Environmental Studies (ENP)
The Environmental Studies and Policy concentration is designed to provide students with the scholarly background and intellectual skills necessary to understand complex environmental problems and formulate decisions that are environmentally sound. The academic process is multidisciplinary, drawing upon the diversity of environmentally-related departments and disciplines throughout Mercer and allows a student to explore a wide variety of environmental issues including: the social and human environment, the physical environment, and the biological environment. The field crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries, as deeper understanding of environmental problems and solutions requires attention to a wide range of concepts and analytical methods spanning the sciences and humanities.
The curriculum of the Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Environmental Studies and Policy is designed to provide students with the methods and processes of applying the basic social sciences of sociology, political science, and economics to policy-related problems of the environment. Successful students will gain fundamental understanding of the basic social science and related natural sciences, becoming proficient in applying the principles of these disciplines to the formulation, analysis, and appropriate implementation of environmental policy from local to international levels. This degree prepares students for careers in environmental management, policy development, education, governmental agencies, and law.
The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Policy concentration does not require a minor but does require the following:
1. Sciences/Mathematics Core (15 hours)
....ENB 105 or ENB 110, ENB 150, ENB 330, MAT 126
2. Social Sciences Core (12 hrs)
....ECN 150 or 151, GEO 111, POL 200, SOC 101
3. Environmental Studies
....a. ENP 250, ENP 305, ENP 350, ENP 495 (12 hours)
....b. ENP Electives (9 hours) ENG 325, ENP 344, ENP 390, ESP 490
....c. POL 253 (3 hours)
....d. SOC 304, SOC 321, SOC 325, SOC 360 (6 hours)
....e. Social Science Electives (9 hours) ECN 452, POL 335, POL 345; SOC 323, SOC 345
4. Mercer-on-Mission (6 hours)
....Please note that the specific trip must be approved by the director of the program.
Courses specifically listed as "ENP" in the course catalog:
ENP 250. Principles of Sustainability (3 hours)
An exploration of the disciplined creation of long term inter-generational prosperity through the enhancement of human, natural, manufactured, and financial capital. Sustainability is concerned with how best to meet social and economic development objectives without compromising the future viability of natural and human systems. Principles of sustainability encourage a style of behavior comfortable with challenges, new ideas and constant change. Class time may be spent in lecture, discussion, case studies, experiential exercises and practical workshops. In addition a group service learning project will enable students to apply theoretical learning to a real organization or community situation. (Every second year)
ENP 305. Environmental Policy (3 hours)
An exploration of the proper role of government in the regulation of the environment. It will aide students in developing the tools to estimate the costs and benefits of environmental regulations and to evaluate a series of current policy questions related to air and water pollution, waste management, environmental justice, gender and environment, energy, and population growth and the increasing globalization of environmental politics. (Every second year)
ENP 344. Environmental Ethics (3 hours)
Prerequisite: either one course in PHI or EES 150. An examination of ethical issues and theories as they apply to environmental concerns, together with a survey of emerging environmental philosophies. (Occasional)
ENP 350. Operations of Environmental Organizations (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ENB 150 or SOC 101 . An examination of the creation, development, and operations of non-profit and "for profit" environmental organizations including concepts of federal and state certifications, quality assurance/quality control, management structure of large organizations, and defending your positions with credibility. A lecture/discussion course. (Every two years)
ENP 390. Special Topics: Environmental Studies (1-3 hours)
A study of some significant topic in environmental studies not covered in the regular course offerings. May be taken more than once for a maximum of 6 credits.
ENP 490. Internship in Environmental Studies (3-9 hours)
Prerequisites: senior status and permission of the instructor. Provides supervised practical experience emphasizing hands-on environmental education in a field approved by the coordinator of the environmental studies program. The instructor in the environmental field must approve and supervise the student project. (Every semester)
ENP 495. Senior Seminar in Environmental Studies (3 hours)
Prerequisites: senior status and permission of instructor. An interdisciplinary study of a contemporary topic not covered in depth in the curriculum. Majors will present papers on research and write a review of a significant topic in environmental studies and policy. A lecture/discussion course. (Every year)