Earth Science and Environmental Studies are focused on the study of human interactions with the earth and its environments.
253.535.7744 | www.plu.edu/earth-science/ | lechlear@plu.edu |
Alex Lechler, Ph.D., Chair |
The major and minor in Earth Science focus on the scientific study of the processes that shape the earth. The program offers courses that explore earth materials and what they can tell us about past climates, tectonic activity, and mountain building. We also study natural hazards and other processes that shape earth’s surface and how they affect human societies.
253.535.7565 | www.plu.edu/environmental-studies/ | behrenmd@plu.edu |
Michael Behrens, Ph.D., Director |
The major and minor in Environmental Studies examines the complex relationships between humans and the environment by exploring multiple disciplinary perspectives through elective courses from the Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. A required course in Environmental Justice critically interprets values and assumptions that structure communities and their relationships to the earth’s ecosystem with special attention to the history of colonialism and capitalism. In ENVT 350: Environmental Methods of Investigation, students study and apply diverse disciplinary frameworks and methodologies toward an integrated understanding of the local Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Major in Earth Science
34 semester hours in the following earth science courses, plus 4 semester hours in supporting courses
The bachelor of arts degree is the minimum preparation for the field and is best combined with other degree programs, such as another major or minor. Students interested in Earth Science and completing a bachelor of arts in education often combine it with this degree.
- Required: ESCI 201, 401, 498, 499
- 8 semester hours from: ESCI 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, or 109
- 16 semester hours from: ESCI 325, 327, 331, 332, 336, 345, or 387/388/389
- Required supporting non-earth science course: CHEM 104 or CHEM 115
- Recommended: Geologic Field Experience
- Course selections should reflect a student’s interests and are discussed with an advisor
- All courses taken for the major must be completed with a grade of C- or higher
Major in Environmental Studies
40 semester hours, completed with a grade of C- or higher and with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher in those courses.
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- Multidisciplinary Courses in Environmental Studies
4 semester hours
By examining the broad dimensions of environmental studies, these courses present various perspectives that highlight the complex relationships between people and the environment and that transcend the boundaries of any particular discipline. Students select one of the following multidisciplinary courses that anchor their understanding of environmental issues. The course should be completed prior to enrolling in either ENVT 350 or 499A.-
- ECON 101: Principles of Microeconomics (4)
- ESCI 104: Conservation of Natural Resources (4)
- RELI 239: Environment and Culture (4)
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- Disciplinary Breadth in Environmental Studies Each course explores the key content, ways of inquiry, conceptual framework and modes of communication of the discipline. Students take courses from each of three areas of study that provide an in-depth exposure to environmental issues within a discipline.
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- The Environment and Science
8 semester hours
These courses emphasize the understanding of scientific knowledge that underpins environmental issues. The interpretation and presentation of data along with concepts of science are stressed. Students select two courses (from two different departments) from the following:-
- BIOL 116: Introductory Ecology (4)
- BIOL 367: Conservation Biology & Management* (4)
- BIOL 368: Ecology* (4)
- BIOL 369: Marine Biology* (4)
- CHEM 104: Environmental Chemistry# (4)
- ESCI 103: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Geological Hazards (4)
- ESCI 109: The Geology of Energy (4)
- ESCI 332: Geomorphology* (4)
- NSCI 350: STEM Education Partnership (4)
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- The Environment and Society
8 semester hours
These courses focus on the understanding of the institutions within which environmental decisions are made and investigate the implementation and implications of environmental decisions. The courses also consider how human communities have shaped and been shaped by their environment and how these relationships have changed over time. Students select two courses (from two different departments) from the following:-
- ANTH 368: Edible Landscapes, The Foraging Spectrum (4)
- ECON 215: Investigating Environmental & Economic Change in Europe* (4)
- ECON 313: Environmental Economics* (4)
- HIST 351: History of Western and Pacific Northwestern United States (4)
- HIST 370: Environmental History of the US (4)
- POLS 346: Environmental Politics and Policy (4)
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- The Environment and Sensibility
8 semester hours
These courses examine the ways in which nature shapes and is shaped by human consciousness and perception. The courses critically interpret the values and assumptions that structure human communities and their relationships with the earth’s ecosystems. Students select two courses (from two different departments) from the following:-
- ENGL 234: Environmental Literature (4)
- ENGL 394: Studies in Literature and the Environment (4)
- PHIL 226: Environmental Ethics (4)
