Sustainable Courses at SSU

Ethnic Groups in America

Survey and analysis of the diverse experiences of major ethnic groups in their present socioeconomic and political position in American society as depicted in literary, historical, anthropological, and sociological studies. IS

How Racism Works: America in Black And White

Students analyze the ideological aspects and material conditions of American life through an in-depth examination of the impact of race and ethnicity on U.S. history and its cultural, political, and social institutions. The course will concentrate particularly on investigating how racism works in the 21st century through the study of literature and values. IS

Ethnicity in The Arts, Culture, And Media

Students will explore the impact that the arts, media, and humanities have had on perceptions of race, ethnicity, and identity in the United States. The course will integrate a wide variety of forms -- including film, theater, and music -- to encourage student appreciation of artistic endeavors. IS

American Diversity: Past, Present, and Future

Explores the relationships between race, ethnicity, and identity through close readings of social, historical, and cultural texts. At the heart of the course is an exploration of how race and ethnicity have impacted collective understandings of this nation’s morals and values. IS

Ethnic Groups And American Social Policy

The impact of American social policies on ethnic minorities. Topics include public policy issues related to employment, immigration, education, mental health, and minority children and families. The impact of major court decisions affecting public policy and ethnic minorities will also be examined. IS

Ethics, Values, and Multiculturalism

Examines theories and discourses of race, ethnicity, and multiculturalism and their impact on American thought and practice. Students will explore questions of ethics and values that shape the U.S. as a multicultural society and learn about conceptual tools they can apply in thinking critically about these issues in the various contexts they live in. IS

Language and Ethnicity

An interdisciplinary approach to understanding the interrelationships between language, ethnicity, and the symbolic conflicts over language issues in the U.S.. Explores the politics of language. IS

Globalization and Race in the United States

The United States, as one of the destination countries of diasporic peoples in this era of globalization, has often responded to the crises of globalization through racialization. This course emphasizes the importance of understanding this crisis and explores the possibilities of creating anti-racist strategies and new social movements. IS

Living in Our Globalized World

This course explores trajectories of human experience through the lens of cultural anthropology, a cross-cultural view of the individual within society. It promotes global awareness as a learning outcome, learning to perceive how cultural differences influence the dynamics of human interactions upon the individual through psychological and social changes throughout a human lifespan.  Focus is upon the integration of anthropological knowledge across the holistic four subdisciplines, and integration of student personal experience with interdisciplinary knowledge, academic trajectories, and topical interests. Students will develop an appreciation of the duties and rights of a global citizen, and skills necessary to live in and comprehend our pluralistic world. IS

Nature and Society: Topics in Anthropology and the Environment

The course covers the history of anthropological approaches to the environment. Selected topics such as human ecology, historical ecology, natural resource management, environmental justice, and environmentalism will be announced in the semester schedule. SC

Global Issues

The course includes a brief introduction to the theoretical frameworks developed in the discipline for studying issues that impact humanity on a global scale. Possible topics may include: globalization, global capitalism, global climate change, international development, population movements such as international migration and diasporas, and global impacts of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and SARS. SC

Environmental Toxicology

The nature of the interaction of toxicants and living organisms; categories of toxicological activity; toxicological evaluation and environmental monitoring; and governmental regulations and procedures. IS

Ecology

A current overview of this field, with in-depth coverage of ecology at the population, community, and ecosystem level. Emphasis on diverse taxa and habitats, hypothesis testing, and data collection and analysis. SC

Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology

Examines microbial ecology and diversity along with biotechnological applications of microbes in agriculture, wastewater treatment, bioremediation, and biofuel production. IS

Conservation Genetics

An examination of the scientific approaches applied to species conservation. Although molecular genetic approaches will be emphasized, a variety of other approaches will also be considered. IS

Conservation Ecology

An advanced exploration of current topics in the rapidly expanding field of conservation ecology. However, topics will commonly include habitat fragmentation and loss, global climate change, metapopulation dynamics, biological invasions, restoration ecology, and design and management of preserves. SC

Business and Society

A survey of the major fields of management, designed to introduce students to the range of perspectives available in the discipline. Topics will include: accounting, finance, general management, health care management, human resources management, industrial relations, marketing, multinational management, organizational behavior, and systems analysis. IS

Legal Environment of Business

A study of the legal and ethical framework within which management decisions are made. The course emphasizes the sources, functions, and processes of law. It surveys a number of areas, including negligence, contracts, product liability, and constitutional law, and reviews government regulations in the areas of consumer protection, antitrust, labor, and employment law. IS

Introduction to Marketing

Introduction to terminology and basic concepts, including product development; pricing; promotion and distribution of goods, services, and ideas. Emphasis is on consumer orientation and managing the marketing function within an uncertain environment. IS

