DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
ENVIRONMENTAL COURSES
DSE-ENV/1010 - Introduction to Environmental Science
This course examines various physical, biological and cultural problems relative to the environment. Includes topics such as: landscape planning, energy and other resources, population pressure, air/water pollution and public health.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-ENV/1020 - Introduction to Ecology
This course is an introduction to the ecological organization and natural history of marine, terrestrial and freshwater environments. The interrelationships between organisms that live in these three environments will be highlighted and discussed.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-ENV/1110 - Environmental Criminology
The study of environmental harm by a criminological point of view is relatively new. This course will introduce a criminological analytic method to study the different risks connected with criminal activities against the environment, considering also the social constructions of environmental problems. Then the different environmental crimes will be analyzed in depth, considering geographical, political, legal and social issues; the role of organized crime will be examined as well. The course will be completed by a third part on prevention and on the response to environmental harm.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-ENV/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 national and international laws, treaties and conventions on the protection and management of animals, natural resources, water, seas and oceans will be examined. The course will have a particular attention for the specific laws against environmental crimes, mainly the ones against pollution and the misuse of dangerous, pollutant and toxic wastes.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-ENV/1130 - Environment and War
This course will address the relevant issue of 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 will adopt a completely different viewpoint: how and why military operations have proven more and more destructive to the environment. The nature and the features of destruction delivered by armies in war have completely changed according to the technological and organizational evolution of warfare. The student will become familiar with the logistics of modern armies from the mid-XVII century – when the introduction of gunpowder and the creation of modern standing armies dramatically increased the impact of war on the European societies – to the beginning of the XXI. The course will focus also on the limitations imposed by the environment to the military operations, the exploitation of natural resources to supply military activities and the military use of the environment.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-ENV/2230, DSE-PSY/2230 - Psychology of Sustainability
The study of the attitudes, behaviors, and ethics associated with critical environmental problems.
Readings and class discussions apply psychological theories and empirical work to topics such as: the perception of environmental risk, environmental justice and conflict resolution and 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 will focus on worldwide environmental issues as revealed through select case studies in various part of the globe. Great attention will be devoted to the evaluation of the sustainability of different human actions and lifestyles, considering different social and cultural environments and societies. Relevant topic include: food production systems, pollution, deforestation, resource conflicts and many other relevant 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 get information on what kids and teen-agers like or dislike and to drive their purchasing behaviors. The course aimed at raising awareness on potentiality of marketing strategies implemented through sophisticated modalities. The course will take in 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 fulfilling the right of every young citizen. This course will be aimed at providing in-depth knowledge of concepts such as of children's rights in the specific context of urban settlement. Children's rights, such as right to safety, health, education, information, live in an unpolluted environment,
and participate in local communities, will be the basis to analyze a range of international initiatives in the framework of Child Friendly Cities program.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-ENV/2700, DNP-SCI/2700 - Natural Resources
A discussion of natural resources and their management. Students will explore themes such as: the social implications of exploiting the environment, renewable resources, sustainability, and the various types of natural resources, including fossil fuels.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-ENV/2800 - Renewable Energy and Environmental Future
This course focuses on the advantages and limitations that technological solutions have on future resource and environmental problems. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship among population growth, energy-supply activities and the environment.
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/2700 Natural Resources
DSE-ENV/3030, POL-DSE/3030 - Environmental Policy
This course examines the key concepts, players, and issues in environmental policy. Students will evaluate the contributions made by scientific, political, economic, and social systems to present-day environmental policy. Environmental topics include: population growth, natural resource use, global climate change, endangered species protection, and pollution.
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/1010 Introduction to Environmental Science
DSE-ENV/3120 - General Ecology
An investigation into both classical ecology and the new emerging concepts in this discipline.
Topics include: life histories, population growth, competition, sexual selection, symbiosis, predation, disturbance and succession, energy flow and material cycling, biogeography and conservation ecology.
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/1020 Introduction to Ecology or permission of instructor
DSE-ENV/3200 - Environment and Health
This course discusses how environmental problems influence public policy and the health of both humans and ecosystems. Topics include: the scientific basis for the effects of pesticide and other toxic substances, food contamination, water pollution, chemical and radioactive wastes, genetically engineered food, the environmental release of genetically engineered organisms, global warming, and infectious disease emergence.
