The environmental studies program draws on the expertise of faculty distributed throughout the academic disciplines at Whitworth to provide a robust interdisciplinary approach to the study of the natural world. The program integrates insights from the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and theology to develop students’ environmental literacy and competence, providing a holistic education that encourages thoughtful and informed care of the earth and its creatures. Both interdisciplinary majors that are a part of the program require students to develop competence across a range of fields. The B.A. in environmental studies focuses in particular on the social, political, ethical and religious dimensions of environmental challenges and opportunities, while the B.S. in environmental science focuses on the physical and biological dimensions, providing a thorough grounding in the sciences. Both programs reflect Whitworth’s long-standing commitment to the care of creation as an integral part of our mission to love the God who created all things, to follow Christ who redeems all things, and by the power of the Spirit to serve our fellow human beings with whom we are bound to the life of all of creation.
Student Learning Outcomes
Environmental studies programs will equip Whitworth students with:
- Critical Thinking. Students develop an ability to think critically about some of the most pressing questions of our day by considering the environmental impact of their personal and professional decisions.
- Interdisciplinary Competence. Students are able to assess the causes and consequences of environmental issues from the perspective of the natural and social sciences, theology and the humanities.
- Faith and Learning. Students actively demonstrate the application of their faith or worldview to care for the whole creation.
- Effective Communication. Students will communicate about the causes and consequences of environmental issues from an interdisciplinary perspective in both oral and written form.
- Field Skills. Students will spend time in the field, experiencing a broad array of field-based environmental skills, preparing them for future careers as environmental professionals.
Courses
| ENS 120 Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
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Overview of how science informs our approach to environmental concerns, with application to specific current environmental challenges, including water resources, energy, land use, biodiversity, and global change. Also discussed how faith integrates with science to shape our approach to the environment. Meets natural science requirement. Also listed as BI 120. Spring semester. |
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| ENS 250 Environmental Politics | 3 |
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Studies the role of markets, governments, and civil society in shaping the way people behave toward the environment, focusing on the concept of sustainability in terms of society, economics and the environment. Because people interact in a variety of ways, the course moves from local to global and focuses on issues at each level. Also listed as PO/EC 250. |
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| ENS 255 Introduction to GIS | 3 |
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Introduction to the collection, management, analysis, and presentation of spatial data using the tools of Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems. Includes 3 full-day field trips during the week. |
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| ENS 301 Environmental Studies Seminar | 1 |
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Prepares environmental studies students for next steps in environmental careers. Intended for sophomores or juniors in the environmental studies program. Students prepare for an internship, research experience, or environmentally related temporary employment. |
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| ENS 302W Environmental Ethics | 3 |
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An exploration of scientific, philosophical, and religious views concerning the non-human world and our responsibilities towards other creatures, fellow human beings, and future generations. Includes readings in classic environmental texts, a service learning component, and a focus on practical issues relevant to the northwestern United States. |
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| ENS 303 Plant Taxonomy | 4 |
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History, theories and methods of classification, identification, nomenclature and description. Role of taxonomy as a biological discipline. Types of taxonomic evidence. Descriptive terminology. Survey of selected families. Lab focuses on use and construction of diagnostic keys,identification of local flora, preparation of field data records and herbarium specimens. Lab. Prerequisites: BI 140 and BI 141. Also listed as BI 303. Spring semester, even years. |
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| ENS 305 Landscape Ecology | 4 |
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Landscape ecology is the study of the causes and consequences of landscape-scale pattern and process. Topics will include ecological scale, restoration ecology, disturbance ecology, ecological modeling, and geospatial ecological techniques. Includes 1 Saturday field trip. Prerequisite: BI 345. Also listed as BI 305. Spring semester. Periodic offering. |
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| ENS 305W Landscape Ecology | 4 |
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Landscape ecology is the study of the causes and consequences of landscape-scale pattern and process. Topics will include ecological scale, restoration ecology, disturbance ecology, ecological modeling, and geospatial ecological techniques. Includes 1 Saturday field trip. Prerequisite: BI 345. Spring semester. |
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| ENS 310 Northwest Writers | 3 |
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Readings from a diverse group of Northwestern poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers, with consideration of central themes and concerns shared among them. Explores the relationship between these writers and their region. Also listed as EL 310. |
