2010-11 Undergraduate Index A-Z
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| Title | Offering | Standing | Credits | Credits | When | F | W | S | Su | Description | Preparatory | Faculty | Days of Week | Multiple Standings | Start Quarters |
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Animal Behavior and Zoology
Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying biology ecology field studies philosophy of science zoology Signature Required: Fall |
Program | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | What do animals do, how do they do it, and why? In this year-long investigation of animal behavior, students will answer these questions through extensive use of the scientific literature, in-depth discussions of the evolutionary and ecological theories that are fundamental to the study of behavior, independent research projects, and several weeks in the field, including two weeks in the Pacific Northwest during fall quarter. Animals hibernate, forage, mate, form social groups, compete, communicate, care for their young, and so much more. They do so with the tools of their physiology, anatomy, and, in some cases, culture, for reasons having to do with their particular ecology and evolutionary history. In this program, we will begin with a review of animal diversity, and continue our studies of behavior from both a theoretical and an empirical perspective. Students will be expected to engage some of the complex and often contradictory scientific predictions and results that have been generated in this field, through lectures, workshops and take-home exams, as well as to undertake their own, intensive field research. In fall quarter, students will conduct short-term field projects, and become skilled in library research. In winter quarter, we will continue to learn theory and statistics, and will continue field work as well. In spring quarter, having studied the methods, statistics and literature frequently used in behavioral research, students will generate their own hypotheses and go into the field to test them through extensive, independent field research or internships. Field work might be in a variety of locales from the Pacific Northwest to Central America. Any field work outside the United States will be organized as independent learning contracts. Students will return to campus for the last two weeks of spring quarter to complete their data analysis and present their research. Some topics covered in this program will include mating systems, territoriality, female mate choice, competition, communication, parental care, game theory, plant/animal interactions and convergent evolution. Several readings will focus on one group of animals in particular: the primates, including Homo sapiens. | field biology, evolution, ecology and other life sciences. | Bret Weinstein Heather Heying | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Biodiversity Studies in Argentina
Erik Thuesen biology botany ecology field studies language studies marine science natural history study abroad Signature Required: Fall |
Program | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | In the 19th century, well-known European scientists such as Darwin, d'Orbigny and Bonpland traveled in Argentina and brought their knowledge of the flora and fauna back to Europe. The marine, desert and alpine environments of the Southern Cone harbor flora and fauna very different from similar environments in North America. In this two-quarter program, we carry out intensive natural history studies of the unique organisms and ecosystems of Argentina, focusing on those of Patagonia. After an introductory week in Olympia at the start of fall quarter, the study abroad portion of the program will commence with a 4-week intensive study of Spanish language in Buenos Aires to prepare us for our travels and studies in Argentina during fall and winter quarters. We will begin to study the flora and fauna of the Southern Cone through preliminary readings, lectures and class work in Buenos Aires. We will take a short trip to the sub-tropical province of Misiones during October, then move to the coastal and mountain regions of Patagonia in November. We will study the natural history of Patagonia, beginning with field studies on the Atlantic coast and then moving to the Andean Lakes District, taking advantage of the progressively warmer weather of the austral spring. Students will conduct formal field exercises and keep field notebooks detailing their work and observations. We will read primary literature articles related to the biodiversity of Argentina and augment our field studies with seminars. During winter quarter (summer in the southern hemisphere), students will reinforce their language skills with two weeks of intensive Spanish studies in Patagonia, examine montane habitats, then work in small groups on focused projects examining biodiversity topics. It will be possible to conduct more focused studies on specific ecosystems or organisms, including those in more southern parts of Patagonia, at this time of the year. Clear project goals, reading lists, timelines, etc., will be developed during fall quarter in order to insure successful projects in winter quarter. Examples of individual/small group projects include: comparisons of plant/animal biodiversity between coastal, desert and alpine zones; comparative studies on the impacts of ecotourism activities on biodiversity; or examining community composition of intertidal habitats along a gradient from north to south, among others. The total estimated cost for this program (including expenses incurred over Thanksgiving and winter breaks) for food, lodging, transportation, Spanish language instruction and fieldwork activities (whale watching, national park fees, museum fees, etc.) is $7,575. The college’s current total estimated cost for food, lodging, etc. per quarter in Olympia is $4,005. With the low cost of living and traveling in Latin America, participating in this two quarter program will actually be less expensive than living in Olympia. | biodiversity, conservation, field biology, Latin American studies, natural history and Spanish language. | Erik Thuesen | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||
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Climate Solutions
Rob Cole |