- PHIL 327: Environmental Philosophy (4)
- RELI 236: Native American Religious Traditions (4)
- RELI 257: Christian Theology (4)
(when topic is “Green Theology” only)
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- The Environment and Science
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- Environmental Justice
4 semester hours
These courses examine intersections between environmental degradation and structural discrimination and how Indigenous and/or minoritized communities live in and experience these intersections. The courses critically interpret values and assumptions that structure human communities and their relationships to the earth’s ecosystem with special attention to the history of colonialism and capitalism, questions of racism, sexism, xenophobia, and/or speciesism, the exclusions of minoritized communities from environmentalist movements and the survivance and resistance of such communities at theses intersections. Students select one course from the following:-
- NAIS 244: Environmental Justice and Indigenous People (4)
- RELI 365: Climate Justice (4)
- RELI 397: Indigenous Religions and Cultures of the Pacific Northwest (4)
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- Interdisciplinary Advanced Courses in Environmental Studies
8 semester hours
Each student will complete these three synthesis courses that integrate methods and content of various academic perspectives to develop approaches to complex environmental challenges. The courses serve to raise questions, create products or produce explanations that cannot be addressed within the framework of a particular discipline.-
- ENVT 350: Environmental Methods of Investigation (4)
- ENVT 499A: Capstone: Senior Project (1)
- ENVT 499B: Capstone: Senior Project (3)
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- Multidisciplinary Courses in Environmental Studies
Additional Requirements for an Environmental Studies Major
- A complementary major or minor in another discipline
- A minimum of 20 semester hours of upper-division coursework in the environmental studies major
Minors
Earth Science
16 semester hours
The minor is for students with another major who are interested in geology but do not have space to complete a second major.
- 4 semester hours from: ESCI 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, or 109
- ESCI 201
- A minimum of eight upper-division semester hours of earth science courses
- All courses for the minor must be completed with a grade of C or higher
Environmental Studies
24 semester hours, completed with a grade of C- or higher and with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher in those courses
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- Multidisciplinary Courses in Environmental Studies
4 semester hours
Students select one of the following multidisciplinary courses that anchor their understanding of environmental issues. This course should be completed prior to enrolling in ENVT 350.- ECON 101: Principles of Microeconomics (4)
- ESCI 104: Conservation of Natural Resources (4)
- RELI 239: Environment and Culture (4)
- The Environment and Science
4 semester hours
Students select one course from the following that examine the scientific foundations of environmental issues:- BIOL 116: Introductory Ecology (4)
- BIOL 367: Conservation Biology and Management* (4)
- BIOL 368: Ecology* (4)
- BIOL 369: Marine Biology* (4)
- CHEM 104: Environmental Chemistry# (4)
- ESCI 103: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Geological Hazards (4)
- ESCI 109: The Geology of Energy (4)
- ESCI 332: Geomorphology* (4)
- NSCI 350: STEM Education Partnership (4)
- The Environment and Society
4 semester hours
Students select one course from the following that pursue the study of institutions where environmental perspectives and policies are applied and how these have changed over time:- ANTH 368: Edible Landscapes, The Foraging Spectrum (4)
- ECON 215: Investigating Environmental & Economic Change in Europe* (4)
- ECON 313: Environmental Economics* (4)
- HIST 351: History of Western and Pacific Northwestern United States (4)
- HIST 370: Environmental History of the U.S. (4)
- POLI 346: Environmental Politics and Policy (4)
- The Environment and Sensibility
4 semester hours
Students select one course from the following that examine the ways in which nature shapes and is shaped by human consciousness and perception:- ENGL 234: Environmental Literature (4)
- ENGL 394: Studies in Literature and the Environment (4)
- PHIL 226: Environmental Ethics (4)
- PHIL 327: Environmental Philosophy (4)
- RELI 236: Native American Religious Traditions (4)
- RELI 257: Christian Theology (4)
(when topic is “Green Theology” only)
- Environmental Justice
4 semester hours
Students select one course from the following that examine intersections between environmental degradation and structural discrimination and how Indigenous and/or minoritized communities live in and experience these intersections:
- NAIS 244: Environmental Justice and Indigenous Peoples (4)
- RELI 365: Climate Justice (4)
- RELI 397: Indigenous Religions and Cultures of the Pacific Northwest (4)
- Environmental Methods of Investigation
4 semester hours- ENVT 350: Environmental Methods of Investigation (4)
- Multidisciplinary Courses in Environmental Studies
Courses listed below denoted with an asterisk (*) require completion of all necessary prerequisites. In consultation with the director of the Environmental Studies Program, students majoring in a natural science discipline and who have taken a higher level CHEM course (115 or above) will be allowed to substitute another course in place of any courses listed below denoted with a pound sign (#).
