Environmental Justice ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

This course applies environmental science data, concepts, and models to examine how pollution, climate change, land use, and access to essential resources, such as clean water and clean air, impact human populations with particular attention to patterns of disproportionate exposure in marginalized communities. Students will use scientific reasoning to investigate the processes that drive environmental hazards and analyze environmental datasets to identify trends in exposure and vulnerability. The course introduces the environmental justice movement and examines how scientific tools can be used to assess risks and support strategies that promote more equitable environmental outcomes. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific communication through writing. This course contains elements which rely on vision, auditory, and/or motor skills to complete. If you have a visual or motor impairment and are considering registering for this course, it is recommended that you reach out to Accessibility Resources and Services ([email protected]) in advance of registration to determine if this course is appropriate and what alternatives may be available. Prerequisites: ENSC 1000 or ENSC 1200 or GEOL 1200 or any other lower-level biology (BIOL1xxx-2xxx) or lower-level environmental science course (ENSC 1xxx-2xxx).