Consumer Behavior

Analysis of the cultural, social, and psychological factors that influence the consumer’s decision-making processes, including learning, perception, information search and information processing, personality, lifestyle, motivation, and attitudes. IS

International Marketing

Examines the marketing practices and customs, and the cultural, social, legal,, and ethical differences, of international markets. Emphasis on developing and adjusting the marketing mix of product, price, promotion, and distribution to compete in international settings. IS

Social Entrepreneurship

This introductory course exposes students to the field of social entrepreneurship as an evolving dimension of its parent discipline - entrepreneurship. The course illustrates (through case examples) that the goal of social entrepreneurship (to ‘do good and do well’) has always existed in the annals of entrepreneurship in diverse non-profit and for-profit forms, though it recently has gained renewed attention owing to the sustainability challenges we face on social, economic and environmental fronts. Students will examine these entrepreneurial intentions and impact management dilemmas, learning to appreciate past entrepreneurial efforts and engage in current community-based activities. SC

Cross Cultural Communication and Negotiation

Provides students with techniques for becoming skillful cross-cultural communicators and negotiators. Topics include dimensions of culture and their implications in organizations, successful international business negotiation tactics, and managing cultural diversity in the workplace. IS

Introduction to International Business

The course will address topics including international trade theory, the international money market, balance of payments, international sourcing, and management of international enterprises. IS

International Business Strategy

This course will focus on understanding the political, economic, sociocultural and environmental factors affecting the development of options and strategies. Students gain appreciation of different forms of foreign involvement and which types are appropriate in view of national interests of host nations. IS

Government Regulation and Human Resources

An examination of current legislation and executive orders affecting the human re- source function. Laws, orders, guidelines, and regulations will be examined within the framework of the regulatory model, which presents an integrated framework for understanding the relation of societal problems, laws, agencies, guidelines, the courts, and management responses. IS

Labor Management Relations

Topics include the factors favoring the growth of labor organizations, the historical development of labor movements, labor economics and the labor movement, collective bargaining and the modern legal framework of organized labor, conflict resolution through grievance/arbitration, and other relevant labor topics. IS

Global Business Operations

A course that investigates strategic opportunities and challenges in a global marketplace, specifically the macroeconomic and microeconomic forces that face businesses as the world has flattened. This course investigates how fiscal, monetary, and trade policies affect any business, and may focus on a specific country or trade area. Case studies provide comparisons and contrasts for different business and socioeconomic environments in today’s global economy. IS

Sustainable Business Management

Addresses the impact of business organizations on the economy, society, and the natural environment. Specific areas include the business case for sustainability; the triple-bottom line of performance; conceptual and practical frameworks for analyzing, planning, and reorganizing for sustainability; and leadership for change. SC

Sustainability in the Wine Industry

Current theory and practice of how wine and hospitality businesses can become sustainable business. Course content includes business rationale for adopting environment and social equity practices for improved business performance and success. Students analyze and debate cutting-edge issues in sustainability including a review of global wine and hospitality businesses using sustainable practices, audit and compliance, energy management systems, ISO standards, creation of sustainable business strategies, development of policies and practices for sustainable practices for operations, success measures, and cost-benefit analysis. SC

Strategy in Practice

Strategic management entails generating choices to be made among competing alternatives to produce a competitive advantage and earn above- average returns. Rapid technological change, mergers and acquisitions, increasing pressures for globalization, and changing local environments for organizations have heightened the urgency to ask the right questions about the future SC

Social Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice

The course will examine how entrepreneurial solutions can be fashioned and applied to job creation, workforce development, and meeting other social needs. Specific topics include: social responsibility, venture philanthropy, opportunity assessment, market analysis, financial principles of sustainability, micro enterprises, and nonprofit organizations. IS

Leading Sustainable Enterprise

Leading Sustainable Enterprises is an intensive leadership development experience which provides executives with the tools and strategies necessary for delivering results in a complex multi-stakeholder business environment. Course topics encompass leading for results, business intelligence, leadership intelligence, execution competence, and sustainability strategies. This course includes an offsite leadership development program and the completion of a sustainability plan for a business. SC

The Latino Experience

This includes how Chicano Latinos and other Latinos have adapted to the various cultural, social, economic, and political elements of U.S. society as compared to other groups. The various cultural, social, economic, and political elements. IS

Latinos and the U.S. Labor Market

An overview of major theories, trends, and debates on the topic of Latinos and labor market inequality in the United States. Topics include urban poverty, discrimination in employment, how jobs and workers are matched, and over-arching issues as globalization and place affects the labor force. IS

Latinas/os and Globalization

Explore the effect that late-stage capitalist globalization has upon Latino workers. How do changes in the world economic system, including the advent of global free trade regions (NAFTA, FTZs) affect the composition and opportunities open to Latino populations in the United States? Examines the development of transnational economic and cultural networks as a result of globalization. IS

