CLUSTER OPTIONS
The intent of the minor is to expose students with science related backgrounds (majors) to humanities and social science and tvice versa.
EXAMPLE CLUSTER OPTIONS FOR DIFFERENT MAJORS
The minor is flexible to suit your personal interests. There are as many options as there are students. You can look at some examples of students from different majors by following the links below. After you’ve looked at them, why don't you try to compose one for yourself! Look at the course list and see which courses you have already taken and find courses that interest you!
FOCUS AREAS WITHIN THE MINOR: CLUSTER OPTIONS
The minor has five areas of specialization. Students can select from one of five course clusters options. The focus of each cluster option is described below.
A. Biodiversity and Ecosystems
This specialization prepares a student
to learn about the importance of biodiversity
in ecosystems. Over the last 100 years,
humans have dramatically reduced the biodiversity
on the earth primarily through loss of
habitat. To reduce the pressure on the
world’s biological resources will
take political will, scientific research
and creativity in planning. A central focus
is on developing effective understanding
of land management practices that can enhance
the prospects for biological diversity.
(View
courses for cluster)
B.Environment
and Society
This specialization provides insights into
the debates and challenges about the distribution
and utilization of the world’s environmental
resources. All people deserve to live in
a safe environment regardless of their
income, skin color, religion or gender.
Yet, many of the poorest people in the
world live in unsafe environmental contexts.
Research in many different fields of social
science, as well as ethical research, is
required to understand how to promote and
achieve environmental justice. (View
courses for cluster)
C. Environmental Explorations
This specialization scrutinizes the range
of debates, practices and possibilities
guiding discussions of how to achieve equitable
and sustainable development. Global and
national discussions are beginning to probe
how we can move toward a future where resources
are more effectively utilized and the environment
is maintained while achieving well being
for the whole world. A cross-disciplinary
approach is necessary to promote an understanding
of these broad discussions. (View
courses for cluster)
D. Ideas About the Environment
This specialization engages the philosophical and political challenges underpinning concerns of modern
environmentalism. People have always contemplated the meaning of the world around them and the ways
in which their reality is shaped by the environment. The meaning and value of the “environment” therefore
depends on a person’s range of understandings, ideas, and representations about the physical
world. To operate effectively, civil society must be based on open discussions including environmental
concerns, and this requires basic levels of ecological literacy. (View
courses for cluster)
E. Water
Resources
This specialization emphasizes basic literacy required to understand the debates surrounding water
as a resource and offers insights into what people can do to protect and maintain its integrity on
a worldwide basis. Water and water resources are central to human life, and yet modern industrialization
and human settlement patterns are creating untenable competition for water between humans, and other
flora and fauna. Basic science is required to ascertain problems of supply. Social science understanding
is required to understand challenges facing water supply and utilization and the search for wise utilization
of the world’s water resources. (View
courses for cluster)
F. Human Settlements
This specialization examines human settlement patterns and their interaction with the environment.
Particular emphasis is placed on patterns of development, human movement and migration patterns, as
well as environmental impacts. As population increases worldwide, land is increasingly taxed beyond
proper capacity. Zoning regulations, suburban sprawl, and uneven settlement that replaces fertile agricultural
land have all become major issues within the policy spectrum that must be dealt with to ensure a positive
future for the entire world population. (View courses for
cluster)
G. Energy Resources
This specialization offers a glimpse into the emerging technology that exists in the energy
sector. As the worldwide supply of fossil fuels diminishes, and the demand for those
fuels increases, new energy technology must be developed to power our planet. In recent
years, energy sustainability and the use of infinite resources have been considered serious
options for the first time. Thus, this cluster option employs an interdisciplinary strategy
with the goal of educating individuals on a broad-range of emerging technologies in relation
to energy resources. (View courses for cluster)