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. 

Credits

3 Credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

Prerequisite

ENGL 101 plus BIOL 100, or BIOL 102, or BIOL 201.

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

Department

Biology

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.

Repeatable

N

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