This course will analyze the Old Testament in terms of its literary, historical, and cultural dimensions with special attention to the role that Earth and all of its inhabitants play in the biblical materials.  Too often the earth and its non-human components are viewed by readers as the other, either as backgrounds against which the biblical stories are cast, or as mere props on narrative stages.  This course explores what it would be like if readers of the biblical text could hear and see earth and its on-human inhabitants as characters having a voice.  We will read texts that show how Earth:  1) struggles under the weight of human injustice and gives voice to its suffering, 2) witnesses and participates in biblical covenants, 3) celebrates in the presence of God and the glory of the created order, and 4) functions as an integral element in any biblical vision of peace, harmony, and diversity.  Spring

ENVS 303/BIOL 323 - Conservation Biology (4 Credits Total with Lab)

This course covers the biological concepts important for the conservation of natural populations, communities, and ecosystems.  Both theoretical and empirical will be applied to such topics as: the genetics and ecology of small populations, consequences of habitat degradation and fragmentation, the impact of introduced species, and the ecological value of biological diversity.  Pre-requisites waived for ENVS students who are non-BIOL majors.  Spring. 

ENVS 304/ENSC 481 / NURS 490 / MTSL 480 – WATER for Life: West Africa (4 Credits Total with Practicum)

WATER (West African Appropriate Technology, Education, and Reciprocity) is an interdisciplinary course with a three-part focus: cross cultural training and in-depth study of West African culture, study of health conditions and health promotion in developing countries, and epidemiological research designs and their practical application using appropriate technologies for eradicating water-related illnesses in Benin, West Africa. Students will work in multidisciplinary project teams and use course content as the foundation for developing and implementing educational materials. This course is a service-learning course and addresses issues of social justice in West Africa, including but not limited to health interventions, discussions of contemporary third-world development, and a critical examination of political and economic conditions affecting individual and population health in “periphery” nations.  Summer (Abroad).

ENVS 323/POLS 311 – State, Tribal, and Local Government (3 credits)

Surveys in state, tribal and local government: intergovernmental relations, finance, state and tribal sovereignty, shifts in federalism and social policy, politics of urban and rural regions. State election systems may be studied for their significant influence over national elections.  Spring.
 
ENVS 324/SOCI 382 – Population and Society (3 credits)

There are more people on this planet than ever before, and the problems associated with population growth seem to be everywhere. Urban crowding, disease, poverty, ethnic tensions, refugees, illegal immigration, environmental degradation, unemployment, aging and the social security "crisis" are just a few of these troubles. This course introduces students to the study of population and demography to help them better understand these issues. After learning how to measure and analyze population characteristics and trends, students will explore the relationship between population changes and contemporary social and political issues in the developing regions of the world.  Spring.

ENVS 325/POLS 325 – Native American Politics and Government (3 credits)

Surveys Native American politics and government today and provides students a sense of the origins and development of Native American government and politics.  Analyzes the role of Native American governments in American inter-governmental relations and develops an appreciation for the capacities and policy goals of Native American governments as well as the social (health, education, and welfare) and environmental circumstances of Native American government and politics.  Spring.

ENVS 326/SOCI 383 - Environmental Sociology (3 credits)

This course examines humans' relationship with the natural environment. It explores how power structures, social norms, ideologies and politics affect our understanding and treatment of the environment. It also examines how relationships among social groups are played out through the process of defining nature, and through the control of land, water, air, food, and other natural resources.

ENVS 328/POLS 328 - Politics of the Pacific Northwest (3 credits)
 
State and society in the Pacific Northwest: government, parties, reform movements, regionalism, and social forces in the USA Pacific Northwest, and British Columbia and Alberta. Regional issues such as taxation, health care, urbanization, land use, education, the environment, and resource-based economics are addressed in a comparative Canadian-U.S. context.  Spring.

ENVS 333/PSYC 333 - Environmental Psychology (3 credits)
 
An exploration of the environment interaction between human behavior and the physical. Emphasis on perception, preference, and coping with less preferred environments. Spring. Prerequisite:  PSYC 101.

ENVS 340/HIST 396 – History of Yellowstone

This is a new course that looks at the history of the nation’s first national park.  We will briefly examine early native and white activity in the area and exploration and establishment of the park.  We will then look at the evolution of park management, particularly issues of:  the park’s mission; staffing and funding; animal management; and tourism.  We will pay increasing attention to environmental issues and controversies, especially concerning elk, bears, bison, wolves, fire, snowmobiles, and increased tourism.   We’ll conclude with the state of the park at present and with its place in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.  There will be several required texts, reading quizzes, two or three unit tests, and a paper.  Fall.