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Title Instructors Location Time Description Cross listings Fulfills Registration notes Syllabus Syllabus URL
EESC 1000-001 Earth Systems Science Siobhan Whadcoat STIT 261 MW 10:15 AM-11:44 AM An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses. Quantitative Data Analysis
Physical World Sector 		https://coursesintouch.apps.upenn.edu/cpr/jsp/fast.do?webService=syll&t=202410&c=EESC1000001
EESC 1000-201 Earth Systems Science Siobhan Whadcoat HAYD 360 M 1:45 PM-2:44 PM An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses. Quantitative Data Analysis
Physical World Sector
EESC 1000-202 Earth Systems Science Claire Chapman Bandet
Siobhan Whadcoat 		HAYD 358 T 1:45 PM-2:44 PM An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses. Physical World Sector
Quantitative Data Analysis
EESC 1000-203 Earth Systems Science Emma Mae Kocik
Siobhan Whadcoat 		HAYD 358 T 3:30 PM-4:29 PM An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses. Physical World Sector
Quantitative Data Analysis
EESC 1000-204 Earth Systems Science Emma Mae Kocik
Siobhan Whadcoat 		HAYD 358 W 8:30 AM-9:29 AM An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses. Quantitative Data Analysis
Physical World Sector
EESC 1000-205 Earth Systems Science Claire Chapman Bandet
Siobhan Whadcoat 		HAYD 358 W 1:45 PM-2:44 PM An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses. Quantitative Data Analysis
Physical World Sector
EESC 1000-206 Earth Systems Science Maura Slocum
Siobhan Whadcoat 		HAYD 358 R 3:30 PM-4:29 PM An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses. Physical World Sector
Quantitative Data Analysis
EESC 1000-207 Earth Systems Science Siobhan Whadcoat CANCELED An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses. Physical World Sector
Quantitative Data Analysis
EESC 1000-208 Earth Systems Science Siobhan Whadcoat HAYD 358 F 12:00 PM-12:59 PM An introduction to Earth as a complex system through examination of its atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere, the interactions among these spheres, and of the human impacts on the planet and its responses. Quantitative Data Analysis
Physical World Sector
EESC 2120-001 Earth Materials: Minerals and Rocks Reto Giere HAYD 360 W 1:45 PM-4:44 PM This course will provide an overview of systematic mineralogy as well as petrology of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. It will include weekly microscopy sessions, during which each student will learn how to identify minerals in the polarizing microscope and then apply this knowledge to the description of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
EESC 2500-001 Earth and Life Through Geologic Time Ilya V. Buynevich DRLB 2C2 TR 12:00 PM-1:29 PM This course covers Earth System dynamics from the viewpoint of deep time. Specifically, the course focuses on (i) the history of our planet and its life, (ii) the physical, chemical and biological feedbacks driving evolution and (iii) the evidence that has given us access into the understanding of the Geologic Time Scale.
EESC 2704-301 Earth and Environmental Field Studies Jane E Dmochowski CANCELED This course will introduce students to Philadelphia’s local geology and environment, as well as some sites further afield in NJ and PA. The course aims to give students the opportunity to develop and execute fundamental field skills and techniques in the earth and environmental sciences. The course will involve field trips, workshops, and assignments developed around the field exercises.
EESC 2999-046 Analyzing Ocean Big Data on an NCAR Supercomputer Irina Marinov Directed study for individuals or small groups under close supervision of a faculty member.
