Carleton College

ENTS 100. Geology and the Human Health The air, water, soil and land around us affect our health. In this course, we use a case study approach to analyze the geologic controls on these facets of the physical environment. For instance, we will examine lead contamination of soils, asbestos, drinking water quality and many other examples. We will use the tools of geographic information systems (GSIS) and risk analysis. Labs and field trips included. 6 cr., S/CR/NC, MS, Not offered in 2006-2007.

ENTS 100. Science, Technology and Public Policy Science and technology have led to profound effects upon public life over the past century. This course will study the social and political impacts of scientific and technological developments on modern life. We will investigate particular cases drawn from across the sciences, such as genetics, energy production and consumption, nuclear weapons, and the information revolution. The relationship between government, the public, and the science/technology enterprise will be examined. What is, and what should be the role of the practitioners themselves? 6 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall—J. Weisberg

ENTS 110. Environment and Society: Challenges of the Twenty-first Century Team-taught by a humanist and a scientist, this course offers an interdisciplinary introduction to a number of the pressing environmental changes currently facing human societies around the world. Using a mix of lectures, discussions and field experiences, we will explore, analyze and seek to integrate the social, economic, scientific and political dimensions of these challenges. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the complexity of environmental issues and the interdisciplinary nature of the search for appropriate solutions. Topics will include global warming, population pressures, energy use, industrial waste and pollution, biological diversity, and sustainable agriculture. 6 cr., ND, Spring—G. Vrtis, G. Wagenbach

ENTS 228. Eco-House Design and Construction Exploration of a design for a small "foot print," energy efficient, cost effective, and aesthetically pleasing student housing. Course goal is to learn about good design and plan for construction. Classroom format will provide an opportunity for lectures, demonstrations, guest speakers, and student presentation. Practical work on initial phases of construction included. Lab required. ENTS 228 does count toward the total of six courses required to obtain an ENTS concentration. However, this class does not satisfy one of the four ENTS distribution categories that must be covered in pursuit of the required six-course total. 6 cr., ND, Not offered in 2006-2007.

ENTS 298. Ethics and Values Colloquium Open to juniors and seniors, or with permission of instructor. 3 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter—Staff

ENTS 300. Practical Conservation This course will be based upon the instructor's real-world experience restoring prairie environments through the reintroduction of American bison to their original habitat near the Black Hills. Students will study the process of habitat recovery on one ranch and take part in the analysis and planning of the recovery in process on a second ranch. Relations and negotiations with local, tribal, and federal government agencies, other grazers in the area, and several non-governmental organizations will be included on the syllabus. Visitors from such organizations as the Forest Service and the Nature Conservancy will also be featured. 6 cr., ND, Not offered in 2006-2007.

ENTS 305. Topics in Environmental History: The World's Water Each year, this course will focus on a major issue in environmental history. Although the course will privilege North America, it will take a global view of the issue. For 2006-2007, the topic will be the world's water. It is difficult to overstate the importance of water or the critical concerns currently facing societies around the world. With many societies already facing water shortages, a growing number of contaminated waterways, and a billion people lacking clean drinking water, we stand on the brink of a global water crisis. This course will seek to explain how and why this situation emerged. Prerequisites: ENTS 110 or History 195. 6 cr., ND, Winter—G. Vrtis

ENTS 320. Comparative Environment and Development Seminar

This seminar will review major works within the traditions of cultural and political ecology (e.g., agricultural modernization, environmental narratives, conservation, sustainable development) and explore nature-society dynamics across a range of geographical contexts. Towards the end of the course we will explore how one might begin to think in practical terms about facilitating development in marginal environments, i.e. areas of environmental fragility, aridity and resource constraint, areas of socio-economic poverty; regions of indigenous populatons; and local communities confronting rapid modernization. 6 cr., SS, Spring—J. Barry

ENTS 391. Senior Capstone Project Execution of project described in a proposal prepared the prior fall term. Only approved projects will be supported. Projects will be presented in public. Prerequisite: Environmental and Technology Studies 398. 2 or 5 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Winter,Spring—Staff

ENTS 398. Senior Colloquium: Capstone Project Proposal Proposal preparation for independent or group research, education projects, internships, nature writing, or other culminating experiences for the Environmental and Technology Studies concentration. Project proposals will be evaluated by ENTS faculty. To proceed to the ENTS 391 execution step, a proposal must be approved. 1 cr., S/CR/NC, ND, Fall,Winter—M. Kanazawa