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Environmental Studies Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400, 500 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog. |
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ENVS 381 - Introduction to Education for Environment and Sustainability
An introduction to environmental education and an examination of current thinking and practices including connections to sustainability. Focus on history, evolution, and need for environmental education, and on its goals and principles, content, settings, methods and processes approached through reading, reflection, discussion and project work.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 303 or concurrent; Admission to College of the Environment or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 392 - Introduction to Climate Change
The human population has grown rapidly and we are changing many features of the world at a rate unprecedented in recent geological history. In this course we examine climate change and climate forcing, and other aspects of planetary change related to human resource use. We explore geological history to understand change in the planet’s long-term context. We will also explore some hopeful elements, with student investigation of mitigation and strategies for effective communication. Also offered as ESCI 392.
Prerequisites & Notes: MATH 114 or ENVS 201; ENVS 203 or GEOL 211; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 400 - Directed Independent Study
An individualized course of study not available through or replacing existing curriculum, to be arranged between one matriculating student and sponsoring faculty member. All academic policies and registration deadlines apply. Directed Independent Study courses cannot substitute for General University Requirements and are not eligible for tuition waiver.
Credits: 1-15
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ENVS 410 - Agroecology and Resilient Communities
Ecological concepts and principles applied to design and management of sustainable food production systems. Consideration given to food and farm politics and economics, as well as the experience of place and policies for relocalization. Includes case studies and laboratory/field experience in sustainable agriculture horticulture and strategies for resilience. Offered alternate years. Also offered as UEPP 410.
Prerequisites & Notes: Senior status.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 411 - Agroecology and Resilient Communities Practicum
Field and project work in agroecology and sustainable agriculture design that integrates ecological principles within sociocultural and economic frameworks. Consideration of soil and plant ecology, tillage systems and erosion control, resource cycling, and integrated nutrient systems that compromise best management practices. Required field trips. Also offered as UEPP 411.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 410 or UEPP 410; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 412 - Environmental Journalism
Goal is to equip students to report and write clearly, critically, and constructively on environmental and natural resource issues. Emphasis on writing articles for publication involves reading, discussion, and much research and writing.
Prerequisites & Notes: JOUR 207; One course from: ENVS 202, ENVS 303, ESCI 101, ESCI 225, or UEPP 202; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 413 - The Planet Staff
Staff writers report, write and revise multiple articles for the quarterly university periodical and its extended online edition, working under the direction of the editor-in-chief and editorial management staff. Staff writers gain practical experience in story querying, reading scientific or policy documents, interviewing specialists and conveying technical information on environmental problems and solutions for a general audience. Class includes some lectures and readings. Repeatable up to 12 credits including original course.
Prerequisites & Notes: Open to all College of the Environment majors, minors, Journalism pre-majors, majors, and minors; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 414 - Editing the Planet
Publication editing and development; creating and implementing budget and advising on budget decisions; acting as mentor to assigned staff members; preparing reports and presentations for class and instructor; assisting with and taking part in workshops; office management and security; learning personnel communication skills; using advanced publication software and technology; making self-evaluation and production reports for advisor. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 credits. This course may not be taken concurrently with a staff course.
Prerequisites & Notes: Open to editors only.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 415 - Planning Studio: Food Security and Resilient Communities
Sustainability planning for food security and community resilience. Project-based learning and research in community vulnerabilities and racialized food distribution structures. Consideration of gender, class, caste in current and future planning. Individual, household, regional, national, international scales considered. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 credits, including original course. Also offered as UEPP 415.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 314 or UEPP 314; ENVS 410 or UEPP 410 or ENVS 411 or UEPP 411; or instructor permission.
Credits: 3
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 417 - Science, Management and Outreach of Contaminated Sites
Students select an aspect of contaminated site cleanups in Washington State and develop a project under faculty direction that will address specific questions or needs. Projects may include technical components related to the management of site cleanup and/or products aimed at communicating contaminated site cleanup to specific audiences. Projects will be completed in groups with ESCI 454. Students are expected to bring strong environmental journalism, environmental communication or other project-specific skills to their interdisciplinary project groups.
Prerequisites & Notes: Instructor permission.
Credits: 3
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 418 - GIS II: Cartography and Geovisualization
Cartography and graphic design techniques and skills for effectively communicating spatial data with maps. Students will learn cartographic methods and concepts, including qualitative and quantitative map symbology using color and other visual variables, map text and labeling, and cartographic layout and visual hierarchy principles. The class will cover design for static print and digital maps, as well as the creation of interactive web maps. Introduction to the limitations and ethics of graphic communication.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 320 or instructor permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 419 - Applications in GIS
Applied use of GIS software to existing databases for analysis and final outputs as maps, tables and charts. Mastery of the software will be at the beginner’s level; master of GIS techniques will be at the thematic mapping level. Data will be drawn from electronic databases and include tabular, cartographic, and remotely sensed.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 320 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 3
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 420 - GIS III: Analysis and Modeling
This intermediate Geographic Information Science course will provide students with an in-depth examination of spatial data management, spatial data analysis techniques, automation of geoprocessing tasks using models, and effective visual communication. Students will gain practical experience with GIS applications for a variety of environmental topics and build a professional portfolio.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 418 or instructor permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 421 - GIS IV: Advanced GIS Applications
This advanced Geographic Information Science course will provide students with an in-depth examination of spatial data creation and management, spatial analysis, and application of GIS techniques to answer environmental research questions. Students will design and complete original research projects.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 420
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 422 - Advanced Spatial Analysis
Advanced techniques for the analysis and visualization of spatial data. Focus on statistical methods and computer tools for identifying spatial patterns and processes, effective communication of results, and professional development for geospatial analysts. Introduction to open source analytical and cartographic software options, including the development of web maps and online professional portfolios. Students will compete an extensive original research project.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 419 or ENVS 420.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 423 - GIS Processing and Analysis
Provides students with an introduction to advanced GIS geoprocessing using spatial models and object-oriented scripting. Intended for students familiar with GIS concepts and computer applications; the course is project based. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, participants will learn different methods for automating spatial data processing tasks including data management, geoprocessing, analytic workflows and data delivery.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 419 or ENVS 420 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 3
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 426 - Water Resources
The role of water in the environment; the nature of water use and resulting problems; processes which underlie comprehensive water resource planning and basin management; data analysis and presentation. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 326 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 427 - Soil Landscapes
Advanced topics in soils, including the functional relationships between climate, soils and vegetation, soil erosion, landscape patterns of soil, and the application of soils in paleo environmental reconstruction. Students will undertake research projects in the field.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 327 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 428 - Biogeography
Biogeography is the study of the spatial patterns of biological diversity in the past, present, and future. Biogeographers synthesize information from numerous fields of study, including geography, ecology, evolution, paleontology, geology, and climatology. This course will provide the ecological and historical foundations for understanding how and why the distribution, abundance, and diversity of species vary over space and time.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 201, ENVS 203 and ESCI 225.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 429 - Pyrogeography
We will explore the spatial and temporal relationships of fire and society as an integral landscape process with an emphasis on the maintenance of North American ecosystems and the threat of wildfire to the built environment. We will assess historic and contemporary implications of fire management and policies, and where appropriate we will compare fire processes and practices from abroad. The course will end with interdisciplinary group projects delving into specific fire issues and developing proposals and solutions.
Prerequisites & Notes: College of the Environment senior status or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 430 - Borderlands: Resource Management
Geographic investigation of cross-border resource management and other issues associated with the growing importance of the United States’ cross-border regions, especially our northern border with Canada; selected trans-border environmental, resource management, sustainability, economic, and urban topics. Also offered as C/AM 430.
Prerequisites & Notes: One course from: C/AM 200, C/AM 331, ENVS 303, ENVS 331, ENVS 332, ENVS 342, ENVS 343, ENRG 350, ESCI 330, UEPP 343, UEPP 350 or College of the Environment senior status or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 431 - Pacific Rim: Environment, Economy and Sustainability
Geographic Investigation of the rapidly growing economies, environmental impacts, and issues of sustainability of Pacific Rim nations; special comparative emphasis on East Asia versus North America. Also offered as EAST 431.
Prerequisites & Notes: One course from: EAST 302, ENVS 303, C/AM 331, ENVS 331, ENVS 332, EAST 333, ENVS 333, or ENVS 342; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 437 - Faculty-Led Study Abroad
This study abroad course is led by a faculty member to provide students with international, experiential learning. Students will participate in both classroom and applied learning opportunities that may include: pre-travel orientation and class meetings at Western, group instruction, reading, writing, and critical reflection assignments, learning from the host community, cultural excursions, field work, post-travel debriefing, and culminating projects.
Credits: 1-15
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 441 - Society, Space, and Natural Resources
This course explores natural resource valuation and management across a variety of political, economic, and cultural spaces in North America; Emphasis is placed on the interaction of social and natural processes in producing management regimes. Also offered as C/AM 441.
Prerequisites & Notes: One from: ENVS 308, C/AM 331, ENVS 331, ENVS 342, ENVS 343, or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 442 - Regional Environmental and Economic Resource Modeling
Spatial resource assessment and planning models, including quality of life, shift-share, input-output and linear programming under resource constraints, and demographic projections. Also offered as UEPP 442.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 201 or UEPP 261 or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 443 - Social Justice and the City
Major intellectual traditions related to urban political economy. Emphasis on questions of social justice, everyday practices, and urban social movements and resistance. Also offered as UEPP 443.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 343 or UEPP 343 or ENVS 444 or C/AM 442 or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 444 - Colonial Landscapes in the Pacific Northwest
This course provides description and analysis of the impact of European imperialism on the development of Pacific Northwest landscapes; the focus is on Indigenous, British, American, and Canadian geographical actions and territorial claims. Also offered as C/AM 442.
Prerequisites & Notes: One from: ENVS 308, C/AM 331, ENVS 331, ENVS 332, HIST 391 or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 450 - Science in the Policy Process
This course uses theory and case studies to explore the roles of science in environmental policy and regulatory processes, paying particular attention to controversies. Examples will come primarily from the United States government, but may draw from international examples for comparative purposes. Topics will include a mixture of current events and historical case studies.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 303; and ENVS 305 or ENVS 355; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 451 - Public Land Conflict & Collaboration
U.S. public lands are at the center of today’s politically polarized debate about access and control of culturally and environmentally significant spaces. This course will explore the history of public lands, understand the policy and political context for public lands management decisions, and explore current issues and controversies. This course will explicitly address the power struggle to define access to and use of public lands and introduce theories and methods for developing community-based collaboration and decision-making that prioritize just and culturally meaningful outcomes.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 303 and ENVS 305; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 453 - Climate Politics and Governance
This course examines the political roots of disagreement on climate policy and treats the causes of political discord around climate change as an empirical question. This course will help students to understand the history of our current political polarization surrounding climate change and empower them to engage more productively to advance constructive policies rather than fight the predefined and entrenched political battles that dominate today.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 303 and ENVS 305; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 454 - Environmental Policy Analysis
This course is an introduction to policy analysis as applied to contemporary environmental issues. Topics include competing approaches to evaluating public policy, methods for the assessment of environmental policy alternatives, ethics and policy analysis, and the utilization of policy analysis in decision-making. Also offered as UEPP 454.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 303; and ENVS 305 or ENVS 355 or UEPP 355; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 456 - Governing Innovation, Technology, and the Future
How do/should societies bring about change to improve social and environmental conditions? This course draws upon theoretical insights from the field of Science, Technology and Society to critically examine science and technology policies as governance systems for innovation, shaping what is possible in the future, what problems society faces, and what solutions we can draw upon. This course examines the intersection of innovation policies and democracy and introduces nascent methods to improve the democratic oversight of technology and innovation.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 303 and ENVS 305; or instructor permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 457 - Environmental Dispute Resolution
Course considers several fact patterns involving disputes over natural resources and environmental issues. Students will study and, in some cases, research the facts and will be assigned roles to represent during dispute resolution sessions. Students have the opportunity to practice a range of dispute resolution techniques which may include negotiation, mediation, and other dispute resolution techniques. Also offered as UEPP 457.
Prerequisites & Notes: One course from: ENVS 303, ENVS 305, ENVS 355 or UEPP 355; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 458 - Environmental Politics
Examination of contending perspectives on environmental problems. Focus on how these perspectives are rooted in political philosophy, their roles in the development of environmental movements, and the implications for public policy. Offered alternate years. Also offered as PLSC 420.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 303 or ENVS 305 or PLSC 101 or PLSC 250; or instructor permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 461 - Land Use Law
Land use planning is an attempt to reconcile the conflict between individual property rights and collective environmental goals. This course examines the American legal system’s role in framing and resolving this dilemma. It provides an understanding of the legal framework that creates our unique ‘bottom up’ land use regulatory system. It also examines the practical and philosophical implications of federal constitutional restrictions on local government land use authority, including ‘takings’ and housing discrimination cases. Also offered as UEPP 461.
Prerequisites & Notes: One course from: ENVS 303, ENVS 305, ENVS 355 or UEPP 355; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 463 - Native American Planning and Natural Resources Policy
Survey of political and jurisdictional considerations, treaty rights, and social and environmental conditions facing tribal communities in their pursuit of self-governance and sustainability. Historic federal Indian policy, court rulings and the consideration of off-reservation treaty rights in regional planning. Approaches to intergovernmental cooperation for sustainable natural resources management. Offered alternate years. Also offered as UEPP 463.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 303 or UEPP 261 or instructor permission.
Credits: 3
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 465 - Disaster Risk Reduction
In this course students examine the socio-political and historical causes of disasters and how these events result in unjust outcomes, with an emphasis on international contexts. Students study sources of social vulnerability and resilience, thematically and geographically, and explore strategies for disaster risk reduction. While this course is required for those pursuing the Disaster Risk Reduction minor, it may also be of interest for students interested in environmental justice, sustainability, geography, community development, and urban planning.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 362 or ENVS 372; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 466 - Greening Business Applications
This course is an experiential capstone combining faculty and student teams from the College of Business and Economics and College of the Environment. Student groups prepare a Green Business Assessment for a community or campus organization and compile, distribute, and present a final report to the campus and the client organizations. Also offered as MGMT 466.
Prerequisites & Notes: CBE major or College of the Environment major or permission of instructor; priority given to majors in Business and Sustainability. Senior status.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 467 - Power, Privilege, and the Environment
An exploration of the ways in which identity characteristics (including race, gender, and class) and systems of oppression impact how communities conceive of and address environmental challenges. This course also examines the differential impacts of environmental harm on disadvantaged communities. Students will engage with these ideas through regular journaling, mapping and data collection exercises, a final paper and a student-directed civic or community engagement project.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 303 or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 471 - Campus Sustainability Planning Studio
Introduction to campus sustainability planning as applied to the WWU campus community. Project-based learning and research involving stakeholders across campus. Selected research topics relative to Western's master planning process pursuit of sustainability. A studio course emphasizing the application of sustainability principles in campus planning, development, and operations. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 credits, including original course. Also offered as SUST 471 and UEPP 471.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 303 or UEPP 261 or instructor permission.
Credits: 3
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 474 - Planning for Sustainable Communities
Synthesis and application of principles, practices and policies in sustainable development and the design of projects, processes, and products using a systems approach to promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Students apply sustainable design techniques to local regional and international community problems. Also offered as UEPP 474.
Prerequisites & Notes: UEPP 261; UEPP 360; senior status; Admission to Sustainable Design Minor or College of the Environment; or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 476 - Disaster Reduction and Emergency Planning Studio
The course provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in disaster reduction and emergency planning, with an emphasis on community-based approaches. Students will work in groups with a client (or clients) on a quarter-long project of practical significance. Students will be exposed to best practices through case studies across disaster reduction and emergency planning. Project management, client interactions, report writing, and communicating technical information to diverse audiences will be emphasized.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 362, ENVS 372, and ENVS 465 or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 483 - Environmental Interpretation
An overview of the field of environmental interpretation and how it relates to environmental education. Focus is on gaining an understanding of the basic elements of the interpretive process and on becoming familiar with interpretive approaches and methods. Introduces design and technical components.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 484 - The Literature of Nature and Place
Describes and explores the tradition of writing about the outdoors and human-nature relationship in literature. Students read and discuss writings of Thoreau, Burroughs, Muir, Leopold, Carson, Eisley, Lopez, Tempest Williams and others. Students learn the structure and techniques of nature writing while writing a personal nature essay.
Prerequisites & Notes: Junior standing or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 485 - Natural History for Environmental Education
Classroom and field study of the natural history of the Pacific Northwest as it relates to environmental education. A spring block course.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 381
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 486 - Field Methods in Environmental Education
Students visit environmental learning sites and programs where they observe, critique and participate as instructors. Develop skill in designing effective and engaging lesson plans and delivering them to youth audiences. Includes field leadership, environmental interpretation, and instructional evaluation. A spring block course.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 381
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 487 - Conservation Psychology
Critical examination of the psychological and educational research bases for environmental education. Introduction to theories and methods used to study environmental behavior change, learning about the environment, formation of social-environmental ethics, and social influences across the lifespan.
Prerequisites & Notes: Instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 488 - Outdoor Education
Classroom and field study of outdoor learning methods, emphasizing “using the place” to facilitate learning. Programmatic planning, group facilitation and management techniques, and a holistic conception of the learner are explored through field experience in various outdoor settings. A spring block course.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 381
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 489 - Leadership for a Sustainable Future
Theory and practice of leadership for inspiring and maintaining change toward more ecologically sustainable behaviors through informal and formal learning settings. Emphasis on experiential approaches to environmental education from the backyard to the backcountry; fieldwork required. A spring block course.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 381
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 491 - Environmental Communication
Critical inquiry into communication theory, research, and practice directed toward environmental concerns in the context of diverse communities. Opportunity to develop skill in techniques such as cultural sensitivity and inclusion, community outreach, environmental interpretation, systemic social change, social marketing, digital and physical media, and/or partnerships. Requires working in an interdisciplinary group to examine environmental problems and communication-based approaches to solutions. Repeatable to a maximum of 10 credits, including original course.
Prerequisites & Notes: Admission into College of the Environment and senior status.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 492 - Curriculum for Environment and Sustainability
Critical review of existing curricula, learning theory and learning objectives are examined and strategies for attaining these objectives are studied and practiced. The qualities of the ideal environmental education curriculum are identified. Students practice curriculum writing and teaching. Students observe in real world classroom and outdoor teaching settings.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 381.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 493 - Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment requires a range of professional qualifications and involves a wide spectrum of disciplines and methodologies. This interdisciplinary capstone course involves class preparation of an impact assessment of a local project, summarizing physical, biological and social aspects of a study area. Review of pertinent laws and EIS documents. Also offered as ESCI 493 and UEPP 493.
Prerequisites & Notes: Senior status and College of the Environment admission; or instructor permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 495 - Teaching Practicum
Experience in teaching a lecture or laboratory course in environmental studies. Repeatable to a maximum of 4 credits, including original course. S/U grading.
Prerequisites & Notes: Admission to College of the Environment and instructor permission.
Credits: 1-3
Grade Mode: S/U
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ENVS 496 - Environmental Stewardship
A field-oriented capstone course for environmental studies majors nearing graduation. Students work in interdisciplinary teams to apply their knowledge and skills to solve complex problems in real world situations.
Prerequisites & Notes: Senior status and admission into College of the Environment; or instructor permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 498A - Senior Thesis
A special project carried out under the supervision of a faculty adviser and documented in thesis form according to guidelines supplied by the college. May reflect a single study topic or be part of a major investigation which may take the form of fieldwork, or laboratory, library or community research. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 credits.
Credits: 1-15
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 498B - Internship
Supervised work experience relevant to environmental studies and appropriate to the student’s program. The one- to three-month experience is documented by a written report prepared according to guidelines supplied by the college. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 credits. S/U grading.
Credits: 1-15
Grade Mode: S/U
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ENVS 498C - Senior Project
A special project carried out under supervision of a faculty adviser and documented in non-thesis form suitable to the project. May take the form of some environmental or community activity having either a physical or programmatic result. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 credits.
Credits: 1-15
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 498D - International Study
While enrolled as a major in the College of the Environment, a student who has undertaken a college-level foreign language study may study for one quarter in a country utilizing that language. International study must be approved in advance and carried out under the supervision of the student’s adviser, must follow the international study guidelines for the student’s major, and relate to the student’s course of study at the College of the Environment. The result of the study must be reported in written, taped, filmed or graphically portrayed form. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 credits, including original course. S/U grading.
Credits: 1-15
Grade Mode: S/U
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ENVS 499A - Seminar
Student-faculty interaction on topics of general interest. Repeatable for credit with no maximum. S/U grading.
Credits: 1
Grade Mode: S/U
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ENVS 499B - Spring Block Planning Seminar
Preparation for Spring Block courses, including understanding the sequence, tasks, partners and expectations for the Spring Block, and forming a functioning group.
Prerequisites & Notes: Instructor permission.
Credits: 1
Grade Mode: S/U
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ENVS 499C - Natural Resource Co-Management and Indigenous Allyship
This course explores the history of colonial European contact, the historic context of the land treaties developed in the Pacific Northwest, and the relevance of those treaties today for co-management opportunities for tribes of the Salish Sea region.
Prerequisites & Notes: Senior status or instructor permission.
Credits: 3
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 499D - Seminar: Readings in Environmental Justice
Student-faculty reading group on environmental justice topics. Repeatable for credit with no maximum. S/U grading.
Prerequisites & Notes: Admission to the College of the Environment or instructor permission. Additional prerequisites will vary depending on topic offered.
Credits: 1
Grade Mode: S/U
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ENVS 499O - Professional Geographer Seminar
Professional development for Geography and Geographic Information Science students. Preparation for the job market post-graduation, acquiring an internship, or continuing on to graduate school. Focus on searching for job, internship, and graduate degree opportunities, developing a resume, writing a cover letter, interviewing skills, and creating an online professional portfolio.
Prerequisites & Notes: Admission to the College of the Environment or instructor permission. Additional prerequisites will vary depending on topic offered.
Credits: 1
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 499Q - Topics in Geographic Information Science Seminar
Intensive technical workshop on intermediate to advanced Geographic Information Science (GIS) topics. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits, including original course.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 320
Credits: 1
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 499U - L.E.A.D. Seminar
Practicum in environmental education. Create and deliver classroom and outdoor environmental education curriculum with local school class.
Prerequisites & Notes: Instructor permission.
Credits: 2
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 499Y - Seminar
Student-faculty interaction on topics of general interest. Repeatable for credit when different topics. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 credits, including original course.
Prerequisites & Notes: Admission to the College of the Environment or instructor permission. Additional prerequisites will vary depending on topic offered.
Credits: 1-4
Grade Mode: S/U
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ENVS 499Z - Seminar
Student-faculty interaction on topics of general interest. Repeatable for credit when different topics. Repeatable to a maximum of 15 credits, including original course.
Prerequisites & Notes: Admission to the College of the Environment or instructor permission. Additional prerequisites will vary depending on topic offered.
Credits: 1-4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 500 - Directed Independent Study
An individualized course of study not available through or replacing existing curriculum, to be arranged between one matriculating student and sponsoring faculty member. All academic policies and registration deadlines apply.
Credits: 1-15
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ENVS 501 - Research and Projects in Environmental Studies
Introduction to and survey of current trends in and historical contexts of environmental studies as an area of research and project design. Focuses on discursive, ideological, and practical aspects of research and project-based work in Environmental Studies.
Credits: 3
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 502 - Environmental Research and Projects Frameworks
Survey current trends and historical contexts of environment research. Investigate and evaluate the theories and analytical frameworks commonly used in environmental research and projects. Identify and develop such frameworks for future research efforts.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 501
Credits: 3
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 503 - Communicating Research Results
Theory and practice of communicating research plans and results in written documents and public presentations. Repeatable up to 3 credits including original course.
Credits: 1
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 510 - Professional Development for Graduate Teaching Assistants
The course provides professional development for graduate students focused on instructional and grading strategies for graduate teaching assistants. In this course, graduate students will be introduced to a wide range of support resources, for being a TA, as well as being an effective graduate student. The course will include several department faculty and staff, as well as campus-wide guest speakers who specialize in specific aspects of instructional and student support at WWU.
Prerequisites & Notes: Graduate status.
Credits: 1
Grade Mode: S/U
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ENVS 517 - GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Science
An introduction to Geographic Information Science (GIS) concepts and Geographic Information Systems technology. Lectures will focus on the nature of spatial data, spatial data sources, and the creation, management, analysis, and visualization of spatial data. Students will gain practical experience in GIS applications through lab assignments and the development of an original research project.
Prerequisites & Notes: Graduate status
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 518 - GIS II: Cartography and Geovisualization
Cartography and graphic design techniques and skills for effectively communicating spatial data with maps. Students will learn cartographic methods and concepts, including qualitative and quantitative map symbology using color and other visual variables, map text and labeling, and cartographic layout and visual hierarchy principles. The class will cover design for static print and digital maps, as well as the creation of interactive web maps. Introduction to the limitations and ethics of graphic communication.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 320 or instructor permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 520 - GIS III: Analysis and Modeling
This intermediate Geographic Information Science course will provide students with an in-depth examination of spatial data management, spatial data analysis techniques, automation of geoprocessing tasks using models, and effective visual communication. Students will gain practical experience with GIS applications for a variety of environmental topics and build a professional portfolio.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 518 or instructor permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 521 - GIS IV: Advanced GIS Applications
This advanced Geographic Information Science course will provide students with an in-depth examination of spatial data creation and management, spatial analysis, and application of GIS techniques to answer environmental research questions. Students will design and complete original research projects focused on their thesis topic.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 520 or instructor permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 522 - Advanced Spatial Analysis
Advanced techniques for the analysis and visualization of spatial data. Focus on statistical methods and computer tools for identifying spatial patterns and processes, effective communication of results, and professional development for geospatial analysts. Introduction to open source analytical and cartographic software options, including the development of web maps and online professional portfolios. Students will complete an extensive original research project.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 521 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 526 - Understanding Soil Data
A soil science perspective on soil as a natural body. This course will describe the physical and chemical characteristics of soil and how to access existing soil data sets. Soil description and classification of soils will be explored through the USDA system. Theories of soil formation will be surveyed and process of pedogeneisis will be examined.
Prerequisites & Notes: Graduate status and instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 528 - Advanced Topics in Biogeography
Study of the spatial distribution patterns of species, ecological communities, and biological diversity in the present and in the past. Integration of environmental, biological, historical, and anthropogenic factors that interact to create these patterns.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 326 or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 529 - Pyrogeography
Graduate students will explore the spatial and temporal relationships of fire and society as an integral landscape process with an emphasis on the maintenance of North American ecosystems and the threat of wildfire to the built environment. We will assess historic and contemporary implications of fire management and policies, and where appropriate we will compare fire processes and practices from abroad. The course will end with interdisciplinary group projects delving into specific fire issues and developing proposals and solutions. Graduate students are expected to take a lead role in the development of group projects and development of final products.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 530 - Borderlands: Resource Management
Geographic investigation of cross-border resource management and other issues associated with the growing importance of the United States’ cross-border regions, especially our northern border with Canada; selected trans-border environmental, sustainability, economic, and urban topics.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 501 or ESCI 501 or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 531 - Pacific Rim: Environment, Economy, and Sustainability
Geographic Investigation of the economies, environmental impacts, and issues of sustainability of Pacific Rim nations; special comparative emphasis on East Asia versus North America.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 501 or ESCI 501 or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 545 - American Environmental History
Readings seminar focusing on the literature on the history of the interaction of nature and society in America. Concentration on methods in environmental history. Also offered as HIST 553.
Prerequisites & Notes: Graduate status in Department of Environmental Studies or Environmental Sciences or permission of instructor.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 546 - World Environmental History
The organizing theme of this seminar will be that of ‘exchange’ - biological and cultural - of organisms and ideas about what to do with them. By focusing on the problem of the history of exchanges of organisms and ideas about the environment around the globe, the seminar will at the same time illuminate other themes in world environmental history. Also offered as HIST 554.
Prerequisites & Notes: Graduate status in Department of Environmental Studies or Environmental Sciences or permission of instructor.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 550 - Science in the Policy Process
This course uses theory and case studies to explore the roles of science in environmental policy and regulatory processes, paying particular attention to controversies. Examples will come primarily from the United States government, but may draw from international examples for comparative purposes. Topics will include a mixture of current events and historical case studies.
Prerequisites & Notes: Graduate status.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 551 - Public Land Conflict and Collaboration
U.S. public lands are at the center of today’s politically polarized debate about access and control of culturally and environmentally significant spaces. This course will explore the history of public lands, understand the policy and political context for public lands management decisions, and explore current issues and controversies. This course will explicitly address the power struggle to define access to and use of public lands and introduce theories and methods for developing community-based collaboration and decision-making that prioritize just and culturally meaningful outcomes.
Prerequisites & Notes: Graduate status.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 558 - Environmental Politics
Examination of contending perspectives on environmental problems. Focus on how these perspectives are rooted in political philosophy, their roles in the development of environmental movements, and the implications for public policy.
