2007-08 - Pitzer College

108 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the interaction
between the human and non-human components of the biosphere. It strives to apply the
diverse orientations of the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences to
environmental issues. The major is divided into three areas of study: human ecology,
which explores humankind’s relationship with the nonhuman world, human origins,
cultural ecology, and the impact of human populations on the earth; environmental
policy, which investigates the politics, economics, and ethical implications of ecology; and
natural sciences, which encompass the study of biological systems, ecology, natural
resources, and conservation. Resources for field research include: the Pitzer in Costa Rica
Program, Pitzer’s John R. Rodman Arboretum, and the Bernard Field Station.
Environmental Studies can provide an integrated, unifying perspective on life, as well as
a program for effecting positive change. The perspectives provided by this program will
help prepare students for graduate work and careers in teaching, public policy and
administration, law, environmental sciences, international affairs, and the non-profit
sector. Environmental Studies students are encouraged to consider a combined major or
minor in another discipline.
Pitzer Advisers: P. Faulstich, M. Herrold-Menzies, K. Miller, S. Miller, and A. Wakefield
(at Pitzer); D. Guthrie, D. McFarlane, and K. Purvis-Roberts (at Joint Science).
Arboretum Director: Joe Clements
The Environmental Studies major consists of course work in three broad areas: human
ecology, environmental policy, and natural science. In order to achieve breadth in the
field, all majors are required to complete at least eleven (11) courses, including the
following:
• Envs 10: Environment & Society
• Human Ecology: Three courses.
• Policy: Post 176: Environmental Policy and one additional environmental policy
course.
• Science: Three courses in natural science (Biology 43 and 44 are recommended);
one of which must be advanced (numbered 100 or above).
• Environmental fieldwork, an appropriate study abroad program, or a relevant
internship or clinic course.
• In order to achieve some depth, majors must take two (2) additional courses from
within one of the main topic areas: Human Ecology, Policy, or Natural Science.
• An academic portfolio documenting competence in the major.
Courses in each of these areas are listed below. You should consult with your adviser
about the best choices for your interests and career. Majors may want to consider
participating in the Pitzer in Costa Rica Restoration Ecology Program as a study abroad
experience. Completion of this program fulfills one human ecology requirement, one
natural science requirement and the environmental fieldwork requirement. Interested
students should note that one year of college-level Spanish is a prerequisite for this