St. John International University (SJIU) is a new American free-standing university in Vinovo-Torino (Turin), Italy. SJIU offers study abroad, undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the areas of art history, business administration, environmental architecture, environmental studies and film studies. As an American liberal arts college, SJIU provides students from across the globe the skills and tools necessary to be successful and competitive in today's job market. SJIU is dedicated to promoting humanism, fostering respect for the fundamental rights of the individual, emphasizing research, and instilling awareness of our physical and cultural surroundings. Through its high quality academic curriculum, SJIU prepares graduates to share the responsibility that each of us has towards our natural and social worlds.
  D E P T .    S O C I A L    A N D    E N V I R O N M E N T A L    S C I E N C E  
   
 

 

Anthropology Courses
Environmental Courses
Law Courses
Political Science Courses
Psychology Courses
Sociology Courses

Anthropology Courses

DSE-ANT/1010 - Intro to Social & Cultural Anthropology
This course examines the major fields of interest and the contributions made by social and cultural anthropologists in the past years. The everyday life, traditions, religious habits, social behaviors and cultural aspects of different societies, various in time and space,  are analyzed to demonstrate how institutions may vary in different cultural and geographical settings.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-ANT/2050 - Anthropology of Business
This course examines the business world and organizations from an anthropological viewpoint. Using the scientific analytic tools developed by anthropologists, students will examine business-related factors, such as productivity, efficiency and the interrelationships between business strategy and culture.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-ANT/2070 - Anthropology of Europe
This course examines the contemporary cultures of Europe, paying special attention to the post-communist Eastern Europe. An important aspect of this course is the emphasis placed on the tension between nationalism and ethnic identity, and its connection to the actual European society. In particular, issues connected with the different ethnic identities in the Balkans, and their relevance at an European and global international level, will be examined. Great attention is also paid to the issues connected with the recent migration flows to and from Europe.
Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

DSE-ENV/2240, DSE-ANT/2240 - Environmental Anthropology and Introduction to Sustainability
This course examines the dynamic cultural interaction between human beings and their ecosystems. It focuses on worldwide environmental issues, using select case studies in various parts of the globe. Great attention will be devoted to evaluating the sustainability of different human actions and lifestyles, considering dissimilar societies and socio-cultural environments. Relevant topics include: food production systems, pollution, deforestation, resource conflicts and many other themes.
Prerequisite: None.

DSE-ANT/3050 - Urban Anthropology
This course focuses mainly on the lives and difficulties of Third World migrants moving from their countries to the Western Ones. Urbanization and family life, prejudice and discrimination, ethnicity, class and the culture of poverty are deeply analyzed. Students will learn to use the most updated tools adopted by contemporary urban anthropologists.
Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

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Environmental Courses

DSE-ENV/1010 - Introduction to Environmental Science
During this course different physical, biological and cultural issues connected to the environment are examined. The course includes topics such as energy and other resources, population pressure, air and water pollution, intensive farming and agriculture, and public health.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-ENV/1020 - Introduction to Ecology
This course is a general and fundamental introduction to the basic concepts of ecological organization and to the natural history of marine, terrestrial and freshwater environments. The concepts of Ecology and Ecosystem and the scientific description of Biome are analyzed in depth; moreover,  interrelationships between different organisms living in the Three environments are highlighted and discussed.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-ENV/1130 - Environment and War
This course addresses the impact of war on the environment. Academic literature on the subject is scarce and mainly focused on the pollution caused by military activity. This course adopts a completely different viewpoint. It focuses on how and why military operations have become increasingly destructive towards the environment. The nature and the features of the destruction delivered by armies in war have completely changed, due to the technological and organizational evolution of warfare. The student will become familiar with the logistics of modern armies from the mid-XVII century to the beginning of the XXI. The course will also focus on the limitations imposed by the environment on military operations, the exploitation of natural resources, and the military use of the environment.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-ENV/2100, DHM-PHI/2100 - Environmental Ethics
This is an attempt to consider the value of environmental policies through the study of the major traditions in moral philosophy. It will raise questions about mankind's relationship with nature, animals' rights and our obligations to future generations in regards to the environment. It will also discuss the importance of the social and political institutions that affect it.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-ENV/2230, DSE-PSY/2230 - Psychology of Sustainability
During this course the attitudes, behaviors, and ethics associated with critical environmental problems are analyzed. Readings and class discussions will apply psychological theories and empirical work to topics such as the perception of environmental risk, the perception of the environment and the psychological benefits of sustainability.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-ENV/2240, DSE-ANT/2240 - Environmental Anthropology and Introduction to Sustainability
This course examines the dynamic cultural interaction between human beings and their ecosystems. It focuses on worldwide environmental issues, using select case studies in various parts of the globe. Great attention will be devoted to evaluating the sustainability of different human actions and lifestyles, considering dissimilar societies and socio-cultural environments. Relevant topics include: food production systems, pollution, deforestation, resource conflicts and many other themes.
Prerequisite: None.