Program | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | SSpring | This program will explore the causes of global climate change and study the many actions and social behaviors that we can take to minimize human contributions to it. We will examine the scientific evidence for global warming and the efforts to discredit that evidence. We will study the role of multinational corporations in global climate change and how they influence public opinion. We will focus on how to respond to global warming in a fashion that works toward sustainability and equity in the ecosystems that support life on the planet. We will pay particular attention to issues of justice between humans, and how humans interact with other species. In order to understand actions we can take, this program will explore sustainable lifestyle strategies as well as how to resist corporate influence on consumer consumption. We will study the approaches of biomimicry, sustainable architecture, renewable energy generation and the smart grid, equitable distribution of food and shelter, minimal-impact industrial processes, local food production, less toxic methods of producing, using and disposing of products from clothing to computers, and a variety of low-impact lifestyles. We will examine the methods advocated by visionary groups like Second Nature, Climate Solutions, Slow Food, and Cradle-to-Cradle. Students will complete a series of audits of their personal consumption and waste-generation patterns, and we will examine similar audits for the campus, the local region and the nation. We will study methods of computing carbon dioxide budgets including carbon sequestration methods, the intricacies of carbon capping and offsetting strategies, and opportunities to reduce net carbon dioxide production. Students can expect to do research on emerging technologies and strategies that move us to carbon neutrality while fostering sustainability and justice. In addition to gaining an understanding of how we can all lessen our impact on global climate change and move toward equity, students can expect to sharpen their critical reasoning, writing and speaking skills, as well as their ability to work with quantitative methods and to interpret quantitative data from a variety of sources. | carbon budgeting, climate change, ecosystems dynamics, environmental studies, public policy, sustainability and justice studies, and systems science. | Rob Cole | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | ||||
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Ecology
Karen Hogan |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 12 | 12 | Evening and Weekend | FFall | Ecology is the study of the processes of interactions among organisms and of organisms with their physical environment. Our study of ecology will be based on an evolutionary perspective. We will study processes ranging from the physiological ecology of organisms, to life history theory, modes of reproduction, ecology of plant and animal communities, biodiversity and conservation, and ecosystem processes. The goal of this program is to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of ecological and evolutionary processes, and to be able to analyse and critically read about issues in basic and applied ecology. | ecology and environment. | Karen Hogan | Mon Wed Sat | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||
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Environmental Analysis
Clyde Barlow, Carri LeRoy and Abir Biswas chemistry ecology environmental studies Signature Required: Winter Spring |
Program | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Well-designed and accurate chemical, ecological and geological measurements are required to conduct baseline assessments of natural ecosystems and determine environmental contamination. The Environmental Analysis program will focus on investigations in ecology supported with analytical chemistry. Instrumental techniques of chemical analysis will be developed in an advanced laboratory. Quality control procedures and technical writing will be emphasized. During fall and winter quarters, topics in freshwater ecology, analytical chemistry, GIS, statistics and instrumental methods of chemical analysis will be addressed. Students will participate in group projects studying water quality, trophic structure, organic matter and nutrient cycling processes of local watersheds. Analytical procedures based on EPA, USGS and other guidelines will be utilized to measure major and trace anion and cation concentrations, to analyze concentrations of species of a single element, and to measure analytes and phytochemicals critical to quantification of leaf-litter decay processes and marine-derived nutrients. Computers and statistical methods will be used extensively for data analysis and simulation as well as for work with GIS. Field trips will expand the diversity of ecosystems examined. Spring quarter will be devoted to extensive project work continuing from fall and winter, and to studies of other lakes and rivers in Washington. Studies of statistics and analytical chemistry will be completed in spring quarter. Presentation of project results in both oral and written form will conclude the year. | analytical chemistry, ecology, environmental analysis, environmental fieldwork, statistics, chemical instrumentation and group projects. | Clyde Barlow Carri LeRoy Abir Biswas | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Evolution
Karen Hogan |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 12 | 12 | Evening and Weekend | WWinter | SSpring | This program considers both the process of evolution and the biodiversity that results from evolution. In winter quarter we’ll focus on the fundamentals of evolution by natural selection. We’ll discuss the history of evolutionary thought from classical typological thinking to modern concepts, including the fundamentals of Mendelian and molecular genetics. We’ll consider the social context in which evolutionary thought developed, with particular attention to the life and work of Charles Darwin. Evolution has produced millions of species and a great diversity of life forms and physiologies. In spring quarter we will study the evolutionary adaptations and phylogenetic relationships of major groups of organisms and discuss the methods by which these relationships are elucidated, including both morphology and genetics. We’ll investigate how organisms have responded adaptively to natural selection by the physical circumstances of life on Earth, from single-celled aquatic organisms to large terrestrial organisms. Students will be expected to approach the topics rigorously from a scientific perspective. | Karen Hogan | Mon Wed Sat | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | |||