Race, Class, and Gender Among Latinos

A course centered on the institutional, cultural, and psychological components of race, class, and gender relations among Latinos and their effect on different com- munities. Institutional inequality, questions of assimilation and identity, attitudes, and effects of inequality on community activism and politics will be explored. IS

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Sociology of Educational/ Latinos and Education

This course introduces students to some key theoretical and empirical work in the sociology of education and Latinos. Because this is such a large field of research, the course will focus on the question of stratification and how systems of schooling maintain or alleviate inequality among Latino communities. IS

Government and the Rule of Law

Nature and development of law and legal institutions from philosophical, historical, comparative, and contemporary perspectives; interrelationships of law, morality, and custom; social control, legal change, and social change; and the legal profession. IS

Deviant Behavior

The social causes and consequences of delinquency, criminality, addiction, insanity, social unconventionality, and other “deviant” behavior. Examines the conversion and commitment to deviant world views, and the social processes involved in the transformation to a deviant identity. IS

Civil Liberties and the Constitution

An examination of fundamental principles of constitutional law that govern and constrain the powers and operations of criminal justice agencies and their personnel. The rights and immunities guaranteed by the Constitution in general, and the civil liberties, rights, and freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights will be covered. Rights of the accused will also be considered. IS

Chemistry in Society

An introductory course in chemistry for non-majors. Covers the basics of chemistry related to everyday life. The laboratory will consist of experiments covering chemical principles and phenomena discussed in the lecture. IS

Chemistry in Sustainability

An upper division GE course covering the role of Chemistry in sustainability. This course will focus on our environment, and the central role chemistry plays. In order to understand the chemistry of the environment one must understand atoms and molecules and their chemical reactions. This course will focus on environment issues including: air quality, water quality, acid rain, climate change (global warming), the ozone hole, and the role of thermodynamics in our environment. SC

Health Science and Environmental Journalism

Course will focus on research, reporting skills to produce magazine articles, or video/radio documentaries on health, science, and the environment. Other assignments include press releases, profiles, and memos. IS

Media Ethics and Law

The course will examine controversial ethical issues related to the media including sensationalism, bias, and deception. It will also cover how the media is regulated, as well as legal issues related to the First Amendment, libel, privacy, copyright, confidentially, obscenity, the right to a fair trial, advertising law the Freedom of Information and Open Meetings Acts. IS

Counseling Theories and Professional Orientation

Essential concepts in the practice of counseling including attention to concepts of resilience and recovery-based models. Advocacy, systems of care, services, support for the severely mentally ill, and collaborative treatment are addressed in both counseling and case management. Mental health principles, the history and philosophy of counseling, consultation, self-care, cultural competence, roles of professional organizations and governing bodies, and ethical standards of the discipline are presented. IS

Seminar Multi-Cultural Counseling

Designed to provide students with an understanding of how different forms of diversity (ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, disability, religion, and gender) can affect counseling processes. Students will identify and explore their own unique ethnic and cultural world view and see how it affects their counseling approaches in both community and school counseling settings. Students will also become knowledgeable about various minority groups in California and in the United States and how majority culture influences the minority individuals’ daily lives and their responses to counseling. IS

Public Economy

A basic introduction to the economics of the public sector designed to give the student a broad overview of the economic roles of government in our society. Emphasis will be on understanding current public policy issues and the effects of government policies on resource allocation (efficiency) and income distribution (equity). IS

Labor Economics

A study of economic and social issues in U.S. labor markets. Topics will include U.S. labor history, market structure, labor laws, gender and race, education and training, and collective bargaining. IS

Urban Economics

An exploration of issues facing communities and regions in their attempts to manage growth and enhance the quality of life. Microeconomic tools are applied in a spatial context to solve problems associated with land use, firm location, transportation, housing, congestion, open space, and environmental protection. IS

Natural Resources & Environmental Economics

Study of public and private sector strategies for achieving the optimal use of natural resources and the control of pollution. Topics include: energy, water, minerals, forests, air pollution, climate change, and the valuation of environmental benefit and costs. SC

Seminar in Labor Economics

An analysis of the theory of labor supply and demand. Topics include: wage de- termination and the theory of human capital, labor force participation, antipoverty programs, the causes and consequences of wage inequality, theories of race and gender discrimination, the role and effects of labor unions, and the effects of the minimum wage on employment and income. IS

Seminar in Ecological Economics

An exploration of the sustainable use of three types of capital: natural, human, and financial. Public and private sector solutions are developed to promote the long- term viability of market-based economies. Topics include pollution control, fishery management welfare measurement, performance metrics, and product design. SC

Seminar in International Economic Development

Review of current issues and study of conceptual frameworks for thinking about economic development with a global perspective. Focuses on sources of economic growth, poverty alleviation, resource sustainability, and reform of economic institutions in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and ex-socialist economies. SC