Prerequisites & Notes: Graduate status
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 565 - Disaster Risk Reduction
In this course students examine the socio-political and historical causes of disasters and how these events result in unjust outcomes, with an emphasis on international contexts. Students research sources of social vulnerability and resilience, thematically and geographically, and explore strategies for disaster risk reduction.
Prerequisites & Notes: Graduate status or instructor permission.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 567 - Power, Privilege, and the Environment
An exploration of the ways in which identity characteristics (including race, gender, and class) and systems of oppression impact how communities conceive of and address environmental challenges. This course also examines the differential impacts of environmental harm on disadvantaged communities. Students will engage with these ideas through regular journaling and writing, mapping and data collection exercises, and a final paper or project.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 580 - Place-based Learning in the North Cascades
Explores learning and teaching about the natural and cultural history of a place using the Skagit River watershed and North Cascades mountains as the classroom and focus of inquiry. This is an intensive, field-based, experiential learning process which introduces place through the lenses of socio-ecological issues, development of environmental responsibility, and how educators can use place in environmental education curricula.
Prerequisites & Notes: Admission to M.Ed. in Environmental Education Residency.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 581 - Practicum in Teaching Natural and Cultural History
Supervised field experience in teaching about natural and cultural history in an environmental learning center setting.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 580.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 582 - Curriculum in Environmental Education
Examination of all aspects of curriculum for environmental education, especially in the non-formal setting of environmental learning centers, nature centers and outdoor schools. Curriculum theory and methodology appropriate to these settings will be studied, as will processes of curriculum design. Current programs and materials will be reviewed. Students will practice the skills of preparing curriculum and learning materials.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 583 - Natural History and Science of the North Cascades
Studies the natural history of the North Cascades to understand the basic ecological, hydrological, and geological principles operating there. Explores diverse processes of scientific inquiry that have been applied to study the landscape. Includes examination of how natural history and scientific inquiry into natural processes may be incorporated into interdisciplinary environmental education programs.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 580; ENVS 581; ENVS 582.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 584 - Leadership and Nonprofit Administration
Examination of the nature and qualities of nonprofit educational organizations and of models of nonprofit administration. Leadership, management, and partnership principles and strategies will be studied. Topics will include all aspects of running an educational nonprofit organization, including financial management, fundraising, and organizational development and evaluation. Working with public and private sector partners will be explored.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 580; ENVS 581; ENVS 582; ENVS 583.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 585 - Environmental Education Foundations
Examination of the principles and processes of education about and for the environment. Review of theory and practice of environmental education in a variety of programmatic settings.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 587 - Conservation Psychology
Critical examination of the psychological and educational research bases for environmental education. Introduction to theories and methods used to study environmental behavior change, learning about the environment, and formation of ecological social-environmental ethics, and social influences across the lifespan.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 588 - Assessment, Evaluation and Research in Environment Education
Covers assessment in the instructional context; evaluation of programming; and evidence-based practice. The main focus is on program evaluation in EE and its value, principles and methods. How can the gathering of useful and accurate information be integrated throughout program life-cycle and organizational culture? A beginner level of competence in designing and conducting simple and useful applied research will be facilitated through case studies and group projects. Study and practice of methods will be balanced with broader discussion of evaluation purposes and guiding questions.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 589 - Professional Writing and Presentation
Capstone course for students completing master’s work in environmental education, Residency Track. Reflection on program; writing and presentation of research and curriculum projects during the course of the master’s program.
Prerequisites & Notes: ENVS 580; ENVS 501; ENVS 581; ENVS 582; ENVS 583; ENVS 584; ENVS 585; ENVS 587.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 590 - Graduate Colloquium
Current trends and issues in urban and environmental planning and policy. Repeatable to a maximum of 3 credits, including original course. Also offered as UEPP 590.
Prerequisites & Notes: Graduate status.
Credits: 1
Grade Mode: Letter
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ENVS 593 - Environmental Impact Assessment Practicum
Preparation of an objective assessment description of a real natural area including the search for public documentation, evaluation of coverage and specific new analyses. Coordinating role in task group data assembly and editorial review of draft project summaries. Experience directly related to professional responsibilities in the environmental field. Review of assessment utilization in the EIS format and of significant legislation. Also offered as UEPP 593.
Prerequisites & Notes: Graduate status.
Credits: 4
Grade Mode: Letter
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