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Field Ecology
Dylan Fischer and Alison Styring biology botany ecology environmental studies field studies mathematics natural history sustainability studies zoology Signature Required: Winter Spring |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | This year-long program will focus on intensive group and individual field research on current topics in ecology. Students will be expected to intensively use the primary literature and student-driven field research to address observations about ecological composition, structure and function in natural environments. Students will participate in field trips to sites in the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest (U.S.). Students will be expected to develop multiple independent and group research projects in local forests in the south Puget Sound, the Evergreen campus forest reserve, national forests, national parks, state forests and other relevant natural settings. During each quarter, we will work as a community to develop and implement multiple field projects based on: 1) rapid observation and field data collection and analysis workshops; 2) participation in large multi-year studies based in Washington and more distant field sites; and 3) student originated short and long-term studies. In fall quarter, students will focus on field sampling, natural history, library research and scientific writing skills to develop workable field data collection protocols for field trips. In the winter, students will learn to analyze ecological data using a variety of laboratory and statistical analytical approaches, and they will further refine their research and scientific writing skills through the development of research proposals for team-designed field projects that will be implemented during spring quarter. In spring quarter, students will demonstrate their research, natural history and analytical skills via group and individual research projects. Student manuscripts will be "crystallized" through a series of intensive multi-day paper-writing workshops in which group and individual papers will be produced. Research projects will also be formally presented by groups and individuals in the final weeks of the quarter at a public research exposition. Finally, all written research projects will be reviewed by external experts, revised and bound together in a single printed journal-format volume. Specific topics of study will include community and ecosystem ecology, plant physiology, forest structure, ecological restoration, riparian ecology, fire disturbance effects, bird abundance and monitoring, insect-plant interactions, disturbance ecology, and the broad fields of bio-complexity and ecological interactions. We will emphasize identification of original field research problems in diverse habitats, experimentation, data analyses, oral presentation of findings, and writing in journal format. | biology, botany, ecology, environmental studies, field ecology, forest ecology, ornithology, and zoology. | Dylan Fischer Alison Styring | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Field Plant Taxonomy
Frederica Bowcutt botany ecology field studies natural history Signature Required: Spring |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | SSpring | In this program students will learn how to use Hitchcock and Cronquist's , a technical key for identifying unknown plants. We will spend time in the field and laboratory discussing diagnostic characters of plant families. Seminar readings will be focused on floristics, biogeography and vegetation ecology. Students will learn how to collect and prepare herbarium specimens and apply this knowledge to a collaborative research project. Students will also learn about herbarium curation. Several daylong field trips will give students an opportunity to learn about Pacific Northwest plant communities in the field, including prairies, coniferous forest, wetlands and coastal dunes. Students will be expected to maintain a detailed field journal and will be taught basic botanical illustration skills to support this work. One multiple-day field trip will give students an opportunity to learn about high desert vegetation and paleobotany. Through the field trips, students will learn basic vegetation sampling methods that they will apply to a field project. This project will allow students to develop data analysis and presentation skills in addition to learning about field methods. All field trips are required. | conservation, ecological restoration, floristic research methods, forestry, natural resource management, plant ecology, plant taxonomy, and vegetation ecology. | Frederica Bowcutt | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | ||||
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Food, Health and Sustainability
Amy Cook, David Shaw, James Neitzel and Martha Rosemeyer agriculture biology chemistry ecology environmental studies sustainability studies Signature Required: Winter Spring |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | What should we eat? What is the difference between conventional and organic foods? Why is there an outcry over genetically modified foods? What is local food? Why does journalist Michael Pollan call this the American "Age of Nutritionism?" Why is there hunger? This program takes a scientific approach to food and cooking. Topics span a broad range, from molecular biology to ecology of agriculture and marine foodstuffs. We'll examine the coevolution of humans and food, Pacific Northwest Native foodways, the connection between diet and health, and the transformation of food through the processes of cooking, baking and fermentation. Throughout history, food and cooking have not only been essential for human sustenance, but have played a central role in economic and cultural life. This interdisciplinary exploration of the biology and chemistry of food takes a broad ecological systems approach, while also incorporating political, historical, cultural and anthropological perspectives. Structural issues of food security and sovereignty both local and global will also be explored. Students will directly apply major concepts learned in lectures to experiments in the laboratory and kitchen. Field trips will provide opportunities for observing food production and processing in