DSE-ENV/2250, PSY-EPE/2250 - The Role of Children and Adolescents in the Consumerism Era
The course focuses on recent formal and informal techniques developed by marketers to obtain information about the likes and dislikes of kids and teenagers, and to learn what drives their purchasing behaviors. The course aims at raising awareness of the potential of marketing strategies implemented through sophisticated modalities. The course will take into consideration environmental and psychological implications of consumerism.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-ENV/2260 - Child-friendly Environment
UNICEF's Child Friendly Cities program is actively engaged in protecting the rights of every young citizen. This course will provide an in-depth knowledge of concepts, such as children's rights in the specific context of urban settlement. These rights include: the right to safety, health, education, information, the right to live in an unpolluted environment, and to participate in local communities. We will also analyse international initiatives within the framework of the Child Friendly Cities program.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-ENV/2700, DNP-SCI/2700 - Natural Resources
This course is a global discussion about natural resources and their management. Students will explore themes such as the social, scientific and political implications of exploiting the environment, the use and abuse of renewable resources, the various types of natural resources, including fossil fuels. and their relations with the concept of sustainability.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-ENV/2800 - Renewable Energy and Environmental Future
This course consist in a in depth study of the advantages and limitations that technological solutions have on future resources and environmental problems. Main focuses of the course are population growth and energy-supply activities (mainly connected with the exploitation of renewable energy resources) in connection with sustainability.
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/2700 Natural Resources

DSE-ENV/3030 - Environmental Policy
This course analyses the key concepts, main players, and issues in environmental policy. Students will examine the contributions made by scientific, political, economic, and social systems to present-day environmental policy. The course focuses on the topic of global climate change and its connections with future political challenges.
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/1010 Introduction to Environmental Science

DSE-ENV/3120 - General Ecology
During this course an investigation into both classical ecology and the new emerging concepts in the field is carried on. Students will examine the main topic in Ecology as population growth, competition, sexual selection, symbiosis, predation, disturbance and succession.
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/1020 Introduction to Ecology or permission of instructor

DSE-ENV/3200 - Environment and Health
This course discusses how environmental problems influence both public policy and the health and well-being of human beings. The course examines the scientific basis for the negative effects of pesticide and other commonly used toxic substances, food contamination, water pollution, chemical and radioactive wastes, genetically engineered food, the environmental release of genetically engineered organisms, and global warming.
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/1010 Introduction to Environmental Science or permission of instructor

DSE-ENV/3240 - Environmental Education
This course analyses subjects such as the environmental and educational philosophies, the basic components of environmental literacy, teaching methods, cognitive development and effective practices for the classroom in the field of environmental education. The goal of this course is to prepare students to become communicators and educators in the field of sustainability, and environmental values and concepts.
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/1010 Introduction to Environmental Science and at least sophomore standing, or permission of instructor

DSE-ENV/3500, DSE-POL/3400 Environmental Policy and the European Union
During this course the student will examine the key principles of EU environmental policy and legislation as well as the role that EU institutions play in this field. The course focuses specifically on important issues in the EU environmental law such as air and water quality, waste (most of all toxic and dangerous Ones), and industrial pollution.
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/3030Environmental Policy

DSE-ENV/3800, DAP-ECD/3800 - Landscaping for environmental impact mitigation
Landscape, particularly at an urban level, has a significant role in mitigating the adverse impacts of anthropogenic activities on the environment. In this course, the main effects of different kind of plants in reducing pollution are examined in connection to various elements: air, water, soil, sound. Criteria, methods, and techniques to select proper species and design configuration for the mitigation needs of site and local context are taught.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-ENV/3900 - Independent Study
Students with special interests may study independently under the sponsorship of a qualified faculty member. Independent study in general subjects is permitted only if the board of study offers no formal course covering the material. Independent study may not be substituted for any course specifically required.
Prerequisite: students must possess a GPA of at least 3.00 and they must have obtained 60 credits upon permission of department