Earth Science (ESCI) - Undergraduate Courses
ESCI 102 : General Oceanography - NW
Oceanography and its relationship to other fields; physical, chemical, biological, climatic, and geological aspects of the sea. Includes labs and field trips. (4)
ESCI 103 : Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Geologic Hazards - NW
Study of the geologic environment and its relationship to humans, with emphasis on geologic features and processes that create hazards when encroached upon by human activity; including, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and avalanches, and solutions to problems created by these hazards. Includes labs and field trips. (4)
ESCI 104 : Conservation of Natural Resources - NW
Principles and problems of public and private stewardship of our resources with special reference to the Pacific Northwest. Includes labs and field trips. (4)
ESCI 106 : Geology of National Parks - NW
Study of the significant geologic features, processes, and history as illustrated by selected National Parks. Relationship between human history and geology and the impact of geology on our lives will be included. (4)
ESCI 107 : Global Climate Changes - NW
A survey of current climate change research. Students will develop and apply a fundamental understanding of earth systems through evaluation of geologic and other scientific evidence for long- and short-term climate change. (4)
ESCI 109 : The Geology of Energy - NW
Geoscientific exploration of natural systems and processes that create non-renewable and renewable energy resources. Issues of extraction and exploitation of diverse energy resources in a global context. Includes labs. (4)
ESCI 201 : Geologic Principles - NW
This course prepares students for upper-division classes in earth science by investigating earth materials and tectonic processes across spatial scales from the microscopic to the planetary and through geologic time. Emphasis is placed on learning how to form and answer geologically appropriate questions. Includes labs and field trips outside of class time. This course meets state education certification requirements for content in physical and historical geology. (4)
ESCI 287 : Special Topics in Earth Science
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ESCI 288 : Special Topics in Earth Science
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ESCI 289 : Special Topics in Earth Science
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ESCI 291 : Directed Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
ESCI 325 : Structural Geology
The form and spatial relationships of various rock masses and an introduction to rock deformation; consideration of basic processes to understand mountain building and continental formation; laboratory emphasizes practical techniques which enable students to analyze regional structural patterns. Includes labs. Prerequisite: ESCI 201 or consent of instructor. (4)
ESCI 327 : Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
Formational principles of surface-accumulated rocks, and their incorporation in the stratigraphic record. This subject is basic to field mapping and structural interpretation. Includes labs. Prerequisite: ESCI 201 or consent of instructor. (4)
ESCI 331 : Maps: Computer-Aided Mapping and Analysis
Computer-based Geographic Information Systems, digital maps, and data sources. The creation, interpretation, and analysis of digital maps from multiple data sources. Analysis of spatial information from sciences, social sciences, and humanities using sets of digital maps. Prerequisite: previous science (earth science preferred), math or computer science course or consent of instructor. Familiarity with maps recommended. (4)
ESCI 332 : Geomorphology
Study of the processes that shape the Earth's surface with emphasis on the effects of rock type, geologic structure, and climate on the formation and evolution of landforms. Includes labs. Prerequisite: ESCI 201 or consent of instructor. (4)
ESCI 336 : Geochemistry
Study of fundamental geochemistry principles with focus on applications to investigations into a wide-range of earth and atmospheric processes and systems. Analysis and interpretation of student-collected and published field and lab data. Includes labs. Prerequisite: ESCI 201 and either CHEM 104 or 115 or consent of instructor. (4)
ESCI 342 : Climate and Earth Systems
Study of climate and climate change, past and present, including the impact of climate changes on earth systems, and the disproportionate impact these changes will have on communities around the globe. Prerequisite: ESCI 201. (4)
ESCI 345 : Tectonic Petrology