the local community, as well as edible landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Workshops and seminar discussions will focus on topics addressed by such authors as Michael Pollan, Gary Paul Nabhan and Harold McGee. Fall quarter focuses on the production of foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, fish and shellfish. We'll explore the biochemistry of food, beginning with basic chemical concepts, before moving onto the structure of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. We'll also consider the role of evolution in the selection of plant and animal species used as food by different human populations, as well as systems of Native American Pacific Northwest coastal food procurement and production. Winter quarter concentrates on cooking and nutrition. We will study food quality issues, and examine what happens at a biochemical and biophysical level during the process of cooking and processing. We will discuss how factors like nutritional content, heavy metal, and parasite and pesticide contamination affect food quality. We explore how our bodies digest and recover nutrients, and consider the physiological roles of vitamins and antioxidants, as well as the complex relationship between diet, disease and genetics. Finally, we will study the physiology of taste and smell, critical for the appreciation of food. Spring quarter focuses on the biochemistry of fermentation, and the production microbiology and chemistry of fermented foods. Specific topics include yeast varieties (e.g., "killer yeast"); bacterial, yeast, and mixed fermentations (e.g., malolactic fermentation, lambic fermentation); and aging and extraction methods. | the biological fields, including ecological agriculture, ecology, biochemistry, nutrition, food science, and food and agriculture policy. | Amy Cook David Shaw James Neitzel Martha Rosemeyer | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Geographic Information Systems Intern
Dylan Fischer and Rip Heminway computer science ecology environmental studies geography Signature Required: Fall |
Contract | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | The GIS internship, based in the Computer Applications Lab, is focused on developing advanced knowledge and skills in spatial data management and analysis through development of campus GIS data, database administration, and the support of research projects such as the Evergreen Ecological Observation Network (EEON) project. Through this internship students will gain advanced understanding of working with GIS software, and specifically in using GIS for natural resource applications. Specific opportunities include working in detail with LiDAR data, high quality aerial images, assessing forest canopy structure, and identifying forest canopy type using GIS software and data. This intern will also build instructional and support skills by assisting in the instruction of GIS workshops and curricular programs. | GIS, environmental studies, and computer science. | Dylan Fischer Rip Heminway | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Green for Green: Entrepreneurship and The Environment
Nelson Pizarro and Nalini Nadkarni business and management ecology environmental studies sustainability studies Signature Required: Spring |
Program | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | WWinter | SSpring | In a world where Earth’s environment and its inhabitants are increasingly compromised by human activities, humans must learn to step outside of their own spheres of influence to understand and forge collaborations with other people, institutions and ways of knowing. Traditionally, the fields of ecology and business have regarded each other as “other”, yet they hold many concepts, concerns, and values in common. In this upper-division program, we will first explore the structure and function of ecosystems in nature, and investigate similarities and differences with systems of business, commerce and entrepreneurship. Second, we will explore how business and entrepreneurship might be harnessed to increase conservation and stewardship of Earth’s ecosystems. During winter quarter, we will explore compelling business ideas by looking at examples of social entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship, corporations, non-profits and social business in the USA and other parts of the world. We will examine the best opportunities for social sector activity, and examine non-profit and for-profit approaches. We will also examine cases where companies have sought to exploit business opportunities that result from global, social and environmental trends. During spring quarter, students will be guided to develop feasibility plans for projects of their own choice. Projects could include such topics as developing awareness of natural ecosystems, analyzing a company that might be “green-painting” its products, or forging links between different partners that could collaborate to protect the environment. The work will involve market research, library work, data analysis, innovation and collaborative team work. | business, environmental studies, entrepreneurship, management, and sciences. | Nelson Pizarro Nalini Nadkarni | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | |||
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Introduction to Natural History
John Longino and David McAvity biology botany ecology environmental studies field studies mathematics natural history zoology |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | The scientific study of nature is carried out with a combination of descriptive natural history and quantitative analysis. We will develop skills in both areas by exploring the major terrestrial habitats of western Washington and carrying out short field problems that introduce statistical approaches to natural history description. Readings and lectures will cover introductory concepts in biodiversity studies, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Workshops will emphasize the scientific process, statistical methods and probability models as they apply to natural history. We will take one-day field trips to visit shrub steppe, alpine and coastal forest habitats. Evaluation will be based on exams, written assignments and a field journal. | biology, environmental science, mathematics, and natural history. | John Longino David McAvity | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
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Invasive Species: Plants and Patterns