DSE-ENV/3980 - Internship in Environmental Studies
Students will apply the acquired theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, experimenting a "job-like" environment. This internship will help students to make wise career decisions and will provide contacts for potential post-baccalaureate employment.
Prerequisite: Junior standing

DSE-ENV/4100, DNP-SCI/4100 - Management of Environmental Pollutants
This course  examines the different approaches to regulating hazardous chemicals in air, water and food. It is built around the main types of interventions that have been practiced by U.S. national regulatory agencies over the last Three decades: shifting to "cleaner" technologies; issuing licenses to pollute in the form of industrial emission permits; and setting standards for air, water and food contaminants. The course also studies the recent efforts made to decrease government involvement in corporate environmental management and to shift towards an incentive-based regulatory system. While focus is on public policies in the United States, international comparisons with Western European and Eastern European countries are included.
Prerequisite: 90 credits

DSE-ENV/4200, DAP-EDC/4200 - Ecological Restoration and Management
The course analyses the most recent applications of ecological principles to restoration. It examines the main principles of ecosystem and landscape management, connected project management, and the integration of ecosystem services into productive landscapes. The course also includes policy and planning for mainland and island restoration, evaluation of pest impacts and priorities for control as well as cultural, social and  economic considerations.
Prerequisite: 90 credits

DSE-ENV/4300, DBE-BUS/4400 - Corporate Strategies for Environmental & Social Responsibility
This course explores the growing trend and unique opportunities generated by developing an "Environmentally-conscious management" and a strong "corporate social responsibility" approach in business organizations. have traditionally been viewed as necessary. Many firms are learning the lesson and are starting to view environmental and social issues as a great opportunity and embracing socially responsible behavior as a competitive strategy. In this course student will explore what leading companies are doing in areas such as fair wages, privacy concerns, affirmative action, sexual harassment, employee rights, worker safety, consumer safety, animal testing, human rights and environmental considerations. The course covers both traditional business strategy topics and new and emerging environmental and social responsibility strategies. Particular attention is paid to understanding how these activities are providing firms with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Prerequisite: 90 credits and permission of instructor

DSE-ENV/4990-4991 - Senior Project
This project consists of a Two-semester independent study leading to a senior thesis. The project and thesis may take One of several forms: students may join in the faculty sponsor's research, pursuing an identifiable problem; or choose a topic for critical review in the literature. Students with a special interest not represented by a faculty member may find research project supervisors in another board of study or at another institution, subject to approval of and sponsorship by an SJIU faculty member.
Prerequisite: 90 credits
Credits: 8 credits total (4 credits per semester. It is not possible to receive credit for the first semester until the second is completed).

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Law Courses

DSE-LAW/1030 - International Law
The course will introduce the students to the fundamental concepts and topics of public international law and of the international legal system.  During the course, the main topics in this field, such as the sources and subjects of international law, the jurisdiction of states, international law and the use of force, and the relationship between international law and the internal law of states, will be examine.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-LAW/1120 - Environmental Law
The study of the national and international laws regarding the environment is fundamental to analyze the risks and the opportunities in the modern environment "management". In this course the main U.S. national and international laws, treaties and conventions on the protection and management of natural resources, water, seas and oceans are examined. The course has a particular attention for the specific laws against environmental crimes, mainly the ones regarding pollution and the disposal of dangerous, pollutant and toxic wastes.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-LAW/2800 - Environmental Justice
During this course the students will examine the impact that environmental laws and rules have on the fair treatment of people of different races and incomes both at a U.S. national and at an international level. The topic is examined by different viewpoints, studying  phenomena such as nuclear, toxic and dangerous waste treatment and disposal, global climate change, population growth, and so on.
Prerequisite: DSE-LAW/1120 - Environmental Law

DSE-LAW/2820 - Law, Hazardous Materials and Waste
During this course the students will examine the different laws and rules, both at a U.S. national and at an international level, regarding the production, handling and disposal of hazardous, toxic and dangerous materials and waste. This broad topic will be examined by different viewpoints, analyzing different case studies and past environmental disasters connected with the illegal/wrong handling of these particular materials.
Prerequisite: DSE-LAW/1120 - Environmental Law