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| ENS 331L Environmental Chemistry Lab | 1 |
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Explore the laboratory methods typical in environmental analysis. Includes sampling techniques, use of certified protocol(s), and spectroscopic and instrumental analysis. Also listed as ENS-331L. Corequisite: concurrent enrollment in CH331, CH331W, or ENS331. Spring semester even years. |
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| ENS 347 Global Change Ecology | 4 |
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This course will explore global-scale changes and the interplay of ecosystems with these changes. Topics will explore how changes such as global warming, invasive species and land degradation influence global nutrient and energy cycling, inter- and intra-species interactions, and feedbacks in the earth system. |
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| ENS 348H Ecological Field Research | 3 |
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Students design and carry out ecological research projects and learn sampling design, field research techniques, statistical analysis, and presentation skills. |
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| ENS 357W Environmental and Nature Writing | 3 |
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Students will read contemporary examples of environmental and nature writing. They will produce, workshop, and revise texts about experiences in nature and current environmental issues. |
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| ENS 360 Sociology of the Environment | 3 |
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This course explores social issues related to environmental justice using theories and concepts from the field of Sociology. Sociological issues addressed include inadequate access to healthy food, inadequate transportation, air and water pollution, unsafe homes, etc. Students will examine contemporary environmental concerns associated with the unequal distribution of environmental hazards across societies, social groups, and communities. Students will explore the social, industrial, and government forces that create inequitable burdens of environmental pollution as well as movements to reduce such burdens. This course considers the global impact of environmental injustices. |
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| ENS 365 Ecological Developmental Biology | 4 |
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Developmental processes as they are influenced by their environmental context including: predators, competitors, toxic compounds, changes in temperature and humidity, availability of nutritional resources, and other factors. The influence of epigenetics and evolutionary adaptation on developmental plasticity will also be examined. Additionally, the course will explore insights gained into human health and disease by examining topics mentioned above. Prerequisite: Take BI-240. Corequisite: Take BI-365L. Corequisite or prerequisite: Take BI-311 or CH-401. Spring term, odd years. |
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| ENS 381 Sustainable Development Abroad: Poverty, Inequality, Environment, Social Change | 3 |
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Establishes a basic understanding of the theory and practical application of the "hows" and "whys" of a particulate international culture abroad, particularly as it relates to the historic, present and future challenges of that economy and to doing business with various people groups at home and abroad. Business models unique to non-American cultures will be explored in depth. Also listed as DS 381. Also listed asa LAS 381. |
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| ENS 401 Environmental Studies Seminar | 1 |
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Prepares environmental studies students for next steps in environmental careers. Intended for seniors in the environmental studies program. Students present on past research or internship experiences and lead journal review discussions. |
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| ENS 448 Environmental Microbiology | 4 |
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This course will examine the applied effects of microorganisms on the environment and on human activity, health and welfare. The role of microbes in municipal waste treatment, bioremediation and agriculture will be discussed. The laboratory component of the course will explore the detection and quantitation of microbial activity, including cultural, microscopic, physiological and molecular approaches. Prerequisites: BI-140, BI-141 and CH-271. Also listed as BI 448. Periodic offering. |
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Environmental Science/Studies Elective Courses
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| BI 102 | Introductory Biology | 3 |
| BI 105 | Plants in Culture | 3 |
| BI 111 | Marine Biology | 3 |
| BI 303 | Field Botany | 4 |
| BI 311 | General Biochemistry | 3 |
| BI 323 | Animal Physiology | 4 |
| BI 324 | Animal Behavior | 4 |
| BI 331 | Plant Physiology | 4 |
| BI 341 | Central American Field Ecology | 3 |
| BI 345 | Ecology | 4 |
| BI 347 | Global Change Ecology | 4 |
| BI 350 | Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy | 4 |
| BI 363 | Genetics | 4 |
| BI 365 | Ecological Developmental Biology | 4 |
| BI 381 | Statistical Applications for Biology | 3 |
| BI 405 | Ecological Measures | 4 |
| BI 399 | Molecular Genetics | 4 |
| CH 331 | Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| GL 139 | Environmental Geology | 3 |
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| EC 350 | Environmental Economics | 3 |
| EC 381 | Sustainable Development Abroad: Poverty and Environmental Sustainability | 3 |
| EL 357 | Environmental and Nature Writing | 3 |
| HI 384 | Pacific Northwest History | 3 |
| PO 359 | Global Environmental Politics | 3 |
| SO 360 | Sociology of the Environment | 3 |
| SO 465 | Population Analysis | 3 |
| TH 212 | Redemption of Creation | 3 |
| TH 214 | Theology & Ecology | 3 |
| TH 302W | Environmental Ethics | 3 |
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Dean
ERICA SALKIN
Program Contact
GRANT CASADY
Professors
ELIZABETH ABBEYGRANT CASADYJONATHAN MOOVANGE OCASIOKATHRYN PICANCO
Associate Professors
KERRY BRENO