Lalita Calabria and Peter Impara |
Program | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | Invasive species are a critical threat to biodiversity and ecosystems and are one of the greatest challenges in restoration projects. Throughout this one-quarter program, we will explore major ecological concepts within the framework of the threats invasive species pose to restoration and conservation efforts. We will survey some of the leading theories and approaches regarding invasive plants, including their effects on ecosystems, plant community interactions, the ecophysiology of individual species, and how invasive plants become successful invaders at the patch and landscape scale. What are the characteristics of invasives species that allow them to quickly outcompete native plants, alter habitat of native species and often reduce the habitat and food availability for wildlife? At the molecular to organism scale, we will investigate the genetic and biochemical signatures of invasive plants to assist our understanding of their competitive advantages as well as their evolutionary history. At the ecosystem to landscape scales we will study meta-population and island biogeography theories in relation to restoration and conservation efforts and planning, and in the analyses of patterns of invasive plants. Students will learn the taxonomy, ecology and biology of invasive plants through lectures, plant collecting, workshops, labs, fieldwork, seminars, small group projects, becoming proficient in ecological tools such as GIS, field sampling, journaling and herbaria. To deepen their understanding of the impacts of invasive species on native plant communities of these ecosystems, students will conduct restoration ecology research focusing mainly on the Puget Lowland prairies. Lab activities will involve identifying collected plant specimens, preparing herbarium specimens and phytochemical analysis. We will take a 5-day field trip to Dry Falls to learn about sagebrush steppe habitat restoration. Seminar will focus on the current scientific literature regarding the restoration ecology, conservation and invasive plants. Upper division science credits will be awarded for upper division work. | ecology, botany, geography, restoration, and conservation. | Lalita Calabria Peter Impara | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
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Landscape Ecology and Ecosystem Management
Peter Impara ecology environmental studies field studies geography law and public policy |
Program | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | SSpring | At what scale should we manage or study an ecosystem or landscape? What is a natural landscape, and how do (or can) we manage for it? Geographers and ecologists have pondered the question of scale in ecosystems, and how to apply scale issues to conservation and research. Many ecosystem and related studies have been conducted at fine spatial scales, yet many of the problems and issues of resource management and conservation are best approached at broader, landscape-level spatial scales. This program will investigate broader scale approaches to on-going conservation and management activities in important ecosystems and how scientists address the issues of scale and the ecological patterns and processes used to define "natural systems." Scale, landscape analysis and pattern-process interactions will be addressed using computer labs in GIS and spatial analysis. Students will learn about landscape ecology concepts through lectures, field trips to nearby natural areas to observe pattern-process interactions, and through the design and implementation of a landscape ecology research project. Through class and field work students will learn about important ecological principles such as disturbance regimes, biotic diversity and species flow, nutrient and energy flows, and landscape change over time. Seminar readings will tie landscape ecology principles to on-going ecosystem management activities. Students will develop skills in ecological pattern and spatial analysis, natural history and field interpretation, and in the generation of multiple research hypotheses and methods to address those hypotheses. | resource management and conservation; environmental and ecological research; and landscape ecology and analysis. | Peter Impara | Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | ||||
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Living Buildings - Science and Analysis
Steven Abercrombie architecture ecology environmental studies sustainability studies |
Course | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 4 | 04 | Evening | SSpring | In this upper division science course, students will undertake technical analyses related to building design, energy performance, water usage, stormwater handling, and occupant health to explore concepts in cutting-edge sustainable building performance. Participants will examine the theory behind the most progressive green building rating system in North America and gain experience utilizing building science analysis software employed by design professionals. Students taking this course should have a background in MS Excel, science, and statistics. The course will have one Saturday field trip where students will be able to experience many of the concepts discussed in the classroom in the field. | Steven Abercrombie | Tue | Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | ||||
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Northwest Landscapes
Paul Butler and Peter Impara |