California Ethnic Literature

An introduction to representative California writers from 1900 to the present. Includes an examination of the theoretical, regional, multicultural, and multiethnic foundations of California literature. This course focuses upon both inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic literary relationships. IS

Natural Disasters

A course to examine the interaction between natural processes and human activities and the often costly and fatal results. Course emphasis will be on the principles underlying natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, severe weather, coastal processes, asteroid impacts, fires, great dying(s), and population growth. Many examples will be drawn from the northern California area. IS

Natural History of the Hawaiian Islands

The origin and evolution of the flora and fauna of the most isolated archipelago in the world; geologic history and context of volcanic oceanic islands; conservation biology efforts to save the rare and endangered species of Hawaii. IS

Geology of Climate Change

Climate changes on time scales of days to millions of years. We will review methods by which the amplitude and pacing of climate changes are measured, use data analysis to assess the significance of past climate variability, and consider interpretations and theories proposed to explain Earth’s climate. IS

Environmental Geology

Study of geological principles and processes as they relate to our natural environment emphasizing interaction between human activities and the geological environment. Major topics include the nature and behavior of rocks and soils; earthquakes and their associated hazards; landslides, slope stability, and building construction; groundwater and pollution; stream processes and flooding; shoreline processes and coastal development; engineering geology and construction of highways and dams; and development of natural resources and conservation and ecology. SC

Geophysics

This course will cover the basic principles underlying various geophysical methods, field procedures, and data collection, and how to interpret geophysical data. Topics include seismic reflection and refraction, paleomagnetism, gravity and magnetic surveying, and how geophysical methods have augmented our overall understanding of the Earth’s structure and Earth processes. IS

Hydrology

Water as a natural resource, the hydrologic cycle, distribution of water on the Earth. Atmospheric water, soil water, runoff, and groundwater as related to water supply and use. Applications to problems of flood control, water management, and water pollution, with special emphasis on California and Sonoma County. IS

Communication of Environmental Issues

In this class students learn how to effectively communicate information about environmental issues through audio-visual presentation. The class will focus on researching, designing, and delivering presentations generally. Then, through the frame of four environmental injustice (such as climate change, deforestation, agribusiness, urban environments and environmental injustice), students will research and design positioned and more objective individual and group presentations. SC

Global Environmental Systems

The course examines how physical, chemical, and biological functions create local, regional, and global cli- mate and landscape patterns. It also explores the links between human activities and changes in climate, vegetation patterns, and landform processes. IS

Human Geography

The course introduces students to a spatial perspective of cultural, economic, political, demographic, and environmental processes. We review the deep historical origins of many social processes and examine how they continue to influence our contemporary experience. We also study how these processes change as they move across geographic space and encounter other cultures and places. IS

Society, Environment, and Sustainable Development

The course brings an historical perspective to critical analyses of changing relationships between civilizations and their environments. Following an introduction to Earth's environmental systems, course critiques several modes of understanding specific environmental problems caused by development. Course concludes with extended study of one globally important human-environment-development nexus.  SC

Environmental Forum

Regular weekly departmental lecture series. Outside professional speakers and ENSP alumni and faculty report on environmental topics and opportunities for environmental careers. SC

Quantitative Methods

Essential techniques emphasizing environmental applications: translating knowledge into abstract and mathematical models, numerical estimates, basic geometry and trigonometry, dimensional analysis, unit conversions, interpreting statistical data, and graphic display of information. Conceptual introduction to calculus, differential equations, and complex numbers. IS

Agroecology in Practice

A broad introduction to the design and management of agroecosystems. Students explore the theory and practice of agroecology and how it’s principles address social and environmental problems in the global food system. Students are introduced to agroecological production methods, including soil management, water systems, biodiversity development, integrated pest management, flower production and urban gardening methods, and applications of these methods in a student garden. Approximately half of this course is classroom-based instruction while the other half is hands-on garden-based work. SC

Native Plants in Restoration

A field course in applied aspects of propagation, placement and function of CA native plants in landscape and restoration settings.  Topics include: native plant species, plant communities, techniques for selecting, collecting and replicating plants for production, restoration site preparation and maintenance.  Additional topics may include: career opportunities utilizing native plants, restoration principals, botany, plant disease and sanitation, invasive plant removal, ethnobotany, guest speakers and fieldtrips. SC

Geopolitics

The field of geopolitics, the struggle for control over territory, transportation corridors, and natural resources. We analyze the origin of the discipline, its historical development, and key contemporary issues, and examine ethno-national rebellion from multiple perspectives, including the failure of nation-building, the failure of economic development, and competition over scarce natural resources. IS

Globalization and Environments

This course critically analyzes the practices and ideas that underlie economic development and the resultant degradation of environments. The class attends to ways that specific people and places have either resisted environmental impoverishment, or alternatively worked together to create different, environmentally and socially sustainable paths to empowerment and well-being. SC