EESC 3376-401 Climate and Big Data Irina Marinov
Jacob M Stanger 		HAYD 358 M 1:45 PM-4:44 PM This course will cover some fundamental topics in Climate Sciences, while also teaching how to program & work with big data in Python. We will analyze big climate data (output from the newest generation climate models CMIP6 and NASA satellite datasets) remotely on a National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) supercomputer. EESC6376401
EESC 4360-401 Environmental Fluid Dynamics Hugo Ulloa BENN 244 MW 8:30 AM-9:59 AM Environmental Fluid Dynamics (EFD) is an applied branch of fluid mechanics devoted to studying fluid systems in nature, including atmospheric boundary layers and aquatic environments, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal seas. In particular, EFD aims to characterize the mechanisms governing the transport of heat, dissolved, and suspended matter in fluid environments, which together play a critical role in the functioning of ecosystems. This course will introduce the underlying physics governing motion in natural fluids, with
emphasis on water bodies. We will discuss the transport equations that model fluid flows affected by vertical and horizontal density gradients, the effect of Earth rotation in fluid trajectories, and the main natural drivers responsible for energizing fluid flows, such as wind and heat fluxes. The course will revisit analytical results characterizing specific type flows in nature, and we will discuss open topics that are under development. 		EESC6360401
EESC 4997-401 Senior Thesis Jimil Ataman
Jane E Dmochowski 		HAYD 358 MW 12:00 PM-1:29 PM The culmination of the Earth Science major. Students, while working with an advisor in their concentration, conduct research and write a thesis. ENVS4997401
EESC 6360-401 Advanced Environmental Fluid Dynamics Hugo Ulloa BENN 244 MW 8:30 AM-9:59 AM Advanced Environmental Fluid Dynamics (EFD) is an applied branch of fluid mechanics devoted to studying fluid systems in nature, including atmospheric boundary layers and aquatic environments, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal seas. In particular, EFD aims to characterize the mechanisms governing the transport of heat, dissolved, and suspended matter in fluid environments, which together play a critical role in the functioning of ecosystems.
This course will introduce the underlying physics governing motion in natural fluids, with
emphasis on water bodies. We will discuss the transport equations that model fluid flows
affected by vertical and horizontal density gradients, the effect of Earth rotation in fluid
trajectories, and the main natural drivers responsible for energizing fluid flows, such as wind and heat fluxes. The course will revisit analytical results characterizing specific type flows in nature, and we will discuss open topics that are under development. 		EESC4360401
EESC 6376-401 Advanced Climate and Big Data Irina Marinov
Jacob M Stanger 		HAYD 358 M 1:45 PM-4:44 PM This course will cover some fundamental topics in Climate Sciences, while also teaching how to program & work with big data in Python. We will analyze big climate data (output from the newest generation climate models CMIP6 and NASA satellite datasets) remotely on a National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) supercomputer. EESC3376401
EESC 6610-660 Sustainable Development of Water Resource Systems J. Anthony Sauder DRLB 3W2 W 5:15 PM-8:14 PM The evaluation of technical, social and economic constraints on the design of water supply and sanitation projects. The focus on sustainable design emphasizes how technical solutions fit within the appropriate social context. Case studies are used to demonstrate these principles across a range of examples from developed and developing countries including detailed studies from rural communities with limited resources. CBE5430690 https://coursesintouch.apps.upenn.edu/cpr/jsp/fast.do?webService=syll&t=202410&c=EESC6610660
EESC 6620-690 Environmental Groundwater Hydrology Carl Mastropaolo This course is designed to introduce the major definitions and concepts regarding groundwater flow and contaminant transport. The theory and underlying concepts, including mathematical derivations of governing equations used to model groundwater flow and contaminant transport, will be discussed and applications to environmental problems addressed. Upon completion of this course, students should expect to have attained a broad understanding of and familiarity with groundwater flow and contaminant transport concepts, and to have acquired the skills necessary to pursue work in flow and transport modeling.
EESC 6711-690 Contaminated site investigation, remediation and long-term stewardship Mitch A Cron The superfund law authorizes the president to respond to releases of hazardous substances into the environment in order to protect public health and the environment. This course will focus on topics related to such responses, including environmental investigation and risk assessment, environmental remediation techniques, and related topics.
EESC 6720-690 Landslides Siobhan Whadcoat Landslides are important geomorphic agents in mountainous terrain, mobilizing sediment and playing a key role in controlling relief and elevation. The work of landslides is often characterized by their magnitude-frequency, which also has direct implications for people, property, and infrastructure in mountainous terrain, and for the approaches taken to minimize the risk from landslides. This course will introduce students to a conceptual understanding of landslides at a range of spatial scales, including the mechanics of the processes governing landslides from trigger to deposition. Methods of slope monitoring and the varied approaches to landslide risk mitigation and management will be explored, with a range of geotechnical and environmental applications. This course includes lab-based sessions to demonstrate simple techniques to understand fundamental landslide processes, and applications of GIS technology to explore slope monitoring and failure prediction. https://coursesintouch.apps.upenn.edu/cpr/jsp/fast.do?webService=syll&t=202410&c=EESC6720690
EESC 6998-690 Project Design Yvette L Bordeaux This course is designed to prepare Master of Science in Applied Geosciences students to undertake their Project Design exercise. In this course, we discuss how to identify an appropriate research project, how to design a research plan, and how to prepare a detailed proposal. By the end of the course, each student is expected to have completed a Project Design proposal.
