Values & Theory Core

The Values & Theory Secondary Core is recommended for those interested in exploring the conceptual underpinnings of environmental studies.

HNN meeting

Introduction

The Values and Theory Secondary Core is recommended for students interested in exploring the conceptual underpinnings of environmental studies. It is particularly suited for students aiming for careers in the theoretical branches of the discipline (philosophy, politics, economics, law), but also potentially working in the private, public, and/or non-profit sector to communicate environmental ideas, fashion environmental arguments, aid with outreach, or contribute in areas where qualitative analysis, argument, and critical reasoning are central components of the job. This core sequence could encompass research in philosophy, political science, economics, geography, comparative sociology or sociology, environmental writing, etc. The course structure is focused on the development of qualitative analytical skills that will be helpful with critical assessment of an enormous range of environmental questions. The elective list includes possible focus on environmental ethics, scientific epistemology, political theory, macroeconomic theory, theories of justice, etc.

Curriculum

1. Common Core Requirements (8 credit hours)

ENVS 5000 (3): Science Policy and Values
ENVS 5XXX (3): Theory and Methods in Environment
ENVS 5909 (2): Colloquium* (Independent Study) – two semesters

Note: students will have the opportunity to participate in the organization of the colloquium after their first year for 1 unit of academic credit.

2. Theory and Methods (9 credit hours)
In some instances the courses below will be offered only once every other year. Students are responsible to keep track of when those courses are offered and to plan enrollments accordingly.

ENVS/PHIL 5240: Environmental Philosophy
PSCI 7024: Environmental Political Theory
ECON XXXX: Economics and the Environment

3. Required Interdisciplinary Elective Categories (6 credit hours)

Science (3 credit hours): choose one graduate level science course drawn from any science or engineering unit on campus.

AND

Policy (3 credit hours)
Choose one:
* ENVS 5710: Introduction to Policy Sciences
* ENVS 5720: Problem Orientation
* ENVS 5730: Decision Process
* ENVS 5100: Science and Tech Policy
* ENVS 5110: Science Technology and Society
* ENVS 5820: Renewable Energy Policy
* ENVS 5810: Water Resources and Environmental Sustainability

4. Electives: 10 credit hours for MS/ 22 credit hours for PhD
See Cluster Options.
Recommended Courses -- Values and Theory Core (pdf)

Total Course Credit Hours for MS: 30 credit hours + 6 thesis credits = 36 total
Total Course Credit Hours for PhD: 32 credit hours + 30 dissertation credits = 62 total