Resource Management & Development in Global Perspective

This class explores the use and management of natural resources. Each year, it focuses on a different set of renewable and non-renewable resources, such as water, oil, diamonds, rangeland, and others. It addresses topics such as distribution, scarcity, substitution, access and use-rights, resource cartels, regulation, and sustainability. It also looks at how these issues are changing under globalization and the rise of transnational corporations. SC

Climate Change and Society

This course briefly reviews climate change mechanisms and models. It then turns to its main topics: attempts and failures to mitigate greenhouse gas production, specific predicted challenges, and current and future attempts to adapt to the environmental and social impacts related to changing climates. SC

Global Food Systems; Scarcity and Sustainability

This course explores the development of agriculture from its origins to its modern forms. It discusses the historical development and current structure of five agricultural systems: small and large corporate farms in the development of the world, as well as traditional peasant production systems, plantations, and green revolution forms in the developing world. It then considers issues such as world hunger, food aid, global commodity trade, and the affect of biotechnology in both the developed and developing world. SC

Latin America and the Caribbean

From an environmental history perspective, the class begins with an investigation of pre-Columbian and post-contact social ecologies. This leads to analysis of more contemporary processes such as rural modernization, the rapid growth of cities and migration, the role of identity and women, and the dynamics of free-trade globalization and international relations. IS

Africa South of the Sahara

Students explore various historical and contemporary processes that have created Africa’s diverse and complex geography. The course begins with a historical survey of the continent, starting with its great civilizations and continuing through its experiences through colonialism, independence, the cold war, and globalization. This section of the class examines how these major events have played out throughout the different regions of Africa, south of the Sahara. The class then turns directly to thematic issues that are central to a human-geographic perspective of the continent: population, rural/urban dynamics, education and health issues, and human-environment interactions including agricultural systems and conservation issues. Finally, with a deeper understanding of the region, the course addresses present-day political hot spots of post-cold war Africa, and the critical development problems plaguing the continent. SC

Environmental History

Environmental history offers an earth’s-eye view of the past, by addressing the many ways in which humans have interacted with the natural environment over time. How has the environment shaped the course of human history, and how have human actions and attitudes shaped the environment? And how does studying past environments help us understand our present-day challenges? SC

Environmental Literature

A survey of great American environmental books, including H. D. Thoreau’s Walden, John Muir’s Mountains of California, and works by other environmental authors. The course considers the natural, political, cultural, and historical environment of the writers. IS

U.S. Environmental Policy

This class starts with the idea that institutions of government are not a fixed inheritance but choices that are constantly being revised. The goal of the course is to sort out that assertion while providing a basic introduction to both American political institutions and major environmental issues. We will look at choices shaping the structure of governance and tools of environmental policy. SC

US Environmental Law

Review of environmental law and regulation in the United States generally and California in particular. Overview of federal and California legal systems with emphasis on their role in environmental protection. Evolution of environmental law in the United States, including property rights and environmental justice. SC

Applied Ecology

This course explores major concepts of ecology and examines current environmental issues in light of these concepts. Topics include: relationship between organisms and the physical environment, community-level ecological processes, the structure and function of ecosystems and their distribution on the planet, evolutionary processes, and population ecology. Environmental issues include loss of biodiversity, global climate change, invasive species, and others. Development of speaking and writing skills is a significant element of the course. SC

Biogeography

Biogeography is the study of plant and animals distributions at local to global spatial scales, and seeks to understand the physical, biological and human processes that determine these patterns through time. This is a highly integrative field of inquiry, pulling on concepts, theories and data from general ecology, evolutionary biology, geology, physical and human geography, and geospatial science. With its perspective on broad spatial and temporal scales, Biogeography is particularly relevant for designing viable long-term strategies for nature conservation in the face of modern human-induced changes, such as global warming and habitat conversion. IS

Restoration Ecology

Lecture and field course introducing major concepts and practical aspects of restoration ecology and land management. Topics include: the conservation context of restoration, restoration goals, measuring success, experimental approaches, dynamic systems and change over time, disturbance, restoring animal populations and the role of animals in ecosystem restoration, and educational elements of restoration. SC

Geomorphology

Explores the relationships between surface processes such as weathering, mass movements, running water, wind, waves, and glacial ice, and the landforms these processes create. The course looks at geomorphic systems and the role of tectonics and climate in changing the balance of these systems. Actual research projects are presented to demonstrate geomorphic approaches to environmental questions. Students are exposed to research methods in the field and lab. IS

Natural Hazards

This course examines natural hazards in relation to human populations and activities around the world. It focuses on disasters generated by weather, climate, and geomorphic processes (such as hurricanes, landslides, tsunamis, and earthquakes) as well as global climate change. It considers risk assessment, hazard perception, population change, and impact on the built environment. SC