EESC 9900-690 Masters Thesis Yvette L Bordeaux While working with an advisor in their concentration, conduct research and write a thesis.
ENVS 1000-001 Introduction to Environmental Science Alain Plante MEYH B1 TR 12:00 PM-1:29 PM This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects. Quantitative Data Analysis
Physical World Sector
ENVS 1000-201 Introduction to Environmental Science Alain Plante CANCELED This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects. Quantitative Data Analysis
Physical World Sector
ENVS 1000-202 Introduction to Environmental Science Alain Plante VANP 113 M 3:30 PM-4:29 PM This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects. Quantitative Data Analysis
Physical World Sector
ENVS 1000-203 Introduction to Environmental Science Ezra Francis Caspi
Alain Plante 		VANP 113 T 1:45 PM-2:44 PM This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects. Quantitative Data Analysis
Physical World Sector
ENVS 1000-204 Introduction to Environmental Science Ezra Francis Caspi
Alain Plante 		VANP 113 W 10:15 AM-11:14 AM This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects. Physical World Sector
Quantitative Data Analysis
ENVS 1000-205 Introduction to Environmental Science Alain Plante
Amina Nikol Youssef 		VANP 113 W 12:00 PM-12:59 PM This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects. Quantitative Data Analysis
Physical World Sector
ENVS 1000-206 Introduction to Environmental Science Alain Plante
Amina Nikol Youssef 		VANP 113 W 1:45 PM-2:44 PM This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects. Physical World Sector
Quantitative Data Analysis
ENVS 1000-207 Introduction to Environmental Science Annabelle Lilu Horton
Alain Plante 		VANP 113 R 3:30 PM-4:29 PM This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects. Physical World Sector
Quantitative Data Analysis
ENVS 1000-208 Introduction to Environmental Science Annabelle Lilu Horton
Alain Plante 		VANP 113 F 12:00 PM-12:59 PM This course will explore the physical science of the Earth's environment and human interactions with it. Coverage will include the Earth's various environmental systems, various environmental problems, and the direct and indirect causes of these environmental problems. Freshman seminar will mirror the ENVS 1000 recitation, and have additional discussions and social media projects. Physical World Sector
Quantitative Data Analysis
ENVS 1020-001 Humans and the Earth System: How it Works, How We Got Here, and How to Save Our Planet Kathleen D. Morrison MCNB 150 MW 10:15 AM-11:44 AM As our planet's climate changes, it is imperative to understand the basic structures of the earth system and our connections to these, past, present, and future. The goal of this course is to help students develop an integrated understanding of climate change, linking the fundamental science - from the microscopic to the global scale - to human actions and possible futures. This course brings together approaches from environmental science, social sciences, history, and policy. Beyond providing basic climate and environmental literacy, we will also explore current and projected impacts of change, including changes to human life and biodiversity as well as other physical and biological systems. The course is divided into three units: 1. Science: what are the chemical and physical drivers of our changing climate, and what are the biological, health and environmental implications so far. 2. Impacts: how human activity has affected environments and climate so far and how climate change is currently impacting society, nature, agriculture, health, cities, and the most vulnerable communities. 3. Solutions: the roles of policy, business, agriculture, planning, and personal choices. The course is open to undergraduate students of all disciplines. While the reading and weekly assignments will be specific to the module, students may define a capstone project that reflects their academic interests. ANTH1610401
ENVS 1043-401 Repairing the Planet: Tools for the Climate Emergency Caleb Hazelwood
Kelly Kennedy
Carlos Santana 		BENN 419 TR 10:15 AM-11:44 AM This course is a comprehensive introduction to the climate emergency and the tools with which we can fight it. It will integrate natural science, social science, philosophy of science, history, ethics, and policy. The course opens with an overview of the historical discovery of global warming and our contemporary understanding of climate change. We then turn to the framework that the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has developed to study climate risks, focusing on both general issues and case studies throughout the world. The existence and severity of these risks raises questions of climate justice at many levels: individuals to individuals, countries to countries, and the present generation to future generations. We will study these issues in detail, and then examine the policy tools developed to address them. Although we will discuss national and sub-national policy and policy proposals such as the Green New Deal, special attention will be given to global policy tools, especially the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In addition to standard writing assignments, students will have a chance to develop policy proposals that address the core issues of the class. PHIL1571401 Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector https://coursesintouch.apps.upenn.edu/cpr/jsp/fast.do?webService=syll&t=202410&c=ENVS1043401
ENVS 1043-402 Repairing the Planet: Tools for the Climate Emergency Kelly Kennedy