DSE-LAW/2830 - Law and Marine Environment
During this course the students will examine, by a legal viewpoint, the issue of high seas biodiversity and, specifically, high seas fisheries and marine resources and international current policy and legal issues and responses. The course will focus on existing international treaties regarding the Oceans and the sea resources, and their relevance and enforcement. Students will analyze a number of problems connected with the "use" of the marine environment, with a particular emphasis on policy options.
Prerequisite: DSE-LAW/1120 - Environmental Law

DSE-LAW/3500 - Law, Energy, and the Environment
This course examines cultural, legal, political and economic issues connected with the massive use of fossil fuels made in our societies. Special attention is devoted to oil politics, national and international laws and treaties concerning fossil fuels, environmental consequences and sustainable alternatives.
Prerequisite: An introductory course in Environmental Science is recommended DSE-LAW/1120 - Environmental Law and DSE-LAW/2800 - Environmental Justice

DSE-LAW/4000 - Environmental Criminology
The study of environmental harm from a criminological point of view is relatively new. This course introduces a criminological analytic method to study the risks connected with criminal activities against the environment, while also considering the social constructions of environmental problems. The different environmental crimes will be analyzed in depth, considering geographical, political, legal and social issues. The role of organized crime will also be examined. Finally, we will focus on the prevention and response to environmental harm.
Prerequisite: DSE-LAW/1120 - Environmental Law and DSE-LAW/2800 - Environmental Justice

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Political Science Courses

DSE-POL/1000 - Political Theory I: Plato to Machiavelli
This course examines the theories of the classical and medieval Western contributors to political ideas. It starts from the origin of the Western political discourse (with Plato, Aristotle, Augustine) and concludes with early modern thinkers like Machiavelli and Calvin.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-POL/1050 - Political Theory II: Hobbes to the Present
This course studies themes characteristic of the last 500 years of Western political theory such as liberalism, nationalism and revolution. During the course, the main books written by Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, Marx, and a selected 20th-century theorist are examined.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-POL/1500 - Women and Politics (G)
This course analyses the roles of women and their integration into politics by different viewpoints (social, empirical, cultural and historical).The impact of feminist theories on the quality of political discourse and action is examined as well. (Designated Global Perspectives/Diversity Course).
Prerequisite: None

DSE-POL/1700 - Governments and Politics Worldwide (G)
During this course the students will analyze parliaments, political parties, elections, legislation, and the formation of governments in different political systems worldwide. The course will then examine the social, economic, and political priorities set in each political system, and their social, cultural and historical relevance. (Designated Global Perspectives/Diversity Course)
Prerequisite: None

DSE-POL 2000 - Introduction to International Relations
This course will help the students to develop an in depth analysis of contemporary international relations. During the course, main concepts in the field of international relations (such as the balance of power) are examined, as well as issues connected with  the emerging of a new world order and new international political actors.
Perquisite: None

DSE-POL/2500 - European Politics
This course analyses the main political issues inside the European Union. It examines the main treaties, the role of the new member countries and the European integration process, as well as the European foreign politics and the security legislation.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-POL/2600 - Political Communication (W)
This course examines the interconnections between mass communication and political science. It discusses the European as well as the U.S. political system and the main issues in political communication strategies. Moreover, it analyses particular cases of means and tools adopted during selected electoral campaigns.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-POL/3000 - Introduction to United States Politics
This course introduces a general analysis to the American political system. It is focused mainly on the sources of the different powers, their origin by an historical and social viewpoint, and the specific role of the American Constitution.
Prerequisite: DSE-POL/1050 - Political Theory II: Hobbes to the Present

DSE-POL/3100 - Politics and Government in Italy
This course introduces a general overview of the Italian politics, beginning from the birth of the Italian State (XIX century) through the Fascism. Examining main issues as the problems connected with southern Italy, the left and right wings terrorism, and the Italian economy, the course analyses the post II World War period, until the relevant political changes of the 90s.
Prerequisite: Lower level Political Science survey course.

DSE-POL/3200 - Western European Politics and Government
This course analyses the major social, cultural and political features of contemporary Italy, France, Germany and Spain, and the connected policies by the European Union. The course is focused on the differences and similarities among these countries and their political role inside the European Union, helping the students to better understand the relevance of some of the first European Union member countries.
Prerequisite: Lower level Political Science survey course.

