815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs,
New York, 12866
SKIDMORE PHONE
518-580-5000
Environmental Studies
Director of the Environmental Studies Program and Associate Professor: Karen Kellogg
Program Coordinator and Lecturer: Kimberly Marsella
Associate Professor: †Karen Kellogg
Assistant Professor: †Cathy Gibson, †Joshua Ness
Lecturer: †Kimberly Marsella
Affiliated Faculty:
American Studies: Mary Lynn, Gregory Pfitzer
Art and Art History: Lisa Aronson
Anthropology: Michael Ennis-McMillan, Susan Bender, Chris Grassi
Biology: Catherine Domozych, David Domozych, Sylvia McDevitt, Corey Freeman-Gallant, Roy Meyers, †Joshua Ness, Monica Raveret Richter, Sue Van Hook
Chemistry: Steven Frey, Raymond Giguere, †Judith Halstead, Kim Frederick
Economics: †Monica Das, Mehmet Odekon, Lynda Vargha, Robert Jones
Education: Kelly Grindstaff
English: Alison Barnes, Sarah Goodwin, †Michael Marx, Linda Simon
Geosciences: Richard Lindemann, †Kyle Nichols
Government: Roy Ginsberg, Katherine Graney, †Robert Turner, Aldo Vacs,
History: Eric Morser, Tillman Nechtman
Library: Elizabeth Putnam
Management and Business: James Kennelly, K. Gary McClure, Mark Youndt
Mathematics: Una Bray
Philosophy and Religion: William Lewis,
Mary Stange
Physics: William Standish
Sociology: Catherine Berheide, †Rik Scarce
†Environmental
Studies Steering Committee
Environmental challenges are among the most pressing issues facing
citizens in the 21st century. Few local, national, or international
conflicts lack an environmental dimension. Understanding these
environmental problems requires an interdisciplinary approach that
integrates the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the
arts. We cannot adequately understand an issue like water pollution
through a single disciplinary perspective; it involves anthropology,
biology, business, chemistry, economics, geosciences, government,
history, literature, and sociology. The mission of environmental
studies is to help our students develop literacy at the intersection
of these disciplines.
We emphasize the integration of problem-solving within an
interdisciplinary framework. Our students design and carry out
empirical research and develop and defend their conclusions through
clear written and spoken presentations. Environmental studies'
students will graduate with rigorous and multifaceted problem-solving
skills necessary to frame, describe, analyze, and offer realistic
solutions to environmental challenges.
The ES program includes courses that are interdisciplinary and that
address environmental issues from a disciplinary perspective, and
offers both a major and a minor degree. We immerse our students in the
complexities of environmental issues through both classroom and
experiential learning opportunities, locally and abroad. Students
enrich their academic learning with experiences outside the classroom
to foster responsible citizenship and to help our students understand
the challenges of creating environmentally sustainable communities
THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES MAJOR
As a foundation for the major, all
students must take ES100 Environmental Concerns in Perspective.
As a capstone to the major, students must
take ES374 Environmental Studies: Methods and Approaches and ES375 Case Studies in Environmental Sustainability.
In addition, ES majors
must meet the core requirements for one of the two ES tracks (i.e.,
Social and Cultural Perspectives or Environmental Science). Students who
major in ES and plan to attend graduate or professional schools are
encouraged to design programs of study that meet admission
requirements for graduate or professional schools of their choice.
HONORS: ES Program honors are awarded to an ES senior who has
maintained the required college and department grade averages and who,
by the end of the first semester of the senior year, has either
registered for or enrolled in ES376 Senior Thesis. The senior thesis
proposal must be approved by the ES Steering Committee prior to
enrollment in ES376 Senior Thesis.
In addition to the necessary grade
averages and an A- or better on the ES senior thesis, the student must
receive the recommendation of the ES program. See the ES Director or
the ES Web page for additional information on senior thesis proposal
submission.
Note: To be considered for honors, the college requires a GPA of 3.5
or higher for work in the major, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher based on
all work taken at Skidmore.
Social and Cultural Perspectives Track
The Social and Cultural Perspectives track draws upon disciplinary and
interdisciplinary foundations in the social sciences, humanities, and
arts to build an understanding of how changes in the environment
affect social organization and cultural development. Conversely, these
courses also focus on how society and culture shape the environment
and on the consequences of that influence. This track is well-suited
for students interested in environmentally related activities in
literature, journalism, education, sustainable development, policy and
law, social service, public health, and resource management.
Students in the Social and Cultural Perspectives track must
successfully complete forty-two to forty-eight credits in approved
courses that count toward the ES major.
Foundation courses:
ES100 Environmental Concerns in Perspective and
105 Field Studies in Environmental Science;
Three courses from the Social and Cultural Core classes:
EC343,
EN229,
GO231,
SO223;
Three additional courses from ES Cluster A, Culture, Society and the
Environment (at least six credits must be at the 300 level);
Two courses from ES Cluster B1, Exploring the Natural World (at
least one course with a lab);
ES Senior Year Capstone Sequence of
ES374 and
375.
Environmental Science Track
The Environmental Science track affords an integrated study of the
physical, chemical and biological aspects of environmental issues, and
encourages exploration of how these aspects influence and are
influenced by people and institutions. This track is well-suited for
students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in environmental
science, conservation biology, natural resource management, and water
resource management or closely related programs in urban policy and
planning, agriculture policy and planning, environmental toxicology
and environmental law.
Students in the Environmental Science track must successfully complete
sixty to sixty-three credits in approved courses that count toward the
ES major.
Foundation course: ES100 Environmental Concerns in Perspective;
Interdisciplinary natural science core courses:
ES205 and
206;
Three other natural science courses from ES Cluster B2, one of which must be an ES-designated course (two of these courses must be at
the 300 level, the third must at least be 200 level, and two of the
three must be lab courses);
Two courses from ES Cluster A, Culture, Society and Environment;
ES Senior Year Capstone Sequence of
ES374 and
375.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES MINOR
The minor requires students
to complete nineteen to twenty-four credit hours.
Foundation courses: ES100 Environmental Concerns in Perspective and
ES105 Field Studies in Environmental Science
Two Cluster A courses: Culture, Society, and the Environment
One Cluster B1 course: Exploring the Natural World
One additional course from either Cluster A or Cluster B1.
No more than two courses per discipline may be counted for the ES minor.
CLUSTER A: Culture, Society, and the Environment
Courses in this cluster examine the social and cultural dimensions of
environmental issues. Drawing upon disciplinary and interdisciplinary
foundations in the social sciences, humanities, and arts, these
courses provide the student with an understanding of how changes in
the environment affect social organization and cultural development.
Courses in this cluster also examine how society and culture affect
the environment and influence human response to environmental issues.
Cluster A courses emphasize social and cultural perspectives (i.e.,
social sciences, humanities, and arts), although concepts in the
natural sciences may be introduced as background material. Cluster A
courses apply to both tracks of the ES major and the ES minor.
CLUSTER B1 AND B2: Exploring the Natural World
Courses in this cluster examine the physical and biological aspects of
environmental issues and, to a significant extent, examine how these
aspects influence and are influenced by people. These courses offer
students a scientific foundation in environmental issues by drawing on
disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses in biology, chemistry,
geology, mathematics, physics, and/or other disciplines. Cluster B
courses emphasize the natural sciences, although social and cultural
dimensions may be introduced as background material. Cluster B1
courses apply to the ES minor and the Social and Cultural Perspectives
track of the ES major, whereas the extended list of B2 courses applies
to the Environmental Science track of the ES major.
Environmental Studies Curriculum
ES 100. ENVIRONMENTAL
CONCERNS IN PERSPECTIVE 3
An interdisciplinary, multiple-perspective approach to the study
of environmental concerns. In this course, students study the
interaction of human beings and their social, political, and
economic institutions with the natural environment. Issues such
as air pollution, water pollution, and land management are discussed
from the perspectives of both the natural sciences and the social
sciences. Local, regional, national, international, and historical
perspectives on these issues are also discussed. The Program
ES 105. FIELD STUDIES IN
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 4
An interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental issues. The
primary focus of this course is a drinking water supply for Saratoga
Springs, Loughberry Lake. The sources of the lake's water supply, chemical
characteristics of the lake, and the nature of the land surrounding the
lake, including Skidmore's North Woods, are considered from a biological,
chemical, and geological perspective. The course involves laboratory
and field work and emphasizes the scientific method, and techniques and
theories used to measure, analyze, and describe changes in the environment.