Carlos Santana 		WILL 216 F 10:15 AM-11:14 AM This course is a comprehensive introduction to the climate emergency and the tools with which we can fight it. It will integrate natural science, social science, philosophy of science, history, ethics, and policy. The course opens with an overview of the historical discovery of global warming and our contemporary understanding of climate change. We then turn to the framework that the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has developed to study climate risks, focusing on both general issues and case studies throughout the world. The existence and severity of these risks raises questions of climate justice at many levels: individuals to individuals, countries to countries, and the present generation to future generations. We will study these issues in detail, and then examine the policy tools developed to address them. Although we will discuss national and sub-national policy and policy proposals such as the Green New Deal, special attention will be given to global policy tools, especially the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In addition to standard writing assignments, students will have a chance to develop policy proposals that address the core issues of the class. PHIL1571402 Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector
ENVS 1043-403 Repairing the Planet: Tools for the Climate Emergency Kelly Kennedy
Carlos Santana 		WILL 201 F 12:00 PM-12:59 PM This course is a comprehensive introduction to the climate emergency and the tools with which we can fight it. It will integrate natural science, social science, philosophy of science, history, ethics, and policy. The course opens with an overview of the historical discovery of global warming and our contemporary understanding of climate change. We then turn to the framework that the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has developed to study climate risks, focusing on both general issues and case studies throughout the world. The existence and severity of these risks raises questions of climate justice at many levels: individuals to individuals, countries to countries, and the present generation to future generations. We will study these issues in detail, and then examine the policy tools developed to address them. Although we will discuss national and sub-national policy and policy proposals such as the Green New Deal, special attention will be given to global policy tools, especially the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In addition to standard writing assignments, students will have a chance to develop policy proposals that address the core issues of the class. PHIL1571403 Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector
ENVS 1043-404 Repairing the Planet: Tools for the Climate Emergency Caleb Hazelwood
Carlos Santana 		COHN 392 F 1:45 PM-2:44 PM This course is a comprehensive introduction to the climate emergency and the tools with which we can fight it. It will integrate natural science, social science, philosophy of science, history, ethics, and policy. The course opens with an overview of the historical discovery of global warming and our contemporary understanding of climate change. We then turn to the framework that the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has developed to study climate risks, focusing on both general issues and case studies throughout the world. The existence and severity of these risks raises questions of climate justice at many levels: individuals to individuals, countries to countries, and the present generation to future generations. We will study these issues in detail, and then examine the policy tools developed to address them. Although we will discuss national and sub-national policy and policy proposals such as the Green New Deal, special attention will be given to global policy tools, especially the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In addition to standard writing assignments, students will have a chance to develop policy proposals that address the core issues of the class. PHIL1571404 Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector
ENVS 1043-405 Repairing the Planet: Tools for the Climate Emergency Caleb Hazelwood
Carlos Santana 		BENN 244 F 12:00 PM-12:59 PM This course is a comprehensive introduction to the climate emergency and the tools with which we can fight it. It will integrate natural science, social science, philosophy of science, history, ethics, and policy. The course opens with an overview of the historical discovery of global warming and our contemporary understanding of climate change. We then turn to the framework that the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has developed to study climate risks, focusing on both general issues and case studies throughout the world. The existence and severity of these risks raises questions of climate justice at many levels: individuals to individuals, countries to countries, and the present generation to future generations. We will study these issues in detail, and then examine the policy tools developed to address them. Although we will discuss national and sub-national policy and policy proposals such as the Green New Deal, special attention will be given to global policy tools, especially the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In addition to standard writing assignments, students will have a chance to develop policy proposals that address the core issues of the class. PHIL1571405 Natural Sciences & Mathematics Sector
