental policymaking. Comparison of environmentalism (conservation, sustainable development, deep ecology). Investigation of structure and actors making environmental policy. Survey of current global/eco-systemic issues in environmental policy (air, sea/water, energy and waste, land). Special emphasis on Tennessee and East Tennessee issues, such as acid rain in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee Valley energy development, and water management in conflict with the snail darter.
349. Special Topics in Environmental Studies
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Six hours in Environmental Studies
Focus is on issues in environmental studies. Course content varies. Offered as demand warrants.
351-352. Senior Study
6 credit hours
Prerequisites: FRS 140, English Proficiency Exam, junior standing and Social Science 301
The Senior Study requirement is fulfilled with this two-course sequence. The courses involve individual study with the guidance of a faculty supervisor.