Furman University
AC-2: Undergraduate Programs

A course addressing humans and the natural environment (NE)

Humans are affecting the dynamics of the planet; they are changing the composition of the atmosphere, the currents in the oceans, and the productivity of natural ecosystems. Because modern societies require more energy, food, and materials than ever before, we are increasingly dependent on stable, productive, and sustainable natural systems. Ironically, our societies are becoming increasingly urban and increasingly insulated from nature just as these ineluctable dependencies are becoming increasingly important. In order to foster an appreciation for these dependencies, courses will emphasize some aspect of the interactive relationships between humans and the natural environment.

Two courses in the empirical study of the natural world, at least one with a separate laboratory component (NW and NWL)

Through these courses, students should understand how to study causality in the physical universe by constructing falsifiable hypotheses that are testable with evidence from the physical universe. Students should also be exposed to the major scientific theories within a discipline, and understand how these explanatory models were constructed and are currently applied. Students should also appreciate the tentative, progressive, and cumulative nature of scientific knowledge.

A course focusing on identities, equity, and justice (IEJ)

Courses examine how societal structures and processes shape the experiences and expressions of social identity groups. These courses address how (in)equity and (in)justice are manifested in historical or contemporary societies. While class content may focus on domestic or global contexts, courses will connect discussed issues to current domestic contexts with the goal of understanding how discrimination, marginalization, and structural inequalities based on identities pervade much of the human experience.

A course focusing on world cultures (WC)

World cultures courses will help students achieve a heightened awareness of the diverse cultures and traditions that have formed our world, and to reflect on the relationships between their own and other cultures. Courses will focus on the traditions, beliefs, experiences, and expressions of peoples of, or originating from, Asia, Africa, Latin America, or the pre-colonial Americas.

Two courses in the empirical study of human behavior and social relations (HB)

These courses will have as an underlying focus the empirical methodologies employed to describe, understand, and predict the behavior of individuals and groups. The aim will be to foster an appreciation among students for the value and meaning of empirically derived knowledge in our world.

B.S. in Sustainability Sciences (SUS) https://www.furman.edu/academics/earth-environmental-sciences/program-overview/sustainability-science/

The Sustainability Science major focuses on the critical linkages between global environmental, human, and social systems and emphasizes complex systems analysis focusing on understanding sustainability related problems and assessing potential solutions.

The grand challenge of sustainability science lies in finding ways to elevate the standard of living for all humans above a social foundation that protects against human deprivation, while at the same time lowering environmental impact below critical natural thresholds. Our SUS curriculum addresses this challenge and associated issues, training students to solve the most pressing complex problems we face as a global society. Our program provides students with a marketable skillset and a problembased, solution-driven way of thinking, grounded in systems perspectives. The Sustainability Science major focuses on the critical linkages between environmental, human, and social systems. Classes focus on real world sustainability challenges, such as: food security, energy production, climate change, population growth, production and consumption, economic growth, human security and health, and access to clean water. Our curriculum emphasizes complex systems analysis through project-based learning that integrates theoretical and methodological training in real-world settings to understand sustainability related problems and assessing potential solutions at local and regional scales.

B.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences https://www.furman.edu/academics/earth-environmental-sciences/program-overview/ and

B.A. in Earth and Environmental Sciences https://www.furman.edu/academics/earth-environmental-sciences/program-overview/earth-environmental-science-ba/ 

As an Earth and Environmental Sciences major, you will study the physical, chemical, and biological, natural and human processes, in both time and space, which have shaped the planet. Courses are designed to help you understand the complexity, interconnectedness, and dynamic nature of the Earth system. All of the courses, including the introductory classes, involve a field component. Class excursions include extensive use of the campus living, learning laboratories as well as many local and regional field trips to places like the Okefenokee Swamp, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, and the South Carolina coast including the Cape Romaine Wildlife Refuge and the many barrier Islands along the coast. The highlight of the B.S. degree is an original research project completed in collaboration with a faculty member, the results of which are presented at a local or national professional meeting.

B.A. in Urban Studies https://www.furman.edu/academics/majors-minors-programs/urban-studies-major/  Through a multidisciplinary approach, urban studies students gain a broad and deep understanding of the issues facing urban areas, including commercial real estate, urban planning, the social and environmental impacts of urban growth, and social justice issues focused on the city.

Environmental Studies Minor https://www.furman.edu/academics/majors-minors-programs/environmental-studies-minor/

Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary synthesis of the social sciences, natural sciences and the humanities, focused on solutions and exploration. The environmental studies minor is an elective secondary academic specialization meant to accompany and complement a student’s major course of study. At Furman, your minor may include courses in anthropology, business, economics, health sciences, politics and international affairs, sociology, English, philosophy, religion, biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics and sustainability sciences.

Medicine, Health, and Culture Minor https://www.furman.edu/academics/majors-minors-programs/medicine-health-culture/ 

Poverty Studies Minor https://www.furman.edu/academics/majors-minors-programs/poverty-studies-minor/ 

B.S. in Biology, Environmental and Conservation Biology Track https://www.furman.edu/academics/biology/program-overview/biology-environmental-conservation-biology-track/

The Bachelor of Science in Biology in the Environmental & Conservation Biology track is a four-year pathway to prepare students to address environmental and conservation issues locally and globally. Includes research, internships, and study away in Africa, Costa Rica, and the desert Southwest.

B.S. in Biology, Integrative Biology Track https://www.furman.edu/academics/biology/program-overview/biology-integrative-biology-track/

B.A. in Biology https://www.furman.edu/academics/majors-minors-programs/biology-major/ 

B.S. in Public Health https://www.furman.edu/academics/health-sciences/program-overview/public-health-bs/

B.A. in Public Health https://www.furman.edu/academics/health-sciences/program-overview/public-health-ba/ 

B.A. in Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies https://www.furman.edu/academics/majors-minors-programs/womens-gender-and-sexuality-studies-major/ 

Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor https://www.furman.edu/academics/majors-minors-programs/womens-gender-and-sexuality-studies-minor/