Program | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | WWinter | The Pacific Northwest is one of the most geologically active regions on the planet, with landscape processes that have dramatic effects on its ecosystems. Our focus will be on the geologic history of the area, the processes and landscapes that are currently in evidence, and how these landscapes will adjust under various climate change scenarios. The primary learning objective for students in this program is to develop skill at investigating the interactions of geologic and ecological processes, and their effect on human culture. To address this objective, students will work in small groups to study these interactions in one of western Washington's drainage basins. Each group will produce a written scientific paper, and make an oral presentation to the rest of the program. Background for the projects will come from lectures, seminar, computers labs in GIS and statistics, and field trips. Topics to be covered will include: geology, hydrology, weather and climate, and geologic hazards and related disturbance events. Many of the assignments generated during the quarter willhave direct application to the drainage basin project. In addition, students will write several seminar papers and take mid-term and final exams. It is important that students understand the commitment that this program requires. For upper division science credit, students must demonstrate mastery of program material and be able to appropriately incorporate scientific concepts and principles into their final project. | ecology, geography, geology, hydrology and natural history. | Paul Butler Peter Impara | Tue Tue Tue Wed Wed Wed Thu Thu Thu | Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | |||
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The Practice of Sustainable Agriculture
Steven Scheuerell agriculture botany ecology environmental studies sustainability studies Signature Required: Winter |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | The Practice of Sustainable Agriculture (PSA) program integrates theoretical and practical aspects of small-scale organic farming in the Pacific Northwest during the fall, winter and spring quarters. This program requires serious commitment from students—we start at 8 AM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and all students start farm chores at 7 AM one day per week. Each week of the program there will be eight hours of classroom instruction and twenty hours of practicum work at Evergreen's Organic Farm. The program's academic classroom portion will cover a variety of topics related to practical farm management, including annual and perennial plant propagation, entomology and pest management, plant pathology and disease management, weed biology and management, soil quality and soil management, crop botany, animal husbandry/physiology, polycultures, integration of crops and livestock, orchard management, appropriate technology, weather forecasting, and climatology. As part of their training, students will be required to develop and write farm management and business plans. On a weekly basis, students can expect to complete seminar readings and reflective writings, work through assigned textbooks, and write technical reports to demonstrate an integration of theoretical concepts and practice gained through the farm practicum. The academic practicum on Evergreen's organic farm will include hands-on instruction on a range of farm-related topics including greenhouse management and season extension techniques, farm-scale composting and vermiculture, seed saving, irrigation systems, mushroom cultivation, farm recordkeeping, tool use and care, farm equipment operation and maintenance, and techniques for adding value to farm and garden products. Students will also have the opportunity to explore their personal interests related to agriculture, homesteading, and developing communal farms/ecovillages through research projects. Each quarter we will visit farms that represent the ecological, social and economic diversity of agriculture in the Pacific Northwest. Students will also attend and participate in key sustainable and organic farming conferences within the region. After completing this program, students will have an understanding of a holistic approach to managing a small-scale sustainable farm operation in the Pacific Northwest. | agriculture, farm and garden management, and applied horticulture. | Steven Scheuerell | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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The Practice of Sustainable Agriculture: Spring
Stephen Bramwell agriculture botany ecology environmental studies sustainability studies Signature Required: Spring |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | SSpring | The schedule for The Practice of Sustainable Agriculture has been shifted to the agricultural calendar. This is the first quarter of a three-quarter sequence that will run spring, summer and fall quarters. This program integrates theoretical and practical aspects of small-scale organic farming in the Pacific Northwest and requires serious commitment from students—we start at 8 AM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and all students will work on the farm, which may include early mornings before class. Each week of the program there will be eight hours of classroom instruction and twenty hours of practicum work at Evergreen's Organic Farm.The program's academic classroom portion will cover a variety of topics related to practical farm management, including annual and perennial plant propagation, entomology and pest management, plant pathology and disease management, weed biology and management, soil quality and soil management, crop botany, animal husbandry/physiology, polycultures, integration of crops and livestock, orchard management, appropriate technology, weather forecasting, and climatology. As part of their training, students will be required to develop and write farm management and business plans. On a weekly basis, students can expect to complete seminar readings and reflective writings, work through assigned textbooks, and write technical reports to demonstrate an integration of theoretical concepts and practice gained through the farm practicum.The academic practicum on Evergreen's organic farm will include hands-on instruction on a range of farm-related topics including greenhouse management and season extension techniques, farm-scale composting and vermiculture, seed saving, irrigation systems, mushroom cultivation, farm recordkeeping, tool use and care, farm equipment operation and maintenance, and techniques for adding value to farm and garden products. Students will also have the opportunity to explore their personal interests related to agriculture, homesteading, and developing communal farms/ecovillages through research projects. Each quarter we will visit farms that represent the ecological, social and economic diversity of agriculture in the Pacific Northwest. Students will also attend and participate in key sustainable and organic farming conferences within the region. After completing this program, students will have an understanding of a holistic approach to managing a small-scale sustainable farm operation in the Pacific Northwest. | agriculture, farm and garden management, and applied horticulture. | Stephen Bramwell | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | ||||
