Environmental and Outdoor Education Courses
CORE for all concentrations in the Environment and Sustainability major:
ENV 1401
Water & Land: Conserv & Ecolog
A study of the broad issues of environmental science and the interaction of humans and the environment with a focus on human connections to land and water from an ecological and management perspective, with particular emphasis on the need to use our understanding of land and water resources to solve real-world problems.
ENV 1402
Air, Energy, Dev & Climate Chg
A study of broad issues of environmental science and the interaction of humans and the environment with a focus on atmosphere, climate change, development and sustainable use of energy resources.
ENV 1403
Sustainability Sci & Envir Pol
An examination of the interface of science and policy surrounding land, water and air, focusing on how diverse scientific perspectives can inform methods and instruments for effective policy-making toward sustainable solutions.
ENV 1404
Environ Field & Skills Lab
A laboratory experience that provides students with an introduction to field and lab methods commonly used in the environmental sciences.
ENV 1405
Environmental Leadership Sem
An introduction to the theories and practices of leadership and organizational behaviors in the environmental field. Through a series of discussions as well as individual and collaborative activities, participants will begin to understand and appreciate the challenges faced by environmental leaders.
ENV 1406
Environmental Educ & Comm
A practical introduction to the strategies, methods, and tools of environmental education and communication. Students will investigate concepts that are foundational to environment literacy. Students will complete initial requirements for North Carolina Environmental Education Certification and explore national competencies for leadership development in the field. Social media platforms will be used to elevate opportunities for networking, education, and marketing.
ENV 4250
Experiential Learning Env
An integrative learning experience that blends academic work with a department-approved practical field experience. Formal evaluation, supervision, and direction of the in-field experience are provided by an outside agency in coordination with a faculty member. Formal evaluation, supervision, and direction of the academic work are provided by a faculty member. Cannot be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Major or minor in Environment & Sustainability, a department approved in-field experience, and permission of instructor.
ENV 4501
Capstone in Environ & Sustain.
A culminating experience for major and minor students in their senior year that draws upon the knowledge and training the students bring from their academic experience in the major. This course will examine leadership and the various approaches to achieve successful careers in environment and sustainability related work. The course will examine how alumni are now successfully applying the skills and knowledge they have gained while attending Catawba College to their roles in their work and community activities. Prerequisites: ENV 1401, ENV 1402, ENV 1403 and Senior Standing.
Environmental & Outdoor Education Concentration
BIOL 1503
Ecology & Evolution
An introduction to principles of ecology and evolution for natural science majors. This course will examine ecosystems, populations, biogeochemical cycles, biogeography, natural selection, and speciation. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1503.
ENV 2300
Intro to Geogr Inform Systems
This course will illuminate the increasing integration of spatial data and maps into our modern lives. The course will introduce the fundamentals of geographic information systems (GIS) & global positioning systems (GPS), and cover a variety of uses for geographic data.
ENV 3601
Outdoor Design & Leadership
A study of diverse settings and integrated learning strategies for excellence in environmental education. Students will design and participate in a variety of environmental education learning experiences including expeditionary science, placed-based, and field immersion experiences. Successful completion of this course will partially satisfy requirements for North Carolina Environmental Education Certification. Prerequisite: ENV 1406.
ENV 3602
Environmental Prof Prac & Res
A study of the foundations and philosophical underpinnings of environmental education, as well as current trends and development of the field. Students will examine research methods in environmental education and evaluate professional resources using the national guidelines for environmental education materials.. Successful completion of this course will partially satisfy requirements for North Carolina Environmental Education Certification. Prerequisite: ENV 1406.
ENV 3603
Key Issues & Group Dynamics
A study of experiential learning theory and effective outdoor facilitation strategies. Students will explore experiential education, learning styles, group dynamics and focused reflection to increase knowledge, develop skills, clarify values, and develop capacity to lead a community partnership project. This project will partially satisfy requirements for the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification Program. Prerequisite: ENV 1406.
ENV 3604
Methods of Teaching Env Educ
A study of instructional strategies and teaching methods used in the development of age-appropriate activities for environmental education. Students will gain experience in program design and basic assessment strategies. Successful completion of this course will partially satisfy requirements for North Carolina Environmental Education Certification. Prerequisite: ENV 1406.