Weather and Climate

An exploration of the atmosphere, how it differs from place to place and time to time. The role of radiation, temperature, humidity, evaporation, cloudiness, precipitation, and surface factors (topography, exposure and altitude) in differentiating world climates. Climate’s influence on man physically and culturally, in history and prehistory. Climate change, drought and flood, and solar radiation are among the topics investigated in detail. IS

Introduction to Planning

An overview of land use planning and associated concerns, such as environ- mental protection, transportation, open space preservation, housing, economic development, urban design, and public finance. SC

Environmental Impact Reporting

The practice and theory of environmental impact assessment and analysis. The process of preparing environmental impact reports (EIRs) and statements (EISs) as mandated by state and federal statutes and regulations. Reviewing and commenting on environmental documents. Relationship between EIRs and comprehensive planning activities. Litigation of EIRs and environmental mediation. SC

Environmental Planning

This course focuses on the relationship between land use planning and environ- mental and natural resources concerns, using property and landscape as our primary lenses. We will consider how ideas regarding resource management, open space, biodiversity, “sustainability”, etc., are reflected in land use planning processes and practices. SC

Transportation Planning

Theory, methods, and tools related to the systematic analysis of city, regional, and rural transportation problems. The focus is on fundamental land use and transportation interrelationships. Transportation as an integrated system composed of automobiles, public transit, bicycles, and pedestrian travel modes. Transportation impact assessment. Congestion management, energy conservation, sustainability, and environmental impact considerations. SC

Urban Design

An exploration of the physical and visual form of urban communities. The appearance and aesthetic qualities of public open spaces, streets, buildings, neighbor- hoods, city gateways, signs, and other elements of the urban scene. Meaning of “sense of place.” The effects of public policy and regulations on urban form. IS

Globalization and the City

This course examines the evolution of cities as local and global political, economic and social centers. It explore the forces that drove urban growth and change in the 20th century, with a focus on how these forces shape contemporary issues such as inequality, cultural change, and segregation. IS

Social Geography of the American City

Studies aspects of demography, migration, and the spatial dimension of social organization. Included in the course are the spatial perspectives of social wellbeing, poverty, crime, and ethnicity. The spatial structure of human settlement, as well as political, religious, and social values will be discussed. SC

Energy, Technology, and Society

This course is designed to assist students in understanding energy as a fundamental measure of organization, structure, and transformation in society. Principal topics include: energy history; thermodynamics; energy resources and conversion technologies; global issues and trends; environmental impacts; energy economics, institutions, and politics. SC

Renewable and Resilient Energy Sources

How do we bring energy to the places we need it with minimal impact to the environment? You will learn about energy generation, distribution, and coordination. Topics include solar photovoltaics, electricity markets, energy land use and environmental impacts, microgrids, and battery storage. SC

Environmental Remote Sensing

Environmental remote sensing uses imagery from satellite and airborne sensors to map properties of the Earth over broad spatial scales. This course develops an understanding of physical principles behind remote sensing, explores a range of sensors, spatial scales, and locations, and uses image processing techniques for extracting useful environmental information. SC

Geographic Information System

Geographic information system (GIS) technologies provide researchers and policy-makers with a powerful analytical framework for making decisions and predictions. As with any technology, the appropriate use of GIS depends greatly on the knowledge and skills of the user. This course addresses the scientific and technical aspects of working with geographical data, so that GIS users understand the general principles, opportunities, and pitfalls of recording, collecting, storing, retrieving, analyzing, and presenting spatial information. Both fundamental concepts and “hands on” experience with state-of-the-art software are incorporated through readings, lecture discussion, and laboratory assignments. The first half of the course focuses on the “nuts and bolts” of how a GIS works, while the second half concentrates on methods for spatial analysis and modeling. SC

Restoration and Society

This capstone course focuses on the ideas and theories behind environmental restoration work and asks some critical questions about the field: where did the idea of restoration come from? What are the goals of environmental restorations, and how do you know if a project is meeting those goals? What do we mean by the terms “wilderness”, “native”, “diversity”, and so forth? Do environmental mitigation projects really work? We will also look at several specific case studies through the semester. SC

Conservation Biology

Interdisciplinary investigation into biological, management, economic, and ethical issues associated with the current extinction of species. Course will cover principles and applications of ecology, population biology and genetics, biogeography, and social sciences for protection and management of biodiversity in the face of current widespread alteration of the environment. SC

Global Climate Change: Past, Present, and Future

An advanced course focusing on evidence of past climate change and predicted future change. Research methods used to reconstruct past climates are explored. Climate dynamics and the response of the environment will be examined. IS

Planning Theory and Methodology

Techniques of professional planning practice. Collection, organization, and presentation of information and data used in planning. Preparation of staff reports and components of long-range plans. Current trends, issues, and debates facing practitioners. IS

Energy Services and Efficiency

What are the most promising energy strategies to meet human needs with the least effect on the environment? You’ll use mathematical models to estimate the energy use, cost, and carbon emissions for insulated buildings, heating and cooling, electric motors, and refrigeration. We’ll use analytical and numerical methods for estimation and measurement. SC

Strategies for Carbon and Energy Reductions

How do we create and evaluate effective ways to reach our combined environmental, energy, climate, and social goals? You will construct cause and effect chains and learn how financial, thermal, and electrical models can estimate and evaluate the efficacy of policies. We’ll use case studies from the SSU and Sonoma County climate plans. SC

Laboratory Methods for Energy Efficiency

How can the use of laboratory instruments and techniques help us meet our energy and climate goals? You will create quantitative predictions of thermal and electrical energy use using mathematical models and computational techniques and compare them to observations of laboratory experiments. You will cover circuits, solar panels, insulation, motors, and other topics. SC

Development of the Modern World

An introduction to modern and contemporary history from 1500 C.E. to the present. Course material includes the impact of world expansion on the Americas, Africa and Asia; the growth of nationalism and the national state; industrial, political, and social revolutions worldwide; the wars of the 20th century; and decolonization and the conclusion of the Cold War. IS

Modern Latin America

A study of the major political, economic, social, and cultural developments in Latin America since independence, with an emphasis on political movements in the 20th century, including revolutions in Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, and Nicaragua; socialism in Chile, Peronismo in Argentina; and modernization in Brazil. The role of the United States in Latin America and modern Latin American art and literature will also be emphasized. IS

Race and Ethnicity in Latin America

The course introduces students to the complexities of race and ethnicity in Latin America. By tracing Latin American historical developments from colonialism through the 21st century, students explore the debates of what the nation is and who its citizens are. Students examine how Arabs, Jews, Japanese, Chinese, Blacks, and the indigenous peoples have positioned themselves in Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Cuba, Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, and Haiti. As these Latin American countries struggle with political instability, as well as economic and social inequality, racial and ethnic questions have become increasingly important in these pluralistic and multiethnic societies. IS

The Emergence of Modern America

A study of the major intellectual, cultural, religious, and social developments in the late 19th and early 20th century United States. Explores how what materialized in this era — particularly the consumer revolution, professionalization, and secularization — created a modern American culture and a particular set of problems we still deal with today. This is a reading-intensive course that requires students to have a basic working knowledge of the period. IS

The Darwin Wars: Science and Religion in American History

Covers the relationship between science and religion in American thought and culture from the early 19th century through the 20th century. Natural theology, the impact of Darwin, the higher criticism, and culture wars are some of the topics covered in this course. IS

American Social History

Selected review of the social history of the American peoples. Topics may include social mobility, class structure, social movements, gender roles, race and ethnicity, generational differences, the “American Dream,” and individualism. IS

Challenge and Response in the Modern World

An examination of modern accomplishments and problems that have derived from several sources: the 18th century mechanical models, the Scientific and Industrial Revolutions, and the rise of modern economic theories. Asking how it is possible in the 21st century to live a moral life, the course examines the rise of individualism, the tension between personal and social values, the problems of poverty and the distribution of wealth, and the multiple consequences of modern technology upon the human and natural environments. IS

Practices of Culture

This course surveys practices of culture through film and/or the visual arts, raising critical questions regarding the intersections of socio-cultural practices and the creative arts in a variety of geographical settings. Topics include artistic and documentary representations of self and other, global politics, popular cultures, and cross-cultural challenges. IS

Native American Cultures of the American Southwest

An examination of the prehistory, ecology, settlement patterns, social organization, cosmological and ritual systems, material culture, mythology, language and status of Southwestern Native Americans. IS

Philosophical Issues

Students practice the techniques of reading and thinking critically, of expository writing, and of oral expression as they reflect together on philosophical issues. Recent topics have included Human Consciousness, Foundations of Greek and Chinese Thought, and Philosophical Issues in Global Climate Change. As students read and discuss the semester’s topic, they will reflect consciously on the principles of thinking, speaking, and writing. This skills-oriented course reflects the assumption that we master skills more thoroughly when we are working on an interesting set of issues that are significant and relevant to our lives. IS

Applied Ethics

The focus of this course is the philosophical examination, from a moral standpoint, of pressing issues that we as human beings face today. For example, depending on the faculty member teaching, the course might focus on the ethics of science and technology, environmental ethics, bioethics, or business ethics. Students will gain an understanding of moral theory in this course but always through a practical field of study. The course is essentially interdisciplinary. IS

Philosophy of Science and Technology

Recently the scope and speed of scientific discovery and technological change has noticeably accelerated with the advent of information technology. Fantastic claims have been made in regards to our potential to understand through science and control through technology nearly every aspect of the natural world, including our own bodies and minds. We will look at science and technology as a human practice that inherently fosters certain social values at the expense of others. IS

