This course involves the study of ecological principles and problems at the biosphere level and presents a worldwide approach to populations, biotic resources, ecologic interactions, land use, deforestation, desertification, species extinctions, pollution, environmental quality, global change, and environmental ethics.

Learning Objectives

  • Gain an understanding of ecological principles and issues at the global level;
  • Become familiar with a global approach to evaluating populations, biotic resources, and ecologic interactions;
  • Gain an understanding of global issues resulting from land use change, deforestation, desertification, species extinctions, pollution, environmental quality, and climate change;
  • Evaluate various philosophies and methodologies regarding environmental ethics.

In this course, you will

  • Make local observations of the global issues we are studying to emphasize the relevance of these issues to global societies, including your own;
  • Interview family, friends, neighbors, etc., to evaluate public opinion on issues such as climate change, endangered species conservation, etc.;
  • Evaluate a variety of news resources and learn to recognize "sound science" versus "pseudo-science";
  • Participate in student-led group discussions.