Faculty of Arts & Sciences

Explores contemporary understandings and practical implications of the idea of sustainable development. Investigates the meanings and measures that different groups have given to "sustainable development;" scientific understanding of the complex social-environmental systems we seek to develop sustainably; and lessons on how societies have avoided the "tragedy of the commons" while instituting practical action that advances sustainable development effectively and equitably. Employs case studies in development to meet needs for energy, food, water and health.

Our interactions with the natural world are increasingly mediated through changes in technology. Technologies create risks, generate solutions, reshape the environment, and alter our perception of the boundaries between nature and artifice. This course draws on major theories of technology and society to inform and deepen our understanding of environmental problems and policy options.

An introduction to the history, organization, goals, and ideals of environmental protection in America. Examines the shifts in emphasis from nature protection to pollution control to sustainability over the past hundred years and develops critical tools to analyze changing conceptions of nature and the role of science in environmental policy formulation. Of central interest is the relationship between knowledge, uncertainty, and political or legal action. Theoretical approaches are combined with case studies of major episodes and controversies in environmental protection.

The seminar will provide an account of the technologies that shape our world with a perspective on how they evolved, the benefits that ensued and the environmental challenges that arose as a consequence. Topics include prospects for renewable energy and options to minimize damage from conventional sources of energy. Specific attention is directed to challenges faced by large developing economies emphasizing the need for a cooperative approach to ensure an equable, environmentally sustainable, global future.

Conservation biology strives to describe, understand, and preserve biodiversity by applying ecological and evolutionary theory within the contexts of resource management, economics, sociology, and political science. This course will explore the motivations and tools used for preserving biodiversity with a focus on coastal and marine ecosystems. Case studies will include major contemporary issues in conservation biology such as endangered species protection and reintroduction, over-harvesting of marine resources, and marine spatial planning. Students will be challenged to answer: How can we restore New England's coastal ecosystems?

War, disaster, drought, or famine force people to flee their land. Climate change is contributing to many of these factors. The humanitarian consequences of population flight, including loss of place and livelihood, are filled with complexity, relating to the extent and permanence of environmental destruction wrought by these crises, people's attachment to their homes and ecosystems, the circumstances of departure, the destinations of refuge, and the possibilities for return. These issues will be examined through case studies and review of literature on forced migration and calamity.

The seminar will provide a historical perspective on the development of the Chinese economy with emphasis on the energy sector, including analysis of related environmental problems. Energy options available for China's future will be discussed, including opportunities for clean-coal technology, nuclear, wind, hydro, and biofuels. The seminar will discuss tradeoffs implicit in these choices with respect to reconciling competing goals for environmental protection and economic development.

This seminar examines the implications of biotechnology for sustainability. Using case studies, it focuses on policy approaches for maximizing the benefits of biotechnology and minimizing their risks. It addresses the following themes: (1) scientific and technological advances in biotechnology and sustainability; (2) social responses to the use of biotechnology; (3) application of biotechnology specific sectors such as agriculture; industry; energy; bioremediation and species conservation; (4) socio-economic impacts; and (5) policy and institutional considerations.

Energy is the lifeblood of economic activity, and there is little prospect of this changing. However, the planet's stores of easily accessed fossil fuels are limited, and the climatological cost of continuing to rely on fossil fuels is high. This course examines the long run and short run prospects for renewable energy. We start by understanding the technology of hydro, solar, wind, and biomass. We then examine the economics of these technologies, and how subsidies and taxes affect their viability. Special attention will be paid to the interaction of technology, economics, and public policy.

Through the seminar course students will be introduced to ongoing environmental health research. They will read published articles and interview faculty. Studies will include birth outcomes and heavy metals; neurological and cognitive development in children exposed to lead; dietary interventions and pesticide exposure; asthma and public housing; air pollution and cardiovascular health; exposures and effects of plasticizers, flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenol A (BPA) and other synthetic organic compounds; cell phone use and brain cancer; respiratory effects of biomass cooking and heat fuels on children and women; heat waves and heat stress mortality; and land-use factors and obesity.

What level of environmental protection is best? Stronger regulations provide greater protection against the target harm, but generally at the cost of reduced economic consumption or increases in other environmental harms. What principles can be used to determine the `right' level of protection, and how can regulations be evaluated? This course provides an introduction to environmental risk assessment and benefit-cost analysis of environmental regulation, incorporating theory and case studies.

This course examines some of the main U.S. environmental laws, the methods of regulation and enforcement represented by those laws, and current controversies regarding their implementation and development. Each week's class will be divided between a discussion of key cases and regulations implementing a particular law and an in-depth examination of a case study involving the law under examination.

Supervised reading and research on topics not covered by regular courses of instruction. Students must complete a registration form, including permission from their faculty sponsor, with the concentration office before course enrollment. A final paper describing the research/reading completed during the term is due in duplicate to the Head Tutor on the first day of reading period.

Research and writing of the senior thesis under faculty direction. Senior honors candidates must take at least one term of this course while writing a thesis. The signature of the faculty adviser is required.