ENVS 1550-401 Forest Worlds: Mapping the Arboreal Imaginary in Literature and Film Simon J Richter WILL 25 TR 1:45 PM-3:14 PM The destruction of the world's forests through wild fires, deforestation, and global heating threatens planetary bio-diversity and may even, as a 2020 shows, trigger civilizational collapse. Can the humanities help us think differently about the forest? At the same time that forests of the world are in crisis, the "rights of nature" movement is making progress in forcing courts to acknowledge the legal "personhood" of forests and other ecosystems. The stories that humans have told and continue to tell about forests are a source for the imaginative and cultural content of that claim. At a time when humans seem unable to curb the destructive practices that place themselves, biodiversity, and forests at risk, the humanities give us access to a record of the complex inter-relationship between forests and humanity. Forest Worlds serves as an introduction to the environmental humanities. The environmental humanities offer a perspective on the climate emergency and the human dimension of climate change that are typically not part of the study of climate science or climate policy. Students receive instruction in the methods of the humanities - cultural analysis and interpretation of literature and film - in relation to texts that illuminate patterns of human behavior, thought, and affect with regard to living in and with nature. CIMS1520401, COML1054401, GRMN1132401 Arts & Letters Sector
ENVS 2390-401 Freshwater Ecology Melinda Daniels CHEM 514 MW 3:30 PM-4:59 PM Survey of the physical, chemical and biological properties of freshwater ecosystems, both riverine and lentic, natural and polluted. BIOL4615401, BIOL5615401
ENVS 3103-301 Penn Global Seminar: Case Studies in Environmental Sustainability Alain Plante LERN 102 R 1:45 PM-4:44 PM A detailed, comprehensive investigation of selected environmental sustainability problems specific to a selected region. This course aims to introduce students to myriad Earth and environmental issues (understanding how humans interact, affect and are influenced by our environment) through the analysis of several environmental case studies, as well as giving students an introduction to how complex cases are analyzed and what goes into decision-making at the individual, group, state, federal and global levels. The course includes an intensive international field trip - locations will vary by offering.
ENVS 4330-401 Climate Change and Communication: Theories and Applications Kathleen Hall Jamieson
Thandi A. Lyew
Michael Mann 		This course will focus on understanding the multiple ways in which climate science is communicated to publics and how they come to understand it. In the process, we will explore ways to blunt susceptibilities to misconceptions, misconstruals, and deliberate deceptions about climate science. Forms of communication on which the class will focus include consensus statements, manifestos, commentaries, court briefs, news accounts, fact checks, op-eds, letters to the editor, speeches, and media interviews. Students will have the opportunity to interact with guest lecturers, among them leading journalists, climate activists, and climate survey analysts. Students will write letters to the editor and fact checks and will participate in mock interviews designed to increase their understanding of the nature of the interactions between journalists and climate scientists. As a class project, students will collaborate on a white paper on climate discourse fallacies to be distributed at the April 3-7 Society for Environmental Journalists annual convention (hosted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center and the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and Media). Students will interview attendees at that conference as part of the class project. COMM4330401, COMM6330401, ENVS6330401
ENVS 4600-001 Environmental Policy Joseph J Lisa FAGN 218 R 1:45 PM-4:44 PM Environmental policy https://coursesintouch.apps.upenn.edu/cpr/jsp/fast.do?webService=syll&t=202410&c=ENVS4600001
ENVS 4997-401 Senior Thesis Jimil Ataman
Jane E Dmochowski 		HAYD 358 MW 12:00 PM-1:29 PM The culmination of the Environmental Studies major. Students, while working with an advisor in their concentration, conduct research and write a thesis. EESC4997401
ENVS 5100-660 Proseminar: Contemporary Issues in Environmental Studies Siobhan Whadcoat TOWN 303 T 5:15 PM-8:14 PM A detailed, comprehensive investigation of selected environmental problems. This is the first course taken by students entering the Master of Environmental Studies Program.
ENVS 5310-660 The History and Science of Climate Change Yvette L Bordeaux CANCELED This course will provide an understanding of the Earth's climate system and how and why this has changed through time. The emphasis will be placed on spatial and temporal scales in the modern system while exploring the evidence for past change, possible mechanisms to explain these changes and the implications of these changes to past, present and future global climate. Students will learn to reconstruct the history and scales of climate change through the use of proxies; understand the mechanisms that act to drive climate change; show and understanding of the long-term natural climate variability on a global and regional scale; understand the importance of natural environmental change, against which to assess human impacts, recent climate change and issues of future environmental change.