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The Practice of Sustainable Agriculture: Summer
Stephen Bramwell agriculture botany ecology environmental studies sustainability studies Signature Required: Summer |
Program | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | SuSummer | The schedule for The Practice of Sustainable Agriculture has been shifted to the agricultural calendar. This is the second quarter of a three-quarter sequence that runs spring, summer and fall quarters. This program integrates theoretical and practical aspects of small-scale organic farming in the Pacific Northwest and requires serious commitment from students— we start at 8 AM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and all students will work on the farm, which may include early mornings before class. Each week of the program there will be eight hours of classroom instruction and twenty hours of practicum work at Evergreen's Organic Farm. The program's academic classroom portion will cover a variety of topics related to practical farm management, including annual and perennial plant propagation, entomology and pest management, plant pathology and disease management, weed biology and management, soil quality and soil management, crop botany, animal husbandry/physiology, polycultures, integration of crops and livestock, orchard management, appropriate technology, weather forecasting, and climatology. As part of their training, students will be required to develop and write farm management and business plans. On a weekly basis, students can expect to complete seminar readings and reflective writings, work through assigned textbooks, and write technical reports to demonstrate an integration of theoretical concepts and practice gained through the farm practicum. The academic practicum on Evergreen's organic farm will include hands-on instruction on a range of farm-related topics including greenhouse management and season extension techniques, farm-scale composting and vermiculture, seed saving, irrigation systems, mushroom cultivation, farm recordkeeping, tool use and care, farm equipment operation and maintenance, and techniques for adding value to farm and garden products. Students will also have the opportunity to explore their personal interests related to agriculture, homesteading, and developing communal farms/ecovillages through research projects. Each quarter we will visit farms that represent the ecological, social and economic diversity of agriculture in the Pacific Northwest. Students will also attend and participate in key sustainable and organic farming conferences within the region. After completing this program, students will have an understanding of a holistic approach to managing a small-scale sustainable farm operation in the Pacific Northwest. | agriculture, farm and garden management, environmental studies and applied horticulture. | Stephen Bramwell | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Summer | ||||
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Student Originated Studies: Botany, Herbology, Horticulture
Frederica Bowcutt botany ecology environmental studies gender and women's studies natural history writing Signature Required: Fall |
SOS | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | This SOS offers opportunities for well-prepared students to create their own course of study and research. In addition, at least four credits of each student's work will be in collaboration with other students in the program. Group activities will include seminars, workshops, lectures and weekly meetings. Student project work will be presented in a symposium at the end of the quarter. Several research topics are of particular interest to the faculty member. Groups of students working together on community-based projects such as installing edible or medicinal landscaping on campus or other public educational institutions, propagating prairie plants for local ecological restoration efforts, or creating plant-themed public art for the Evergreen Teaching Gardens will be given priority, as will students interested in conducting research on exotic invasive plant species common to the Puget Sound region to determine how they might benefit humanity through sustainable enterprise. This might take the form of exploring the medicinal uses of weedy species like dandelion or the use of Scot's broom for biofuel production. Students interested in honing their botanical illustration skills that propose to work from herbarium specimens to create illustrations for the Puget Prairie Flora and/or Sun Lakes State Park Flora projects and groups wanting to study the history and practice of herbology will receive serious consideration during the signature review process. Students seeking to explore the gender dimensions of botany as a discipline are encouraged to submit a proposal. Prior to fall, interested individual students or small groups of students must consult with the faculty sponsor about their proposed projects and/or internship plans. The project and/or internship is then described on the appropriate contract form (in-program Internship or Individual Learning Contract) and submitted electronically as a draft contract. While this program is primarily aimed at juniors and seniors, first-year students and sophomores may be admitted if they can demonstrate through the signature process that they are ready for the work. | botany, horticulture and herbology. | Frederica Bowcutt | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
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Techniques of Sustainability Analysis
Rob Cole business and management ecology environmental studies law and public policy sustainability studies |