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/1010 Introduction to Environmental Science or permission of instructor
DSE-ENV/3240 - Environmental Education
This course covers a wide range of subjects such as: environmental and educational philosophies, the basic components of environmental literacy, teaching methods, cognitive development, effective practices for the classroom and nature center and informal education practices. The goal of this course is to prepare students to become communicators and teachers of environmental values, concepts, and issues.
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
Will familiarize the student with the key principles of EU environmental policy and legislation as well as the role that EU institutions play in this field. The course will focus specifically on important focuses of EU environmental law such as air, water, nature, waste, chemicals, 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 plants on pollution reduction are analyzed in relation to various sinks/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 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 are introduced to the techniques and strategies for applying theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. This internship will help students 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
Studies approaches to regulating hazardous chemicals in air, water and food. The course is built around the three general types of interventions that have been practiced by regulatory agencies over the last three decades: shifting to
safer technologies; issuing licenses to pollute in the form of industrial emission permits; and setting standards for air, water and food contaminants. The scientific controversies in setting standards and issuing permits are presented vis-à-vis the legislative mandates, the need for benefit-cost accounting, and scientific uncertainty. The strengths and weaknesses of the command-and-control system versus the incentive-based system with regard to industrial enterprises are also discussed. Emphasizes recent efforts 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 application of ecological principles to restoration. Principles of ecosystem and landscape management, project management, and the integration of ecosystem services into productive landscapes. Policy and planning for mainland and island restoration; evaluation of pest and weed impacts and priorities for control as well as cultural, social and economic considerations.
Prerequisite: 90 credits
DSE-ENV/4300, DSE-ECO/4400 - Corporate Strategies for Environmental & Social Responsibility
"Environmental management" and "corporate social responsibility" have traditionally been viewed as necessary evils that add to the cost structure of business. In this old model, government regulations, threats of consumer boycotts, and other forms of coercive activities are the driving force behind compliance and socially responsible behavior. Many firms have begun to shed this old view of environmental and social issues and are embracing socially responsible behavior as a competitive strategy. This course explores this growing trend and its implications for business in today’s world and beyond. We 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. Particular attention is paid to understanding whether or not these activities provide firms with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Prerequisite: 90 credits
DSE-ENV/4990-4991 - Senior Project
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 a 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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ANTHROPOLOGY COURSES
DSE-ANT/1010 - Intro to Social & Cultural Anthropology
Discusses the major fields of interest and contributions made by social and cultural anthropologists. Accounts of life in different societies will be read to demonstrate how institutions may vary in different cultural settings and to explore what it means to take part in a culture different from one's own.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-ANT/2050 - Anthropology of Business
This course examines business organizations from an anthropological point of view. Using the tools developed by anthropologists, students will study business-related factors, such as productivity, efficiency and the interrelation of a business’ strategy and culture.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-ANT/2070 - Anthropology of Europe
This course examines the contemporary cultures of Europe, with special focus on post-communist Eastern Europe. The cultures studied in depth include: Croatia, Turkish and Finnish enclaves in the Russian Federation, and Britain. An important aspect of this course is the emphasis placed on the tension between nationalism and ethnic identity. Indigenous performing arts will also be highlighted due to their relation to issues of ethnic and national identity.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
DSE-ANT/2240, DSE-ENV/2240 - Environmental Anthropology and Introduction to Sustainability
This course examines the dynamic cultural interaction between human beings and their ecosystems. It will focus on worldwide environmental issues as revealed through select case studies in various part of the globe. Great attention will be devoted to the evaluation of the sustainability of different human actions and lifestyles, considering different social and cultural environments and societies. Relevant topic include: food production systems, pollution, deforestation, resource conflicts and many other relevant themes.
Prerequisite: None.