ENVS 5440-401 Public Environmental Humanities Bethany Wiggin HAYD 358 W 3:30 PM-6:29 PM By necessity, work in environmental humanities spans academic disciplines. By design, it can also address and engage publics beyond traditional academic settings. This seminar explores best practices in public environmental humanities. Students receive close mentoring and build collaborative community to develop and execute cross-disciplinary, public engagement projects on the environment. This spring, this broadly interdisciplinary course is designed in conjunction with the ongoing environmental humanities project, An Ecotopian Toolkit for the Anthropocene. In the framework of our seminar, students will have opportunities to work with tne project’s curators and educators as well as Toolmakers on project-based assignments that also engage wider publics around issues of climate and environmental justice. This lab-style seminar is suitable for advanced undergraduates (with permission) and fulfills the “Capstone” requirement for the Minor in Environmental Humanities. It is also open to graduate students in departments across Arts and Sciences as well as other schools at the university. ANTH5440401, COML5440401, GRMN5440401, URBS5440401
ENVS 5716-660 Modeling Geographical Space Jill Kelly This course explores the nature and use of digital geographic information systems (GIS) for the analysis and synthesis of spatial patterns and processes through 'cartographic modeling'. Cartographic modeling is a general but well defined methodology that can be used to address a wide variety of analytical mapping applications in a clear and consistent manner. It does so by decomposing both data and data-processing tasks into elemental components that can then be recomposed with relative ease and with great flexibility.
ENVS 5810-660 Environmental Law for Environmental Professionals Joseph J Lisa 36MK 111 R 5:15 PM-8:14 PM This course is designed to introduce non-attorney, environmental professionals to the field of environmental law, policy and regulation. This is a survey course with a focus on the federal environmental regulatory system. General regulatory, enforcement and compliance assistance concepts will be presented and discussed in depth. Lectures will provide students with an introduction to and understanding of the primary components of a number of federal environmental statutes, including: Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act; CERCLA; NEPA; EPCRA; RCRA; and the Safe Drinking Water Act. The interplay between federal and state environmental laws and requirements will also be discussed. A recurring theme will be the role that the environmental professional plays as part of the interaction between governmental regulators and members of the regulated community. Case studies will be presented to address the practical implications that environmental legal requirements have on the regulated community. The class will explore current topics, such as climate change regulation; federalism issues; regulation of e-waste; safe drinking water issues, and the jurisdiction of federal clean water protection efforts. Students also will develop important career tools including: learning how to testify effectively as an expert witness in administrative and judicial proceedings; and preparing persuasive expert reports. https://coursesintouch.apps.upenn.edu/cpr/jsp/fast.do?webService=syll&t=202410&c=ENVS5810660
ENVS 6330-401 Climate Change and Communication: Theories and Applications Kathleen Hall Jamieson
Thandi A. Lyew
Michael Mann 		This course will focus on understanding the multiple ways in which climate science is communicated to publics and how they come to understand it. In the process, we will explore ways to blunt susceptibilities to misconceptions, misconstruals, and deliberate deceptions about climate science. Forms of communication on which the class will focus include consensus statements, manifestos, commentaries, court briefs, news accounts, fact checks, op-eds, letters to the editor, speeches, and media interviews. Students will have the opportunity to interact with guest lecturers, among them leading journalists, climate activists, and climate survey analysts. Students will write letters to the editor and fact checks and will participate in mock interviews designed to increase their understanding of the nature of the interactions between journalists and climate scientists. As a class project, students will collaborate on a white paper on climate discourse fallacies to be distributed at the April 3-7 Society for Environmental Journalists annual convention (hosted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center and the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and Media). Students will interview attendees at that conference as part of the class project. COMM4330401, COMM6330401, ENVS4330401
ENVS 6464-660 Ecology, Management, and Advocacy of Urban Forests Sarah A Willig DRLB 4C6 W 5:15 PM-8:14 PM Urban forests provide ecological and socio-economic benefits ranging from improving air, water, and soil quality to creating wildlife habitat to enhancing thermal comfort and the health of individuals and whole communities to increasing property values and more. We will explore research on the nature, function, and value of urban forests. We will investigate reforestation efforts in Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York, and Pittsburgh with projects typically involving deer control, invasive plant removal, planting of native trees and shrubs increasingly propagated from local seed sources, maintenance, and monitoring. We will learn about the myriad advocacy and education programs supporting urban forests. Speakers from the US Forest Service, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, and TreePittsburgh will expand our understanding of these important ecosystems. Five weekend field trips to Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and NYC will illustrate the character of urban forests and reforestation projects. Students will research and present on an urban forest system (from Philadelphia or elsewhere) and research a topic of interest related to course content.
