Apr 27, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

SUNY Oneonta offers students more than 1,400 courses—from Accounting to Zoology—from over 25 separate departments. Requirements for majors and minors and course descriptions are listed under the departments that offer them; and these departments are arranged in alphabetical order. See the “Course Index” for details.

Please note that requirements, courses, and course descriptions are subject to change after publication of this catalog. Contact the appropriate departments for updated information. Also note that some course descriptions have been edited for clarity and consistency. Complete descriptions are available from the instructors or the departments concerned.

Key to Course Descriptions

Abbreviation   Meaning
(PACT)   Activity course in Health & Fitness
(LA)   Liberal Arts (course is a Liberal Arts offering)
SUSF   Sustainability Focused Courses
AWR   Advanced Writing Requirement (pending)
s.h.   Semester Hour(s)
SoS   Sophomore standing
JrS   Junior standing
SrS   Senior standing

Course Numbering System

001 - 099   No credit; usually developmental in nature.
100 - 199   Lower-division undergraduate-level courses.
200 - 299   Upper-division intermediate undergraduate-level courses.
300 - 499   Upper-division advanced courses.
500 - 699   Graduate-level courses.
 

Environmental Sciences
  

  • ENVS 101 - Introduction to Environmental Science 3 s.h.

    The interactions between the living and non-living components of the ecosystem. An introduction to ecological community concepts; the influence of chemical, geological, atmospheric, and physical factors on living systems will be considered.
    LA
    NS3
  

  • ENVS 105 - Research and Careers in Environmental Sustainability 1 s.h.

    This course is intended for Environmental Science majors in their first year. The course involves numerous field trips to local sites where discussion on relevant environmental issues will take place. It is expected that students are either currently in either ENVS 101  or ENVS 201  or that students have had the equivalent of one of these courses.
    Prerequisite(s): ENVS or ENSS majors only.
  

  • ENVS 110 - Environmental Sustainability 3 s.h.

    The Brundtland Commission in 1987 defined “sustainability” as “meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Environmental Sustainability uses a holistic approach to understanding the complex nature of the environment, especially where the social institutions interact with natural phenomena. Lectures, readings, and discussions examine both the role and limits of natural resources and the environment in relation to human political, social, and economic goals and aspirations. Students gain a greater appreciation of how science can inform the policies and practices that will shape a more sustainable future.
    LA
    SUSF
    NS3
  

  • ENVS 201 - Environmental Issues 3 s.h.

    The study of the effect of human activities on the worldwide ecosystem. An examination of the issues of human overpopulation, atmospheric warming, chemical pollution, and agriculture. Strategies of land planning and resource conservation will be considered. Offered Spring only.
    LA
    Cross-listed as: GEOG 206 .
    Prerequisite(s): ENVS 101  or ENVS 110 . 
  

  • ENVS 250 - Environmental Monitoring 3 s.h.

    Introduction to various methods and techniques commonly used in the field of environmental science to monitor nature. Emphasis is on designing statistically sound monitoring programs and applying learned statistical tests to analyze data.
    SUSF
    Prerequisite(s): ENVS 201  and STAT 101 , both “C+” or better.
  

  • ENVS 251 - Food, Society and the Environment 3 s.h.

    Food is a critical aspect of human existence and its production and distribution lies at the core of the interaction between society and the environment. This course adopts a critical approach to examining the current issues and debates pertaining to the production, processing and marketing of food as well as the local and global political economy of access to food. A central theme in these discussions will be the challenge of environmental sustainability in the food production and distribution system, while drawing examples from the local, national and global levels. The course will examine the political economy of the global food system as well as the local and national food justice issues that include production, access and consumption.
    LA
    SUSF
    Cross-listed as: GEOG 251  and SOC 251 .
    Prerequisite(s): ENVS 101 , ENVS 110 , GEOG 100 , or SOC 101 .
  

  • ENVS 264 - Environmental Inequalities 3 s.h.

    This course will examine the range of issues that link social inequality to geographically situated environmental injustices. Differential exposures lead to uneven health and quality-of-life outcomes along racial, ethnic, and social class lines.  Offered annually.
    GEOG 264  and SOC 264 . 
    Prerequisite(s): 3 s.h. of ENVS, GEOG, SOC, or CRJ.
  

  • ENVS 268 - United States Environmental History 3 s.h.

