Environmental Studies (ENVS)

ENVS 130 Environmental Studies (Units: 3)

Introduction to environmental studies. An examination of the history of the environmental movement, exploration of strategies to effect constructive change, analysis of environmental fields, and the need for their integration. [Formerly ENVS 300]

Course Attributes:

• Env. Sustain. & Climate Action

ENVS 224 Research Methods for Environmental Studies (Units: 4)

Prerequisite: Restricted to Environmental Studies majors or permission of the instructor.

Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods in environmental studies. The scientific method, field methods in natural and social sciences, and data analysis including descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. Lecture, 3 units; activity, 1 unit.

ENVS 312 Climate Issues and Activism (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas 1A/A2*, 1B/A3*, 1C/A1*, and 2/B4* all with grades of C- or better.

Learn about environmental issues and confront them through creative practice. Develop a relationship with the world and examine personal values when faced with difficult situations such as the climate crisis. Discuss the climate crisis and environmental issues specifically as they relate to California. Be introduced to activism and change makers, and develop a climate campaign to inform and encourage action. Activity. (Plus-minus letter grade only)
(This course is offered as DES 312, ENVS 312, and LS 312. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

• Env. Sustain. & Climate Action
• Global Perspectives
• Social Justice

ENVS 331 Global Environmental Crisis (Units: 4)

Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.

Describes the impact of a growing world economy and population on biological and physical earth systems, and the potential consequences of environmental destruction for human well-being. Explores the historical and economic reasons for the political divide between developed and less-developed countries with respect to environmental issues and negotiations.
(This course is offered as I R 331 and ENVS 331. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

• Env. Sustain. & Climate Action
• Global Perspectives

ENVS 450 Environmental Law and Policy (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Area 1A/A2 and ENVS 130; or permission of the instructor.

Introduction and overview of environmental policies and the legal system at the national and international level through directed readings, class discussion, and research in the field of environmental law and policy.

ENVS 460 Energy, Justice, and Sustainability (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper-division standing or permission of the instructor.

Interdisciplinary social scientific exploration of energy focusing on environmental justice, sustainability, and political-economic perspectives. Topics include environmental impacts of energy systems and resources, social movements for sustainable energy transitions, and intersections of energy systems with inequalities in race, class, and gender. [CSL may be available]

ENVS 470 Climate Politics and Policy (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: ENVS 130 or permission of the instructor.

Domestic and international politics surrounding both climate change and the requirements of climate policy in the context of a global society dedicated to economic growth and characterized by sharp divisions between rich and poor.

Course Attributes:

• Env. Sustain. & Climate Action
• Global Perspectives

ENVS 476 Climate Change, Refugees, and Human Rights (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper-division standing or permission of the instructor.

Examine the reasons behind the movement of people across national boundaries on a significant scale in the context of civil wars, fear of persecution, climate change, economic crises, armed conflict, collapsing and fragile states, natural disasters, violations of human rights, and the threat of terrorism and generalized violence. Explore climate-related human mobility, migration, and displacement as responses to climatic and environmental changes.
(This course is offered as I R 476 and ENVS 476. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

ENVS 480 Climate Change Adaptation and Justice (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper-division standing or permission of the instructor.

Interdisciplinary examination of the social, economic, political, and ethical aspects of climate change, with a focus on adaptation, justice, and resilience. Discussion of adaptation to climate change in both the developed and the developing world and in different sectors and regions; the role of state, non-state, and community actors; and justice and equity implications of climate change adaptation.

ENVS 530 Environmental Leadership and Organizing (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: ENVS 130 or permission of the instructor.

Theoretical and applied study of leadership and organizing for the environment and environmental justice. Multidisciplinary exploration of social change and democratic action. Topics include gender and race-sensitive leadership, alternative approaches for civic engagement, organizing strategy and tactics, advocacy ethics, and current challenges facing the environmental movement.

ENVS 570 Applied Local Sustainability (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: ENVS 130 or permission of the instructor.

Examination of current sustainability issues and efforts at SF State, local cities, and other institutions across the country. Includes hands-on sustainability research on campus.

Course Attributes:

• Env. Sustain. & Climate Action

ENVS 600 Environmental Problems and Solutions (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: GE Areas 1A/A2*, 1B/A3*, 1C/A1*, and 2/B4* all with grades of C- or better or permission of the instructor.

An ecological approach to nature and the landscape. Human populations, natural resources, and environmental quality in California with particular reference to the San Francisco Bay Area.
(This course is offered as GEOG 600 and ENVS 600. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

Course Attributes:

• 4UD: Social/Behavioral Science
• UD-D: Social Sciences
• Env. Sustain. & Climate Action
• Global Perspectives

ENVS 640 Recreational Use of National Parks and Protected Areas (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Upper-division standing or permission of the instructor.

Introduction to concepts of conservation and preservation of national parks and other ecosystem units, and managing visitor use. Emphasis on history, management principles, and current issues. National parks will be the primary focus and selected international protected areas will be included. [CSL may be available]
(This course is offered as RPT 640 and ENVS 640. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

ENVS 651 Student Managed Fund in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investments (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher.

Introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments and their application to firm valuation and portfolio selection. Discussion of the topics of financial markets, financial statement analysis, time value of money, asset valuation, risk and return, and portfolio selection within the context of ESG. Survey of critical skills in implementing the ESG principles in investments with a blend of discussions, readings, cases, and presentations.
(This course is offered as FIN 651, ECON 651, and ENVS 651. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

ENVS 657 Natural Resource Management: Biotic Resources (Units: 4)

Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or ERTH 112 or ERTH 230; ENV 205; or permission of the instructor.

Basic theories and methodologies of managing forest, wildlife and rangeland resources. Agencies, laws, and policies that govern natural resource management. Emphasis on the urban-wildland interface. Lecture, 3 units; activity, 1 unit.
(This course is offered as GEOG 657 and ENVS 657. Students may not repeat the course under an alternate prefix.)

ENVS 675 Climate Ambassadors Practicum (Units: 4)

Prerequisites: Restricted to upper-division standing; Climate Change: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions Certificate students; two courses in the certificate.

Education and training in ethical, creative, and effective communication and engagement strategies to address climate change and climate justice. Provides a combination of critical reading and discussion with collaborative action to become campus and public Climate Ambassadors.

ENVS 680 Environmental Studies Internship (Units: 1-3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to upper-division standing; ENVS 130; permission of the instructor.

Fieldwork in approved public, private, and non-profit environmental organizations, government and non-government agencies, or local corporations under the supervision of the organization and faculty coordinator. May be repeated for credit on advisement. [CSL may be available]

ENVS 690 Senior Seminar in Environmental Studies (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to senior Environmental Studies majors and completion of core courses.

Integration and application of major concentration in Environmental Studies. Trends in Environmental Studies. Group projects working with the community to assist in problem solving or activism; job evaluation. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

ENVS 699 Independent Study (Units: 1-3)

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing, permission of the instructor, major adviser, and department chair.

Supervised study of a particular issue selected by the student. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.