This class introduces igneous and metamorphic petrology by following rock compositions through several tectonic processes to see how petrology can be used to better understand large-scale tectonics. Students will interpret rock samples and 8 datasets to produce a comprehensive petro-tectonic analysis in a research-group like setting. Includes labs. Prerequisite: ESCI 201 or consent of instructor. (4)
ESCI 387 : Special Topics in Earth Science
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ESCI 388 : Special Topics in Earth Science
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ESCI 389 : Special Topics in Earth Science
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ESCI 401 : Field Trip
Field and on-campus study of major geologic sites in western U.S. Trips take place during spring break or at end of spring semester. Prerequisite: ESCI 201 or consent of instructor. A minimum of 4 semester hours of 300-level earth science courses. Pass/Fail. (1)
ESCI 487 : Special Topics in Earth Science
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ESCI 488 : Special Topics in Earth Science
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ESCI 489 : Special Topics in Earth Science
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ESCI 491 : Independent Study
Investigations or research in areas of special interest not covered by regular courses. Requires regular supervision by a faculty member. (1 to 4)
ESCI 495 : Internship
To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)
ESCI 498 : Seminar
Discussion of professional papers and introduction to directed research for the Capstone project. Required of all majors in their senior year. December graduates should complete the sequence (ESCI 498-499) in their final full year. Prerequisite: at least 8 semester hours of 300-level or above courses in earth science. Pass/Fail. (1)
ESCI 499 : Capstone: Senior Seminar - SR
Culminating experience applying geological methods and theory through original literature or field or laboratory research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, with written and oral presentation of results. Required of all majors in their senior year. Prerequisite: ESCI 498. (4)
Environmental Studies (ENVT) - Undergraduate Courses
ENVT 104 : Conservation of Natural Resources - NW
Principles and problems of public and private stewardship of our resources with specific reference to the Pacific Northwest. Cross-listed with ESCI 104. (4)
ENVT 287 : Special Topics in Environmental Studies
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ENVT 288 : Special Topics in Environmental Studies
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ENVT 289 : Special Topics in Environmental Studies
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ENVT 291 : Directed Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
ENVT 350 : Environmental Methods
Study of a watershed using and integrating techniques and principles of environmental sciences, political science, economics, and ethics. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: declared ENVT major or minor. (4)
ENVT 387 : Special Topics in Environmental Studies
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ENVT 388 : Special Topics in Environmental Studies
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ENVT 389 : Special Topics in Environmental Studies
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ENVT 487 : Special Topics in Environmental Studies
Selected topics as announced by the program. Course will address current interdisciplinary issues in environmental studies. (1 to 4)
ENVT 488 : Special Topics in Environmental Studies
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ENVT 489 : Special Topics in Environmental Studies
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
ENVT 491 : Independent Study
Opportunity to focus on specific topics or issues in environmental studies under the supervision of a faculty member. (1 to 4)
ENVT 495 : Internship in ENVT
An internship with a private or public sector agency, organization, or company involved in environmental issues. By consent of the chair of environmental studies only. (4)
ENVT 499A : Capstone: Senior Project - SR
An initiation of an interdisciplinary research project of the student's design that integrates the methods and contents of various academic perspectives to develop approaches to complex environmental challenges. A written prospectus is required. This course is required for all ENVT majors. Prerequisite: ENVT 350. (1)
ENVT 499B : Capstone: Senior Project - SR
An interdisciplinary research project of the student's design that integrates the methods and contents of various academic perspectives to develop approaches to complex environmental challenges. A written and oral presentation is required. Prerequisite: ENVT 499A. (3)