Integrative Seminar in Environmental Studies, Spring 2008, O'Donnell

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[ Policies ] [ Calendar ] [ Readings ]

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Policies

last update: January 12, 2008

Instructor

Kevin O'Donnell, Professor of English, Director of Environmental Studies minor

odonnell@etsu.edu 423 439-6679
Office Hours:  T 1-3pm; W 12:40-1:30 and 3:10-4:30pm; F 12:40-2:40pm

Course Information and Description

ENVS 4950 Integrative Seminar in Environmental Studies; M 4-6:50pm, Burleson 401

This course is a "capstone" experience for Environmental Studies minors who are preparing to graduate. It is typically a small course, taught almost like an independent study: Students design their own customized syllabus and, in collaboration with the instructor, select or plan a service activity or project related to environmental studies.

Requirements

1. Syllabus and course materials: Students will submit a customized syllabus by the third week, to be postedon the web.

2. 20 to 30 hours service activity or project

3. Readings and discussion: Students will read two books in common with other students, plus select other readings, in consultation with the instructor.

4. Writing project: Students will produce approximately 10 pages of formal writing--form, audience, and purpose to be related to service activity or project and determined by the student in consultation with instructor. Students will read drafts of each others writing, and will present work to each other in a class forum at the end of the semester.

Required Texts

- Jeff Goodell. Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future. Houghton Mifflin, 2006. $14.95 ISBN-10: 0618872248

- Bill McKibben.  The End of Nature.  Random House, 2006 (1987).  $14.95.  ISBN: 0812976088

- Articles posted on the web. (Click on "Calendar," above, for reading assignment details.)

- Other readings chosen by student, in consultation with instructor, for customized syllabus.