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This interdisciplinary course introduces students to the Earth and environment from a physical science perspective. We focus on the chemical interactions and geologic processes that shape the environment we know. Students learn fundamental chemistry concepts such as kinetics and equilibria to help them understand connections among rock, water, air and life. Then, they learn geology skills-like "reading" the landscape and identifying rocks and sediments-to interpret the past conditions and future possibilities of a given place.

Examination of environmental history at both the national and international level. This course examines environmental history in relation to economic, social, religious, cultural, and political forces. Special attention will be given to how everyday individuals shaped environmental consciousness. In addition, given that the environment is a global issue, this course will examine global environmental issues such as the Minamata (mercury) poisoning in Japan, the Bhopal Incident in India, the environmental damage in China, Agent Orange, and the issue of environmental injustice.

This course focuses on the ecology of conserving biodiversity and includes species, population, and ecosystem-level issues. Topics such as biodiversity, extinction, sustained yield, exotic species, and preserve design will be covered. Management implications are integrated throughout the course. Labs emphasize ecosystems and conservation problems of southern Minnesota.

This course focuses on the role played by religion, especially Christianity, in shaping our perspectives on the natural world and our place in it. As environmental crises multiply and their effects are felt across the planet, often by its most vulnerable inhabitants, students in this course will investigate whether religious beliefs are part of the problem, part of the solution, or both. The course will include studies of classic and contemporary texts, classroom discussions, out-of-class investigation (field work), and community-based learning opportunities.