DSE-ANT/3050 - Urban Anthropology
The lives and difficulties of Third World city dwellers and migrants from Third World countries to Western cities, including Torino. Topics include: urbanization and family life, prejudice and discrimination, ethnicity and class and the culture of poverty. Students will learn and integrate the various methods used by noted urban anthropologists.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
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POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES
DSE-POL/1000 - Political Theory I: Plato to Machiavelli
This course concentrates on the classical and medieval contributors to political discourse such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas, and concludes with early modern thinkers like Machiavelli and Calvin.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-POL/1050 - Political Theory II: Hobbes to the Present
Studies themes characteristic of the last 500 years of political theory such as: liberalism, feminism, nationalism and revolution. Theorists typically read are Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, Marx, and a selected 20th-century theorist.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-POL/1500 - Women and Politics (G)
Examines the private and social roles of women and their integration into politics through various types of analyses (theoretical, empirical and historical).Topics include: changes in the laws affecting women; the impact of feminism on the quality of political discourse/political action and the vexing problem of the "gender gap." (Designated Global Perspectives/Diversity Course)
Prerequisite: None
DSE-POL/1700 - Governments and Politics Worldwide (G)
The course examines parliaments, political parties, elections, legislation, and the formation of governments in different political systems. The ideological foundations of these systems (e.g., liberalism, socialism) will then be discussed. Main topics include: the social, economic, and political priorities set in each political system, their strengths and weaknesses and the impact of structural constraints. (Designated Global Perspectives/Diversity Course)
Prerequisite: None
DSE-POL 2000 - Introduction to International Relations
A theoretical and empirical study of contemporary international relations. Includes topics such as: the balance of power, East-West conflicts and the Cold War, colonialism, the Vietnam War, and the emerging new world order.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-POL/2500 - European Politics
Studies the main political aspects and debates of the European Union. Includes discussions of: the main treaties, the addition of new countries and its effect on the acceleration/deceleration of the integration process, the original EU institutions and countries and their roles and the relationships among them, foreign politics and the EU’s security policy.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-POL/2600 - Political Communication (W)
This course discusses the relationship between mass communication and political science. Themes include: the European political system and the art of diplomacy and communication, the relationship between theoretical reasoning and political rhetoric, the various models of mass communication, strategies used by political parties during electoral campaigns and the "international regime of mass communication". (Designated Writing Intensive Course)
Prerequisite: None
DSE-POL/2800 - Environmental Justice
Studies the impact that environmental laws and policies have on the fair treatment of people of different races and incomes in the United States. Topics include: global climate change, nuclear energy, and public responsibility.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-POL/3000 - Introduction to United States Politics
An introduction to the institutional and ideological components of the American political system. Emphasis will be placed on the broad spectrum of values and power sources that, when placed together, support and challenge the foundations of American pluralism.
Prerequisite: DSE-POL/1050 Political Theory II: Hobbes to the Present
DSE-POL/3100 - Politics and Government in Italy
A survey of Italian politics, beginning from 1870 through the fascist period. The course will then concentrate on the post-war period, the 40-year dominance of the Christian Democrats, the changes brought about by the coming of "Mani Pulite" (clean hands) and the politics of the 90's. The following topics will be discussed: problems involving southern Italy, the Italian economy, national terrorism, Italian politics and the role that Italy has in the balance of power in the Mediterranean and in Europe.
Prerequisite: Lower level Political Science survey course.
DSE-POL/3200 - Western European Politics and Government
This course will familiarize students with the major social and political features of contemporary Italy, France, Germany and Spain and the European Union. The goal of this course is to understand and explain how political strategies differ and are similar in these major European states within the EU. Improving their knowledge of politics and government in societies other than their own will enable students to better understand the political world in which they live as well as its roots, its tensions, and its prospects.
Prerequisite: Lower level Political Science survey course.
DSE-POL/3030, DSE-ENV/3030 - Environmental Policy
This course examines the key concepts, players, and issues in environmental policy. Students will evaluate the contributions made by scientific, political, economic, and social systems to present-day environmental policy. Environmental topics include: population growth, natural resource use, global climate change, endangered species protection, and pollution.
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/1010 Introduction to Environmental Science
DSE-POL/3400, DSE-ENV/3500 - Environmental Policy and the European Union
Will familiarize the student with the key principles of EU environmental policy and legislation as well as the role that EU institutions play in this field. The course will focus specifically on important focuses of EU environmental law such as air, water, nature, waste, chemicals, and industrial pollution
Prerequisite: DSE-ENV/3030 Environmental Policy
DSE-POL/3500 - Law, Energy, and the Environment
This course examines legal and economic issues implicated in a hydrocarbon society’s dilemma. Topics discussed are: oil politics, regulatory limitation, and environmental legislative activism.
