BIOL 210 Science Literature & Environment*
This course surveys regional environmental issues; introduces students to the concepts of environmental science; investigates the human relationship to nature through environmental literature; and explores how both scientific and imaginative thinking can clarify what is at stake in regional environmental issues. In addition to class time, four required field trips are day trips around southern Idaho and northern Utah. The Final field study is a 3 day trip to study the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and the reintroduction of the wolf and grizzly.
BIOL 210Science Literature & Environment*
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
II. Course Specification
Course Type
Program Requirement
Credit Hours Narrative
3 Credits
Semester Contact Hours Lecture
45
Prerequisite Narrative
ENGL 101 plus BIOL 100, or BIOL 102, or BIOL 201.
III. Catalog Course Description
This course surveys regional environmental issues; introduces students to the concepts of environmental science; investigates the human relationship to nature through environmental literature; and explores how both scientific and imaginative thinking can clarify what is at stake in regional environmental issues. In addition to class time, four required field trips are day trips around southern Idaho and northern Utah. The Final field study is a 3 day trip to study the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and the reintroduction of the wolf and grizzly.
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- To become familiar with basic ecology and environmental issues
- To become familiar with the genre of American environmental literature
- To improve writing skills, particularly journal field notes and essays
- Successful participation in and leadership of discussions
- To develop oral communication skills
- Comparison of beginning and end of semester writing about ethics and local/regional environmental issues
- To develop and justify a personal environmental ethic
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
Introductions to science and literature communication styles
Myth of the West
Local issues (Rock Creek)
Environmental ethics
Refuge
Bird biology and birding
Transendentalists
Book of Yaak
Conservation biology
Ecocriticism
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Required Assignments
2 formal essays
One Saturday fieldtrip, weekend fieldtrip to Yellowstone NP
Journal writing
Outside assignments
Required Exams
2-4 Oral presentations
All written assignments
In-class discussion
Required Text
Refuge, by Terry Tempest WilliamsBook of Yaak, by Rick Bass Other
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
2 formal essays
One Saturday fieldtrip, weekend fieldtrip to Yellowstone NP
Journal writing
Outside assignments
2-4 Oral presentations
All written assignments
In-class discussion