Social and Political Philosophy

A philosophical examination of the Western tradition of social and political thought.  The course will discuss topics such as justice and the ideal society, the question of justified revolution, the role of private property, freedom, individual rights and social welfare, different forms of government, and the role of values in political deliberation. IS

Ideas and Institutions

An analysis of the basic political values and their impact on society. Students will be introduced to the relationship between values, ideology and the political process. Political science majors are expected to take this course, which stresses written expression, during their first year in the department. Satisfies GE, category D5 (Contemporary International Perspectives). IS

Issues in Modern American Politics

Leaders and issues in American political life considered in relation to major policies and movements, e.g., progressivism, isolationism, the New Deal, containment. Open to majors and minors in political science. Meets code requirements in American Constitution and California state and local government.  IS

Environmental Political Theory

This course covers contemporary political theory related to the environment, human/nature relations, theories of environmental and social justice and related movements, and theories of sustainability. Texts include works on feminism, justice, sustainability, political ideologies, political economy, and democracy. SC

Urban Politics and Policy

Examination of the structure and process of urban and regional governments within the context of state sovereignty. Such aspects of local government, in both large and small urban areas, as planning, bureaucratic administration, social services, economic issues, the political policy-making process, and civil rights will be discussed in depth. IS

Ethics in Administration

A seminar designed to help public administrators cultivate an awareness of ethical dilemmas, develop ways of conceptualizing them, and practice ways of thinking about their resolution. IS

Social Psychology

Introduces relationships between self and society, including the formation and change of attitudes and values, interaction and interpersonal dynamics, and the cultural influences on them. Topics include: symbolic interactionism, personal and social identities, motivation, prejudice and the consequences of ethnicity, class, and gender. Cross-listed with SOCI 326. IS

Social Justice and Intergroup Relations

Review of psychological research and theory about social justice and intergroup relations. Topics include the ways in which people define fairness and how these definitions shape personal and business relationships, environmental resource allocation, criminal justice practice and international relations.IS

Echopsychology

This course presents an opportunity to explore many facets of our relationship with the natural world. Ecopsychology explores the relationship between human well-being and the well-being of the Earth. While people have been interested in our relationship to the rest of nature for nearly all of human history, ecopsychology in its current form is relatively recent, emerging as a field of study in the 1990s. In this course, we will explore ways that nature can support human flourishing, whether through everyday interactions or more intensive wilderness experiences. We will also look at ways that psychological perspectives can help us to support the well-being of the earth, through activism, restoration, and other approaches to sustainability. On a deeper level, we will consider ways that many modern systems of thought have separated people from nature, to the detriment of both, and will explore ways to re-weave this connection in our lives and in our societies. The course will rely heavily on the writings of indigenous thinkers and the perspective of decolonization.
We will begin with an exploration of the growing body of knowledge of the benefits of nature to the human psyche, and will put this knowledge into practice by forming a relationship with a "sit spot," a nearby outdoor place (such as a porch, patio, or backyard) where you can have some connection with non-human life and natural patterns (such as weather patterns, the sky, and the changing of the seasons), and the practice of nature awareness. Your work with the sit spot will unfold over the course of the semester, and will include guided nature observations, reflective questions, and meditations. Your work with the sit spot will be the foundation for the midterm paper. The first half of the course will also introduce material on Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK) and decolonization, nature-based rites of passage, the importance of nature in child development, and the sentience of non-human forms of life.
The second half of the course will look at how we can "give back" to the Earth through aligning our human presence with natural patterns. Topics in this part of the course will include ecological restoration, challenging consumerism and materialism, challenging system of oppression and working toward environmental justice, and responding to large scale ecological issues such as climate change and species extinction. The final paper of the class will involve a "reciprocity project" in which you spend at least five hours in a self-designed project to benefit the Earth, and reflect on your project in terms of key themes from the course. SC

Social Change

Theories and methods for analyzing social change, past, present and future, such as: the relationship of the plow, steam engine and computer to the rise of the agricultural, industrial and information ages; the development, dissemination and impact of such major technologies as the printing press, the automobile, VCRs and computers. IS

City and Community Life

Examination of the social psychology of urban and community life. Particular attention will be paid to the analysis of the culture of public life, place and place attachment, patterns of interaction in urban and neighborhood settings, and the sociological debate surrounding loss of community. IS

Sociology of Environment

This service-learning course focuses on relations among major social institutions and the environment, and between national and global social inequalities and environmental degradation are examined. Differences in class, race, and gender mean that some people are disproportionately burdened by consequences of environmental degradation. Socio-environmental perspectives and practical alternatives
to our acknowledged ecological crises are explored, including environmental social justice movements, critical social analysis, and alternative socio-economic approaches to consumption and employment that foster ecologically sustainable societies. SC