Minor Description

Environmental studies is a multidisciplinary, integrative study of a broad range of environmental issues. Environmental science (such as climatology or conservation biology) is one aspect. But environmental studies also brings together the spectrum of foci that are necessary to solve, evaluate, comprehend, and communicate environmental issues. Thus, environmental studies includes sciences, economics, government, policy, history, humanities, art, performance, film, ethics, philosophy, and writing.

For students to engage contemporary environmental issues, they must obtain expertise in the area of their major and gain broader perspectives in environmental studies through a set of introductory and elective courses that increase the breadth of their understanding to complement their specialty.

The aim of the Environmental Studies Minor (ENVS_MN) is to graduate students who have both a specialty and breadth of perspective so that they can interpret environmental information; understand the linkages to social, political, or ethical issues; and formulate well-reasoned opinions.

Environmental studies is also offered as a linked major.

Admission to the Minor

No admission requirements.

Minor Requirements

The minor is granted for a minimum of seven credits:

• Either a 4 or 5 on the Environmental Science AP Exam or one of the following introductory courses: BIOL197, E&ES197, ENVS197, ENVS 219, E&ES 155, or E&ES199.
• Plus six elective courses related to the environment as follows:
  • Three must come from one department (depth requirement)
  • The courses must come from three departments or programs (breadth requirement)
  • The courses must come from two divisions of the three academic divisions: Arts & Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences, and Natural Sciences & Mathematics (breadth requirement)
  • Courses that may count toward the six electives are ENVS courses at the 200 level or higher, plus other courses listed here.

Additional Information

CONTACT
Barry Chernoff, Director
284 High Street, x2452
bchernoff@wesleyan.edu

Laurie Kenney, Administrative Assistant
284 High Street, x3733
lkenney01@wesleyan.edu