    Study of the history of environmental perception in the United States, from 15th - 21st centuries. Topics include settlement patterns, land management policies, environmental degradation and disasters, and the environmental movement. Concepts include nationalism, expansionism, romanticism, conservation, “wilderness,” the “Land Ethic,” environmental justice, ecotourism, ecosystem services, and sustainability. Special emphasis on Adirondack Park.
    LA
    SUSF
    Cross-listed as: GEOG 268 .
    Prerequisite(s): GEOG 100  or ENVS 101  or ENVS 110  or SoS.
  

  • ENVS 291 - Interdisciplinary Junior Seminar 3 s.h.

    This is a seminar course for Environmental Sustainability majors. The focus of this course in particular is to progressively develop the trans-disciplinary analytical skills that empower students to develop creative and collaborative solutions to complex environmental challenges. Students will be asked to integrate and frame knowledge in new ways.
    LA
    SUSF
    Prerequisite(s): JrS, ENVS or ENSS major.
  

  • ENVS 294 - Special Topics in Environmental Sciences 1 s.h. - 6 s.h.

    This course gives students the opportunity to study in depth advanced and special topics in the field of environmental sciences. Topics and instructors will be announced prior to registration.
  

  • ENVS 299 - Independent Study in Environmental Sciences 1 s.h. - 6 s.h.

    Individual studies under regular faculty supervision. Enrollment by consent of program director and instructor.
  

  • ENVS 385 - Water and the Environment of Guatemala 3 s.h.

    This international field course prepares students to find solutions to contemporary water resources problems and environmental issues in the developing world. Water and the Environment of Guatemala largely focuses on the water resources of Lake Atitlan and its watershed. Students will take water samples and analyze water quality data from Lake Atitlan and the surrounding drainage basin. Based on observations, interactions with local residents, and data collection, students will identify sustainable solutions to local water resources problems. Students will also be exposed to Guatemala’s natural systems, from volcanoes and climate, to soils and biomes. This is an experiential course and active participation is required for successful completion. Permission of the instructor is required. Students must have a valid passport. Enrollment is limited and students must apply to participate during the preceding Fall semester. There is a special course cost associated with this class. This course will be offered during the Summer Semester.
    LA
    Cross-Listed as: GEOG 385  and GEOL 385 .
    Prerequisite(s): JrS and permission of instructor.
  

  • ENVS 390 - Environmental Sustainability Seminar 3 s.h.

    This course serves as a capstone course for the Environmental Sustainability major.  The course focuses on contemporary issues in environmental sciences and sustainability. Students are required to produce a synthesis evaluation of a particular topic, including data analysis and presentations. Group research projects or primary literature readings will be required. Evaluations will be based on participation and quality of products.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): SrS; ENVS 250  ”B” or better, and ENVS 291 . 
  

  • ENVS 394 - Special Topics in Environmental Sciences 1 s.h. - 6 s.h.

    This course gives students the opportunity to study in depth advanced and special topics in the field of environmental sciences. Topics and instructors will be announced prior to registration.
    LA
    Prerequisite(s): JrS, ENVS 201 , and permission of instructor.
  

  • ENVS 395 - Teaching Assistantship in Environmental Sciences 1 s.h. - 3 s.h.

    Teaching Assistantship in Environmental Sciences provides a college level teaching experience for students who are exceptionally qualified to undertake appropriate responsibilities and demands including such activities as tutoring, assisting in course preparation, participation in classroom presentations, and/or assisting in laboratory exercises. Students must be recommended by a faculty member and have completed the appropriate coursework required for the particular assistantship. The precise responsibilities, amount of credit, and grading criteria will be agreed to and outlined in writing prior to the beginning of the course. A student may earn 1 to 3 s.h. of credit during a single assistantship depending upon specific responsibilities and demands.
    Prerequisite(s): JrS; completion of the ENVS course for which the student will be T.A.; a minimum 3.0 GPA and permission of instructor and Program Director.
  

  • ENVS 397 - Environmental Internship 1 - 15 s.h.

    Practical experience with an appropriate organization or agency. Students are required to submit a journal of their experiences at the end of the internship. Requirements follow College internship policies. Only one internship can count as an elective towards the major.
    Prerequisite(s): JrS.
  

  • ENVS 399 - Independent Study in Environmental Sciences 1 s.h. - 6 s.h.

    Individual studies and research under regular faculty supervision. Enrollment by consent of program director and instructor.