ENVS 6510-660 Leading Change for Sustainability Kim Quick DRLB 3C6 W 5:15 PM-8:14 PM Sustainability presents both a challenge and an opportunity for society. Issues like climate change, pollution, resource depletion, and population imbalance are stressing the planet's capacity in ways that threaten our ability to sustain thriving and just societies. At the same time, these systemic problems are unfolding too slowly to prompt most of us to take serious and significant action, or to trigger meaningful responses from our political and business leaders. People equate sustainability with efficiency, waste minimization, and pollution prevention - all worthy goals - but at the current rate of consumption and growth these approaches alone will not create the future of abundance and equity that we desire. To quote author and MIT professor John Ehrenfeld, "Reducing unsustainability - although critical - will not create sustainability." What will it take to extricate us from the current predicament and forge a new path? In this class, we will examine underlying psychological and cultural barriers to sustainability and discuss strategies for surmounting them. Students will learn leadership competencies and practices to help them more effectively lead change efforts for sustainability. Readings and discussions will explore the application of positive psychology to leverage the human technologies of creativity and collaboration in the pursuit of a more balanced and sustainable relationship with others and our ecosystems, and to shift the sustainability dialogue from the current problem-oriented approach to a vision of human wellbeing and planetary flourishing.
ENVS 6530-660 Corporate Sustainability Strategies Linda Froelich
Emily Woodhull Newton 		Before the year 2000, "environmental management" for a business was typically driven by the need to respond to restrictions imposed by environmental regulation. But, at the dawn of the new millennium, leading businesses began to change their concept of environmental management to look beyond simply meeting governmental dictates. These organizations began to evolve and utilize "environmental strategy" to create new ways of growing their businesses by bringing sustainability to the core of their business strategies. This seismic shift in view was accompanied by a bottom line emphasis that, in some cases, turned sustainability efforts into profit centers. Sustainability increasingly is not hidden within the silo of environmental, health, and safety departments but has become much more seamlessly integrated into the operations of corporate functional disciplines. Today, to effectively work in senior management, an executive needs to be knowledgeable not only about his or her specific business function but also how his or her business will be impacted by governmental regulations, policies, corporate sustainability initiatives, green marketing regulations, industry guidelines or 'best practices', new sustainable technologies, energy planning, environmental performance metrics, and required reporting on the environmental impact of their business unit.
ENVS 6610-660 World Water Forum in Bali-Water for Shared Prosperity Deborah Heuckeroth
J. Anthony Sauder 		DRLB 3C4 R 5:15 PM-8:14 PM This course requires a one-week trip to attend the World Water Forum. Additional fees apply. This course is organized around, and requires participation in, the World Water Forum (WWF) (https://worldwaterforum.org/). This tri-annual forum has become the world's largest gathering of over 25,000 officials, professionals and practitioners interested in global water issues. Attendees include world leaders in water, sanitation, and health issues and represent governments, NGOs, academia, the private sector, and media professionals. Water management can include basic access to drinking water and sanitation, but water scarcity often impacts food supplies, and water quality degradation impacts human health and biodiversity. We will explore how cross-disciplinary, holistic, systems approaches are key to sound water management. The WWF uses a thematic process to share best practices and experiences. Students will select one of the themes for research before the conference. While at the conference students will focus on learning and networking in their own area(s) of interest.
ENVS 6645-660 Practical Solutions to Global Climatic Change Roger Kuhns
William E. Young 		36MK 108 M 5:15 PM-8:14 PM As climate change becomes an increasing threat, nations and organizations across the globe are setting ambitious net zero and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, but how is this accomplished? Through case studies and assessments this class will investigate the leading techniques and practices to reduce carbon emissions and capture and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Case studies will include examples from agriculture and food; living shorelines, wetlands, and coastal restoration; biodiversity; energy; transportation; land use, and the social aspect (empowering women and girls); bioremediation, and anaerobic digesters vs composting. Relevant climate data will be reviewed, as well as approaches to business practices, economic considerations and legislation that can accelerate addressing climate impacts to our environment.
ENVS 6825-660 Urban Water Policies and Practices for a Changing Climate Howard Mark Neukrug MCNB 395 T 5:15 PM-8:14 PM Can we successfully adapt our urban water systems to meet the growing challenges of flood, drought, water contamination, heat/fires, extreme weather and sea level rise? How do we make our cities resilient and our communities sustainable, even in the face of these threats? When does change begin? How does it happen?
Our urban water systems and their watersheds are already severely challenged. We will explore the human right to water and sanitation on a local and a global scale through a review of (1) water policies, practices and law; (2) technology; (3) governance and funding; and (4) land use (think green/blue infrastructure and “nature-based” solutions). Among many the many topics to be examined, we will study (1) how leadership, technology and politics were essential to achieving change through an analysis of Philadelphia’s Green City Clean Waters program; (2) how we make potable water from wastewater palatable to the public, (3) how to manage PFAS in the environment, the drinking water, the land disposal of biosolids, and in communicating its risk to the public; and (4) make ESG, GHG emissions, energy independence and 100% water recycling/reuse integral to the water industry culture and operations.
ENVS 6830-660 Sustainable Resource Recovery from Wastes Swati Hegde CANCELED This qualitative course will introduce students to sustainable waste management for resource recovery. We are a consumer-driven planet; the use of fossil fuels, mining for virgin materials, irresponsible water utilization, and relentless waste generation have only been degrading our planet at an alarming rate. Technology and policy innovations can help avoid extracting virgin materials and growing feedstock crops for industrial production and instead make use of waste feedstocks. Waste materials such as food waste, plastics, and electronic wastes are rich in energy and critical minerals which can be harnessed to achieve a lower environmental impact and greater socio-economic benefits. The goal of sustainable waste management for resource recovery is to keep materials in use as long as possible by taking a multiple ‘R’ approach- Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Renew, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Recover, Repurpose, and Regulate.
ENVS 6840-660 Energy, Waste and the Environment Reto Giere HAYD 360 W 5:15 PM-8:14 PM The aim of this course is to provide an incentive to use geochemical and mineralogical principles to address and solve major environmental problems. The students identify the problems that are associated with different types of waste. This course covers a wide range of problems associated with the waste arising from the generation of electricity. The main topics will be the uranium cycle, characterization of nuclear waste, and the containment and disposal of nuclear waste. Based on insights from the nuclear fuel cycle, solutions are presented that diminish the environmental impacts of coal and biomass combustion products, incineration of municipal solid waste, toxic waste due to refuse incineration, and landfills and landfill gases.
ENVS 6880-660 Risk Assessment: Science & Policy Challenges Susan Spielberger DRLB 4E9 R 5:15 PM-8:14 PM How do government policy-makers make decisions about potential threats to human health and the environment in the face of scientific uncertainty? The course develops the concept of Risk Assessment from the publication of the 1983 National Research Council (NRC) report commonly known as the "Red Book" which was used to rank the initial hazardous waste sites under the Superfund program. Using a variety of teaching tools, including lectures, panel discussions, and case studies, the course examines how public policy decisions regarding environmental risk are made and how effective those decisions are at reducing risks to affected populations. The course focuses on the complex interaction of science, economics, politics, laws, and regulations in dealing with environmental and public health risks. The course will begin with a review of the policy process and methods used in evaluating human health and environmental risks, including the traditional steps in the risk assessment process, including quantitative and qualitative aspects of hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. The course will then focus on how scientific uncertainty, risk perceptions, socio-economic disparities, risk communication, and politics influence environmental risk-based decision-making. Issues such as special populations (e.g., children, elderly, immune-compromised, woman of pregnancy age, etc.) must be considered when developing risk reduction strategies. The use of the "precautionary principle" will be discussed in the context of different types of environmental stressors (e.g., pesticides, chemicals, climate change, air pollution, water quality, and land use) and how this important controversial principle is applied differently in contrasting national and European risk management policies.
ENVS 6998-660 Masters of Environmental Studies Capstone Seminar Maria-Antonia Andrews
Yvette L Bordeaux 		DRLB A5 M 5:15 PM-8:14 PM This course is designed to help students successfully complete their MES Capstone. A set of milestones will be set and regular meetings will be held in groups and individually to aid the student as they complete the research portion of their degree.We will be working together to complete a series of steps towards the final project. These steps fall into five major areas 1) Reviewing the literature; 2) Finding a model; 3) Framing your research; 4) managing data; and 5) Writing your results. Throughout the semester, we will also discuss career goals and the job search.
ENVS 9900-660 Masters Thesis Yvette L Bordeaux While working with an advisor students conduct research and write a thesis.