Prerequisite: An introductory course in environmental science is recommended.
DSE-POL/3600 - Global Poverty and International Responsibility (G)
This course studies the scope and distribution of global poverty. Topics include: political and cultural factors that cause or aggravate this problem in developing countries, economic and political aspects of globalization, the impact of international organizations, development strategies, and relief efforts. (Designated Global Perspectives/Diversity Course)
Prerequisite: Lower level Political Science survey course.
DSE-POL/4100 - Urban Government
An examination of the urban political system. Stress on the political aspects of urban government structures. Includes: formal and informal decision-making in urban government, community power structures, types of urban government structures, the politics of intergovernmental relations and the politics of servicing the urban environment (social services, planning agencies, education, housing, transportation, health, pollution control and ecology, revenue sharing, public safety, neighborhood corporations, etc)
Prerequisite: 90 credits
DSE-POL/4200 - Nuclear Energy and Society
Explores the relationship between nuclear energy--science, technology, and products-- and society--national, local, and global. Gives detailed attention to the discovery of nuclear fission and its exploitation during World War II and after, culminating in the contemporary nuclear arms race. Examines the emergence and growth of nuclear power and the rise of the controversy over its safety, security, and economy. Considers the risks of continued proliferation, the prospects for arms control and the ``peaceful atom,'' and the chances for survival in a nuclear world.
Prerequisite: Lower level Political Science survey course, at least one Plitical course at the 2000 level or above and 90 credits.
DSE-POL/4300 - Water Politics
Water-related political and legal issues. Emphasis on conflict and cooperation in the distribution and allocation of water resources. May focus on local, state, regional, national and/or international issues.
Prerequisite: 90 credits
DSE-POL/4400 - Technological Approaches to Mitigation of Climate Change
A variety of technological approaches have been proposed to mitigate the risks posed by human-induced climate change. Prominent among these are carbon sequestration mechanisms. In addition, the hydrogen fuel cell might replace fossil fuels in distributed energy generation. In this seminar, we explore these emerging technologies and consider the technological limitations, the geological and ecological consequences, and the political and economic implications.
Prerequisite: 90 credits
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SOCIOLOGY COURSES
DSE-SOC/1010 - Principles in Sociology
A study of the theories and ideas behind sociological analysis, spanning various subjects such as education, stratification, political and economic systems and methods of social research and investigation.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-SOC/1100 - Sociology Through Film
A study of classic and modern works of cinema using sociological principles. This course has the goal of investigating the human condition in various situations and in different historical and cultural contexts. The aim of this course is to allow the student to apply the principles of sociology to everyday life.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-SOC/2050 - Culture, Consumption, and the City
An examination into the development of consumer culture and consumer society with emphasis on topics such as: significant changes in industries and cities, materialism, the street as a site for identity, the environmental and social consequences of consumerism and neighborhoods as context spaces.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-SOC/ 3100 - Technology, Values, and Society
This course examines various aspects of technology such as: technology’s sociological relationship with mankind, its values in terms of energy sources, automation, environmental issues, alternative technologies, workers’ control and technological ethics.
Prerequisite: Lower level Sociology course
DSE-SOC/3200 - Contemporary American Society
This course will introduce the student to various critical social features of the United States that involve government programs, business corporations, race and gender differences, the education system, employment, political movements and cultural participation. Though these, the student will have a better understanding of the structure and character of American society.
Prerequisite: Lower level Sociology course
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PSYCHOLOGY COURSES
DSE-PSY/2230, DSE-ENV/2230 - Psychology of Sustainability
The study of the attitudes, behaviors, and ethics associated with critical environmental problems.
Readings and class discussions apply psychological theories and empirical work to topics such as: the perception of environmental risk, environmental justice and conflict resolution and psychological benefits of sustainability.
Prerequisite: None
DSE-PSY/2250, DSE-ENV/2250 - The Role of Children and Adolescents in the Consumerism Era
The course focuses on recent formal and informal techniques developed by marketers to get information on what kids and teen-agers like or dislike and to drive their purchasing behaviors. The course aimed at raising awareness on potentiality of marketing strategies implemented through sophisticated modalities. The course will take in consideration environmental and psychological implications of consumerism.
Prerequisite: None
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