Berea College
AC-1: Academic Courses

SENS Department Course Inventory: SENS 100 The concept of sustainability is explored as it relates to human-dominated and natural ecosystems at spatial scales from local to global. The major environmental problems facing the United States and the world are evaluated in terms of interactions among ecological, social, economic, and spiritual factors. Emphasis is placed on understanding the methods by which sustainability is evaluated and actions that can be taken to increase the resilience of a community or society. Local ecosystems will be used as a context for learning. Two lectures or laboratory/field exercises each week. Practical Reasoning (PR). SENS 215 Apal. Sustainable Community An introduction to practical knowledge and approaches for increasing the sustainability of communities and households in the Appalachian region and beyond. Within the context of basic community needs such as food, water, energy, and health, students learn actions that they can take for their household, and steps that the community, as a whole, can take through the efforts of city government, non-profit organizations and other groups. Examples from Appalachian communities are included that illustrate successful and promising approaches, and students participate in projects that assist a local community to become more sustainable. SENS 225 Env. Justice This course is an introduction to the study of Environmental Justice and issues associated with access to, and equitable sharing of, the products of a healthy environment, including clean water and air, healthy food, non-toxic communities, and environmental security. The history of the environmental justice movement beginning with its foundations in the Civil Rights and Environmental movements will be studied, followed by a survey and analysis of current issues of environmental justice, particularly in relation to minority and poor communities in the United States and worldwide. Emphasis is placed on the role of women and African Americans as participants in the environmental justice movement, and the analysis of environmental justice issues in Appalachia. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. SENS 310 Ecology An introduction to the basic ecological principles of terrestrial and aquatic systems. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning through field and laboratory studies. Principles of energy flow, material cycles, physiological ecology, population ecology, ecological succession, community ecology, and biological diversity are addressed. Hands-on exercises and experiments are integrated with lectures, discussion groups, student research projects, and computer exercises to demonstrate the process of scientific inquiry into ecological issues. Two class periods and one laboratory period each week. SENS 340 Into to Ecological Design An exploration of the principles and practice of ecological design - the purposeful integration of human actions with the structures and functions of the natural world. Emphasis is placed on the application of ecological principles to the design of sustainable technologies, buildings, communities, and landscapes. Topics include solar energy, biomimicry, ecological machines, sustainable agriculture, ecological architecture and building, aquaculture, ecovillages, bioremediation, eco-industrial systems, and sustainable communities. SENS 320 Intro to Geographical Infosystem An introduction to the basic principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and the related technology of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), through demonstration and practice with GIS software. Examples from a variety of disciplines will be presented to illustrate how GIS are used to manage spatial data. Students will develop beginning competency in applying GIS software to example problems. Practical Reasoning with Quantitative Emphasis (PRQ). NOTE: Noncredit for students who have completed this course as SENS 386. SENS 345 Eco Architecture A survey of the developing field of ecological, or 'green,' architecture. Topics include innovative design methodology, alternative building materials, energy conservation and renewable energy sources, indigenous architecture, and ecologically engineered waste management systems. Material will be presented in the context of a dialogue between conventional and ecological architecture. Laboratory exercises are complemented by experiential learning through student involvement in campus and community building projects. SENS 394 Experimental Learning Project An experiential learning activity that normally occurs beyond the classroom setting, may be on or off campus, and will involve students in activities central to SENS learning objectives under the direction of a SENS faculty member. Successful completion of a SENS 395/495 (Internship), 150 hours in an approved labor position, or a student-faculty undergraduate research project may satisfy this requirement. SENS 460 Capstone Advanced analysis of a current sustainability and environmental issue integrating the diverse knowledge, experiences, and points of view that students have developed in the SENS minor. This course integrates elements of the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, and emphasizes specific problem solving as well as abstract thinking. Students are expected to process and synthesize complex concepts and ideas by drawing upon the fundamentals learned in SENS 100, the breadth gained from their selection of electives, and their specific skills and perspectives developed through the experiential component. SENS 494 Experimental Learning Project An experiential learning activity that normally occurs beyond the classroom setting, may be on or off campus, and will involve students in activities central to SENS learning objectives under the direction of a SENS faculty member. Successful completion of a SENS 395/495 (Internship), 150 hours in an approved labor position, or a student-faculty undergraduate research project may satisfy this requirement. Further course descriptions available through the college's course catalog.

At year-end, each faculty member submits a report to the Dean regarding the activities of the year. At that time, the Dean requested faculty specifically identify courses offered during the last academic year that met the above definitions of sustainability. Compliance with this aspect of reporting was voluntary.

Courses with multiple offerings were counted as single courses.

In response to the last two questions: Does the institution designate sustainability courses in its catalog of course offerings? Does the institution designate sustainability courses on student transcripts? Yes, but only if the courses are in the sustainability program (SENS)