DSE-POL/3400, DSE-ENV/3500 - Environmental Policy and the European Union
During this course the student will examine the key principles of EU environmental policy and legislation as well as the role that EU institutions play in this field. The course focuses specifically on important issues in the EU environmental law such as air and water quality, waste (most of all toxic and dangerous Ones), and industrial pollution.
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/3030 - Environmental Policy

DSE-POL/3600 - Global Poverty and International Responsibility (G)
This course examines the actual extent and distribution of global poverty. Students will analyze the social, political and cultural factors enhancing this problem in developing as well as in developed countries, the different aspects and consequences of globalization, and the action of NGOs and other kind of international organizations in this field. (Designated Global Perspectives/Diversity Course.)
Prerequisite: Lower level Political Science survey course.

DSE-POL/4100 - Urban Government
This course examines the various urban political systems. Analyzing the different types of urban government structures, the course examines as well the politics of servicing the urban environment (social services, education, housing, transportation, health, pollution control and ecology, and so on).
Prerequisite: 90 credits

DSE-POL/4200 - Nuclear Energy and Society
This course examines mainly the relationship between Nuclear Energy and science and society. Particular attention is devoted to the political and economic aspects of the use of Nuclear Energy. The course explains the historical origins of the use of this particular kind of energy resource and of the scientific discoveries and researches connected to it. It analyses the different use of Nuclear resources for civil purposes as well as for military Ones.
Prerequisite: Lower level Political Science survey course, at least One Political course at the 2000 level or above and 90 credits.

DSE-POL/4300 - Water Politics
The course focuses on water-related social, political and legal issues. Great attention is devoted to the conflicts and cooperation in the distribution and allocation of water resources in developing as well as in developed countries. During the course, detailed case histories from all over the world are presented to the students.
Prerequisite: 90 credits

DSE-POL/4400 - Technological Approaches to Mitigation of Climate Change
During this course the students will examine the different technological approaches proposed to mitigate the risks posed by human-induced climate change. The course starts with the analysis of the actual climate changes, their causes and effects, and mainly of the role of human activities in causing these changes. The second part of the course is focused mainly on the yet adopted as well as on proposed technological solutions to mitigate the risks posed worldwide by these climate changes.
Prerequisite: 90 credits

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Psychology Courses

DSE-PSY/2230, DSE-ENV/2230 - Psychology of Sustainability
During this course the attitudes, behaviors, and ethics associated with critical environmental problems will be analyzed. Readings and class discussions will apply psychological theories and empirical work to topics such as: the perception of environmental risk, the perception of the environment and the psychological benefits of sustainability.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-ENV/2250, PSY-EPE/2250 - The Role of Children and Adolescents in the Consumerism Era
The course focuses on recent formal and informal techniques developed by marketers to obtain information about the likes and dislikes of kids and teenagers, and to learn what drives their purchasing behaviors. The course aims at raising awareness of the potential of marketing strategies implemented through sophisticated modalities. The course will take into consideration environmental and psychological implications of consumerism.
Prerequisite: None

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Sociology Courses

DSE-SOC/1010 - Principles in Sociology
This course studies the theories and ideas behind sociological analysis. The origins of the discipline are examined in depth, through the study of the work of some of the most relevant Western sociologists. The students will learn to use the basic sociological tools for analysis and research, familiarizing with the main sociological concepts and definitions.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-SOC/1100 - Sociology Through Film
This course proposes a study of classic and modern films and documentaries using sociological tools. It has the main aim of investigating the human condition in different historical and cultural contexts, applying the principles of sociology to everyday life.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-SOC/2050 - Culture, Consumption, and the City
This course examines the development of consumer culture and consumer society. The course focuses on the developed Western societies, but analysis of consumer culture in the developing countries are included as well. The main changes in industries and cities, materialism, and social consequences of consumerism are analyzed in details.
Prerequisite: None

DSE-SOC/ 3100 - Technology, Values, and Society
This course examines various aspects of technology and its main relationship with mankind. The value of technology in terms of energy resources is deeply analyzed, focusing on new technologies connected with sustainability values and principles. Issues of technological ethics are examined as well.
Prerequisite: Lower level Sociology course

DSE-SOC/3200 - Contemporary American Society
During this course, the students will examine different critical social features of the United States. The main focus of the course are  actual U.S. government programs, the role of business corporations, problems arising from race and gender differences, the increasing unemployment rate and the various political movements and organizations.
Prerequisite: Lower level Sociology course

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