ENST 260 - Issues in Environmental Studies

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as GEOG 260) The purpose of this course is to examine in depth an issue, problem, or set of issues and problems in environmental studies, to explore the various ways in which environmental issues are embedded in multiple contexts and may be understood from multiple perspectives. The course topic changes from year to year.

Topic for 2025/26b: Energy Technologies and Local Power. What energy technologies are emerging as communities and states pursue decarbonization strategies? How do those systems, such as community solar, locally-owned wind, district energy networks, municipal power systems, or even industrial-scale heat pumps, transform not just emissions but also the control and benefits of energy production? These are questions that follow from the changing geographies of energy production as we work to decarbonize our lives and communities. In this course, we explore examples of decarbonization strategies, including site visits to learn from examples on the ground. As part of our exploration, we work with data on energy production and consumption in order to gain perspectives on the role of emerging energy systems in the larger energy landscape. Students should be available for part of spring break for a field trip with site visits. Mary Cunningham.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS