1) ENP 280: Intro to Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis – great for anyone interested in learning more about map making and spatial information
Geospatial communication is a fundamental element of contemporary life. Students will explore the theory, method and application of spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for various applications, including environmental and social policy, public participation, cultural geography, education and public participation technology, and agent-space interaction. Through laboratory exercises and guided discussions, students will effectively ask and answer spatially-based social, environmental and technological questions to develop applied GIS and spatial analysis skills, critical geographic thinking and communication.
2) ENP 150: Environmental History: Traditions and Possibilities – great for history buffs (would be wiling to waive the pre-req if necessary)
Students will explore the complex and evolving historical relationship between humans and their surroundings, beginning with the earliest hunter/gathers and continuing through the Agricultural, Industrial, and Communications Revolutions. They will use the tools of environmental history to deepen their understanding of environmental history’s “lessons” for human civilization and consider future possibilitiesfor 21st century human communities.
3) ENP 300 – Place-based Environmental Study – **This year we are offering an option 1-credit travel component to Costa Rica!**
A “study abroad in VT” completely field-based class that takes weekly visits to places in VT that are unique and innovative
Students will engage in a place-based approach to understanding our relationship with the environment. Applied examples of innovative sustainability initiatives and policies will be investigated through field trips, readings and guest speakers. Students will gain a deeper understanding of local issues and solutions and how they fit into national and global contexts and how they can be implemented to work for change.
4) ENP 320 – Sustainable Forest Management – great for students to get a better understanding of forest management in Vermont and globally
Land conservation is a hot topic in today’s policy sphere. But what happens when that conserved land is mismanaged? Recent events such as the wildland forest fires in California have brought this question to the forefront. This course will examine the issues, management options, ecosystem services, and economics of sustainable forest management in order to better understand how to keep forests healthy and productive.
5) ENP 250 – Environmental Policy and Globalization – for students interested in an international perspective of environmental issues
Students will explore the complex concept of globalization, its history and global impacts, to develop a working definition. From that, students will examine the institutional structures, economic drivers, cultural, ethical and political implications of globalization through the lens of environmental issues. Environmental policies, politics and the role of international institutions and multinational corporations will be investigated as they contribute to environmental degradation or sustainability. Antiglobalization and counter movements will also be considered.
6) ENP 420 – Climate Change and Energy Policy
| Climate change is real and influenced by human activity, and it will require a concerted international, national and local effort to avoid or mitigate significant alterations to planetary life and supporting systems. Students wille xamine the causes, both current and future impacts and options designed to address this issue. They will examine the enormous complexity of global law and policy that bear on current energy policy and future choices. |
ENP 260: DIY: Becoming Part of the Creative Economy – Maple Sugaring Edition!
1-credit courses:
The Do-It-Yourself movement has increased opportunities for people to be part of the creative economy and participate in an alternative economic system. In this course students will examine the environmental impacts of consumerism and investigate how an ecological economic approach can contribute to developing an alternative system. Students will develop skills that contribute to reducing consumption and highlight different choices to purchasing new items. Students will teach each other to broaden proficiencies. Interests can range widely, including but not limited to canning and preserving food, setting up a community bartering system, making skin care products, creating/repurposing clothes, and building furniture. The spring course offers students a unique opportunity to work at a sugar shack and learn how to produce maple syrup, from tapping to boiling.
EHS 230: Self & Collective Care for Social Change Work
People involved in advocacy movements and professions for social change often minimize the need for self-care because the work feels urgent. However, self- and collective care are vital and need to be strategically incorporated into the work to ensure long-term sustainability for the individual, organization and movement. Students will explore how self- and collective-care can be integrated holistically to build a sustainable culture of care in their professions.
Valerie Esposito, Ph.D.
Director & Associate Professor, Environmental Studies & Policy Program
Champlain College
163 South Willard Street
Burlington, VT 05402-0670
(802) 383-6674
vesposito@champlain.edu
she/her pronouns
Find out why The Atlantic calls Champlain “The Ideal College.”<http://bit.ly/16Dm07X>