Three hours of lecture, three hours of lab a week. Prerequisite: QR1. (Fulfills natural sciences requirement.) C. Gibson and K. Marsella
ES 205. CONSERVATION AND USE OF FORESTED LANDSCAPES 4
An exploration of the diverse biological, chemical, geological, and
geographical topics and techniques necessary for effective
environmental science in the terrestrial environment, the use and
protection of resources, whether they are organisms, chemical
compounds, or processes. Students will study topics such as timber
harvesting and forest management, carbon sequestration, the design and
maintenance of wildness preserves, the links between biological
diversity and ecosystem stability, how nutrient enrichment influences
biological diversity, and how the abiotic characteristics of a site
(e.g. soil chemistry, slope, and fire regime) shape the above-ground
communities. Much of our work will focus on the North Woods and the
New England landscape and includes a weekend field trip to Rupert,
Vt. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Prerequisites:BI106;
also, the student must have completed or be currently enrolled in GE101 and CH105 or CH107H. J. Ness
ES 206. WATERSHED ASSESSMENT: DYNAMICS AND INTEGRITY OF AQUATIC SYSTEMS 4
An exploration of the diverse biological, chemical, and geological
topics and techniques necessary for effective environmental science in
aquatic ecosystems. Students will examine the influence of the dynamic
physical, chemical, and biological environments on streams and lakes
and the organisms that inhabit these habitats. Topics include
physiography of lakes, groundwater, wetlands, and streams; nutrient
cycling in lakes and streams; energy flow through aquatic systems;
interactions between the groundwater and surface water; and the
terrestrial-disturbance on freshwater systems and the concomitant
physical, chemical, and ecosystem changes. Students will conduct an
ecologoical assessment of a local watershed to further explore these
dynamics. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Prerequisites:CH106 and GE101.
Students must also have completed or be enrolled in BI106. C. Gibson
ES 221. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 3
An examination of the concepts and practice of sustainable development as a process for resolving the tensions between economic development and the necessity to protect and preserve the global environment for future generations. Students will explore both domestic issues facing countries as they struggle to address their economic, social and environmental problems, and how their relationship with the rest of the international community influences their decisions. Students will explore the interplay among the pillars of sustainable development on both a local and global scale through the use of case studies (e.g., international fisheries). Prerequisite: ES100. K. Kellogg
ES 241. ADIRONDACK
WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE 4
The Adirondack Park
is the birthplace of the American concept of wilderness and land conservation.
It is the second oldest park in the U.S. and the largest publicly protected
area in the contiguous United States, larger than Yellowstone, Everglades,
Glacier, and Grand Canyon parks combined. Today, it is on the cutting
edge of how to turn the abstract principles of environmental sustainability
into a set of feasible political, economic, and ecological principles.
This class will examine the natural setting of the park, the environmental
impact of humans on the park, the evolution of popular views of the wilderness,
the attempts to balance development and preservation, the prospects of
bio-regional level governance, and the major challenges to ecological,
social, and economic success in the Adirondack Park. The emphasis of
the course is on experiential learning and will involve various hikes
and/or canoe trips into the wilderness itself. Summer only. R.
Turner, K. Nichols
ES 251. TOPICS IN
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 3, 4
An interdisciplinary examination at the intermediate level of
a subject area in environmental studies not available in existing
course offerings. Specific topics vary by instructor, discipline,
program and semester. The course, in a different subject area,
may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission
of the director of the Environmental Studies Program.
NOTE: ES252 will replace ES251 beginning in Spring 2009.
ES 252 A–D. TOPICS IN
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 1–4
An interdisciplinary examination at the intermediate level of
a subject area in environmental studies not available in existing
course offerings. Specific topics vary by instructor, discipline,
program and semester. The course, in a different subject area,
may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission
of the director of the Environmental Studies Program.
ES 281. DISEASE
AND THE ENVIRONMENT 3
An introduction to the study of the relationship between disease
and the environment. We will study the epidemic of cholera in
industrial Britain, the evidence linking smoking to lung disease,
the relationship between exposure to lead and developmental
problems in children, and other important cases in the history
of epidemiology that yielded a link to environmental causes.
We will continue using a "case study" approach to
examine current issues in environmental disease. Students will
be encouraged to learn problem-solving and technical skills
as they work together to prepare their own group case. Prerequisite: QR2. U. Bray
ES 351. ADVANCED
TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 3, 4
An interdisciplinary examination at the advanced level of a
subject area in environmental studies not available in existing
course offerings. Specific topics vary by instructor, discipline,
program and semester. The course, in a different subject area,
may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission
of the director of the Environmental Studies Program.
NOTE: ES352 will replace ES351 beginning in Spring 2009.
ES 352 A–D. ADVANCED
TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 1–4
An interdisciplinary examination at the advanced level of a
subject area in environmental studies not available in existing
course offerings. Specific topics vary by instructor, discipline,
program and semester. The course, in a different subject area,
may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission
of the director of the Environmental Studies Program.
ES 371, 372. INDEPENDENT
STUDY IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 3, 6
An opportunity for qualified students to pursue independent
study or research in environmental studies under the supervision
of an appropriate faculty member. The written study proposal
must be approved by the Environmental Studies
Program before registration for the course. The student must produce a major
research paper approved by the faculty sponsor and the ES Program.
Only three semester hours of ES399, 371, or 372 may count toward the major or minor.
ES 374. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES: METHODS AND APPROACHES 1
A seminar required of all Environmental Studies majors taken during
the fall of their senior year in preparation for their senior capstone
project. Students will discuss topics in Environmental Studies and
identify potential senior research projects. In addition, students
will develop their skills in research and oral and written
communication as related to Environmental Studies. The course includes
presentations and discussions by students and guest lecturers, field
trips, and a community service project. Students will present
proposals for their senior capstone projects at the end of the
seminar. Prerequisites: Declared environmental studies major and
permission of the instructor. The Program
ES 375. CASE STUDIES
IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 4
A research-oriented capstone course required of all environmental
studies majors during their senior year. Building on ES374 Environmental Studies: Methods and Approaches, this course is designed to enhance
students’ research, written, and oral communication skills relating to
environmental studies, and to strengthen their awareness of
environmentally related issues by engaging students in a semester-long
service-learning project. Case studies and contemporary readings will
serve as a foundation for discussion related to the service-learning
project in the course, while primary literature will be used to guide
students through the appropriate methodologies for the project. The
course culminates in the presentation of the service-learning project to
environmental studies faculty, students, and community members. Prerequisite:ES374.
ES 376. SENIOR THESIS 3
An opportunity for in-depth research or independent study under
supervision of an appropriate ES affiliated faculty member. This course
is required of all majors who wish to be considered for ES honors. A
proposal for the thesis project, prepared in consultation with the
faculty project advisor and second reader, must be submitted to the ES
Program during the semester prior to enrollment. See the ES Director or
ES Web site for additional information on thesis proposal submission. The Program
ES 399. PROFESSIONAL
INTERNSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 3, 6
Interdisciplinary professional experience at an advanced level
for juniors or seniors with substantial academic experience
in environmental studies. With faculty sponsorship and Environmental
Studies Program approval, students may extend their
educational experience in environmentally related interdisciplinary
areas such as environmental consulting, environmental advocacy,
environmental law, and environmental outreach.
The intern must produce a research paper related
to the area of the internship, on a topic approved by the faculty
sponsor and the on-site supervisor. Only three semester hours of ES399,
371, or 372 may count toward the major or minor.
Cluster Courses
Foundation course for the ES minor and major: ES 100 Environmental Concerns in Perspective
Cluster A AH 208 Art and the Environment in Ancient Mesoamerica and South America AM 232H New England Begins AM 250A Regional Culture: "The Hudson River" AM 250B Regional Culture: "The West" AM 250D Regional Culture: "New England" AM 260B The Machine in the Garden AN 207 North American Archeology AN 344 Anthropology & Environmental Health AN 345 Ecological Anthropology EC 316 Economics of Development EC 343 Environmental & Resource Economics EN 229 Literature and the Environment ES 221 Sustainable Development ES 241 Adirondack Wilderness Experience ES 281 Disease in the Environment GO 231 Environmental Politics and Policy GO 338 International Diplomatic Negotiations GO 339 International Political Economy and the Environment GO 355 African Politics GO 356 Africa in International Affairs HI 312 Industry, Empire and the Environment IA 101 Introduction to International Affairs PH 225 Environmental Philosophy RE 225 Religion and Ecology SO 223 Environmental Sociology SO 326 Social Theories of the Environment SO 331 Women in the Global Economy WS 210 Ecofeminism, Women and the Environment
Cluster B1 BI 115H Ecology of Food BI 140 Marine Biology BI 160 Conservation Biology BI 165 Microbes and Society BI 180 Economic Botany BI 240 Environmental Biology BI 241 Ecology BI 325 Tropical Ecology BI 327 Conservation Ecology w/o lab BI 370 Computer Modeling of Biological Systems CH 111 Environmental Chemistry w/o lab CH 112 Environmental Chemistry w/ lab ES 205 Conservation and Use of Forested Landscapes ES 206 Watershed Assessment: Dynamics and Integrity of Aquatic Systems GE 101 Earth Systems Science GE 112 Oceanography: Introduction to the Marine Environment GE 207 Environmental Geology GE 208 Origin and Distribution of Natural Resources GE 211 Climatology
Cluster B2 BI 241 Ecology BI 243 Plant Biology BI 307 Ornithology BI 316 Animal Behavior BI 324 Evolution BI 325 Tropical Ecology BI 327 Conservation Ecology w/o lab BI 338 Plant Biotechnology BI 339 Plant-Animal Interaction BI 370 Computer Modeling of Biological Systems CH 221 Organic Chemistry I CH 222 Organic Chemistry II CH 303 Modern Analytical Chemistry CH 353 Topics in Environmental Chemistry GE 208 Origin and Distribution of Natural Resources GE 211 Climatology GE 216 Sedimentology GE 301 Hydrogeologic Systems GE 304 Geomorphology GE 309 Field Techniques GE 311 Paleoclimatology GE 316 Stratigraphy
