Lewis University
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Through this degree students study the interactions of the biological, chemical and physical processes of the Earth- learning how the complex systems of the planet operate, the relationship between man and nature, and how to design systems that minimize human interference and restore nature's sustainable ecosystems. Students can choose to pursue a track of ecology or sustainability under this degree. Course requirements include, biology courses, ecology, chemistry, calculus as well as completing a senior thesis. Students who then chose the Ecology track will take additional courses relating to genetics, microbiology and field biology in order to learn how ecosystems function, appreciate biodiversity and understand the significance of the human ecological footprint. The Sustainability track students will take additional courses relating to learning the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), microbiology, zoology, observational biology, limnology, and botany in order to understand biomimicry and how cities and other institutions are able to practice sustainable stewardship through LEED and other green solutions.

Tthe Environmental Science, B.A. is designed for students who plan on working with non-profits, or plan to study environmental Law. Coursework in this degree program include work in the field of biology, genetics, earth science, microbiology, environmental science, field biology, ecology, issues in environmental science, ecology journal club, chemistry, calculus and a senior thesis. This major is designed to work in conjunction with a second major or minors and serves the purpose of integrating sustainability into different disciplines.

This minor has become a popular choice for business, pre-law, chemistry and political science majors, an environmental science minor provides a solid background in environmental issues to better prepare students to work in their field with an understanding of sustainability. 19 hours of coursework are required in the fields of environmental science, earth science, field biology, ecology, GIS, microbiology, biomimicry, renewable energy technologies, green building, conservation biology and limnology.

Rooted in Catholic social teaching and shaped by Lasallian global praxis, the Peace Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program within the College of Arts and Sciences. This program critically engages students in addressing contemporary social justice problems and building "just peace." Cooperating with a Peace Studies advisor, the student in this minor is able to design an individualized program of interdisciplinary coursework and service-learning experiences. The minor includes course options in communications, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, social work, sociology, theology, and justice, law and public safety studies and environmental science.

Cooperating with a Peace Studies advisor, the student in this minor is able to design an individualized program of interdisciplinary coursework and service-learning experiences. Enriched by faculty in a variety of disciplines, this program promotes examination of calls to justice as prerequisites to peace. It investigates the social, political, cultural, philosophical, and theological frameworks out of which just and unjust local and global realities emerge. Program participants explore peace studies theories and practices by examining conflicts and their transformations. The minor includes course options in communications, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, social work, sociology, theology, and justice, law and public safety studies. It provides a framework for the systematic understanding of numerous contemporary social, political, religious, ecological, and economic issues. It trains students to recognize and critically evaluate roles played by governments, groups, and individuals in peaceful solutions. Students interested in international relations, criminal justice, history, pastoral ministry, philosophy, political science, pre-law, or psychology are particularly encouraged to consider adding this minor. Some careers for which a Peace Studies program prepares students are negotiator, mediator, government official, educator, activist, community organizer, human rights advocate, environmental protection agent, interfaith dialogue facilitator, international lawyer, victim/offender advocate, and restorative justice practitioner.

The Peace & Justice Studies program works in collaboration with the Office of Service Learning to encourage civic engagement and community-based experiences through course-related peacebuilding initiatives.  Successful students will be able to understand just peace strategies and nonviolent conflict tactics as tools for positive social change at the local, national, and/or global level; critique sources of information about peace and justice issues; analyze and synthesize complex social issues and options for conflict resolution and transformation; interpret historical examples of U.S. and international social movements and the alternatives to violence that have been presented in troubled communities and conflict/war situations; demonstrate an understanding of philosophical, religious, and ethical perspectives on peace and justice, including knowledge of Catholic social teaching and interdisciplinary perspectives on the concept of social justice; explain the intersection of justice and diversity in U.S. culture with special focus on racism, gender issues, sexual orientation, religious tradition, and mental/physical challenges; reflect on service learning/community-based learning as a vehicle to greater understanding of social issues and diverse communities; and demonstrate the use of conflict management and dialogue skills.