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. Living on Earth:
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. Justice and the
Environment: 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. Sustainable Development:
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. Environmental Literacy:
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. Wet and Wild: 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)