Program | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | This program is intended for junior or senior students wanting to work professionally in fields of sustainability planning and implementation, greenhouse gas monitoring and mitigation, and reduction of ecological and carbon footprints of organizations and services. We will study various indicators of sustainability, and several approaches to sustainable organizational transformation including the Natural Step, cradle to cradle design, and life cycle assessment (LCA). We will explore greenhouse gas accounting methods, and protocols for measuring carbon footprints. We will examine the fundamentals of the carbon market, of cap-and-trade strategies and of carbon offsets. Students will develop skills in using analytical techniques to help design and implement sustainability programs for agencies, businesses and organizations. We will explore several case studies, including the Evergreen campus, and students will be expected to complete a research project on an organization of their choosing. We will employ methods of systems thinking in our work, and will connect a variety of disciplines as we forge programs to implement sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction. Students should have a solid background in using spreadsheets, and be comfortable working with complex quantitative formulas. | sustainability planning and implementation, environmental science, business, and greenhouse gas accounting and mitigation. | Rob Cole | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
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Undergraduate Research in Environmental Studies with A. Styring
Alison Styring ecology environmental studies field studies Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring |
Research | JR - SRJunior - Senior | V | V | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Alison Styring | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
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Undergraduate Research in Environmental Studies with D. Fischer
Dylan Fischer ecology environmental studies field studies Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring |
Research | JR - SRJunior - Senior | V | V | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | plant ecology and physiology, field ecology, restoration ecology | Dylan Fischer | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||
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Undergraduate Research in Environmental Studies with J. Longino
John Longino Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring |
Research | JR - SRJunior - Senior | V | V | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | entomology, taxonomy and ecology | John Longino | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||
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Undergraduate Research in Environmental Studies with N. Nadkarni
Nalini Nadkarni ecology education environmental studies Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring |
Research | JR - SRJunior - Senior | V | V | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | Nalini Nadkarni | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
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With Liberty and Justice for Whom?
Barbara Laners, Arlen Speights, Erin Ceragioli, Anthony Zaragoza, Dorothy Anderson, Mingxia Li, Artee Young, Paul McCreary, Tyrus Smith, Gilda Sheppard and Peter Bacho biology community studies ecology education environmental studies health history law and public policy leadership studies mathematics media studies political science sociology sustainability studies writing |
Program | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | WWinter | SSpring | The faculty and students will embark upon a thorough study of the origins and current status of justice in American society. From an interdisciplinary perspective, we will consider various definitions and theories of justice, review the way justice is carried out in different settings and historical periods and examine the possibility of achieving truly just social institutions. Topics to be considered include: social and environmental justice, just political and economic systems, criminal justice, just healthcare and educational access, representations of justice in media, as well as concepts of equity, fairness and equality. By the end of the academic year we will be able to offer concrete recommendations as to the steps necessary to achieve justice for all in our society. The theme for quarter is . We will lay the foundation for the rest of the year, both substantively and in terms of the tools necessary to operate effectively in the learning community. We will explore the concept of justice as it is explicated in theory, history and practice. The concept will be analyzed from both the perspectives of the legal system and moral teachings. In seminars, we will read and analyze texts dealing with issues that have historically raised questions of whether justice was achieved. Students will examine their personal experiences with justice issues by constructing an autobiographical memoir. Our work will be supplemented with a series of courses designed to assure literacy with words, numbers and images. Students will have the opportunity to hone their skills in critical reasoning, research and the use of multimedia and computers. quarter's theme is . We will look at specific contemporary societal issues in justice viewed from a variety of institutional perspectives, most notably justice in education, health care, law, science, government and politics. Students will investigate specific justice issues of interest with the purpose of identifying a particular problem, defining its dimensions, determining its causes and establishing action plans for its remedy. In the , the theme will progress to This final quarter will be devoted to the design and implementation of projects aimed at addressing the issues of injustice identified in the winter quarter. Seminar groups will combine their efforts to undertake actual programs aimed at assisting the community in righting a current injustice or providing greater justice for the community. The projects may take the form of educational events, publications, multimedia presentations or art installations, to help the community find higher levels of justice. Courses will assist in the successful implementation and evaluation of the student group activities. | advocacy, art and art history, bioethics, biology, community development, counseling, critical thinking, composition, education, environmental science, history, law and public policy, literature, mathematics and statistics, multimedia and arts production, organizational leadership, political economy, public administration, public health, research methodology, quantitative reasoning, social sciences, social work, and sustainability. | Barbara Laners Arlen Speights Erin Ceragioli Anthony Zaragoza Dorothy Anderson Mingxia Li Artee Young Paul McCreary Tyrus Smith Gilda Sheppard Peter Bacho | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall |