First Year Environmental
Seminar (Spring, 2006)
Instructor: T. Abrajano
Course Rationale:
Environmental
issues, both global and local, tend to be very complex at multiple levels. The physical environment and the
biologeochemical systems that it hosts are complex in that it involves
processes that operate at different spatial and temporal scales. The human dimension of environmental issues
is also complicated because of varying perspectives and biases of individuals,
communities and even nations. This
course is intended to acclimate students to the range of issues and
perspectives pertaining to the environment.
A
significant component of this course is devoted to critical listening and
evaluation of ideas. All presentations are of a technical nature on problems
that can run the gamut of environmental issues and technology, but they are
designed in a manner suitable for an interdisciplinary audience.
Course Description:
This
course covers several topical issues in environmental sciences in a discussion
and seminar format. The specific topics
to be covered are selected at the start of the semester with input from
students. The topics compiled will be
covered through a combination of faculty, student and invited
presentations. When appropriate, the
topic covered can be discussed separately by the class. There will be an
introductory discussion on the nature of environmental issues, and the
challenges of communication in this area of interest.
Students
will be required to prepare one of two types of exercise: (1) a seminar on a
research proposal to address specific environmental problems or a summary of
original or researched environmental studies, or (2) lead the discussion of a
topic proposed to class ahead of time.
The subject can range from local environmental issues to those that are
global in scope.
In
any case, students are expected to provide the class with a 1-page
(single-spaced) written summary of the presentation topic at least two weeks prior
to the assigned seminar date.
Each
presentation should be designed to last for 30 minutes, although 50 minutes may
be designated upon request. The presentation visuals (slides/overheads/ videos)
are expected to be of professional
conference quality. Students may
also be required to attend one or more seminar presentations within the
University or field trips, if appropriate.
Evaluation
Oral
presentation: 50%; Attendance and Class Participation: 40% Written materials:
10%
References
Assignment
1: Prepare a one page summary of the
main points of the article Tragedy of the
Commons and relate these main points to the issues discussed in “The Rivers
of Destiny”. REMINDER: Wednesday, March 1 meeting
is at the Faculty Lounge (Sage). Come in
hungry, for food and ideas.
(abrajt@rpi.edu; (518) 276-6036;
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TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE (SPRING 2006) |
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Date |
Topic |
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Abrajano |
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The Physical Environment I |
Abrajano |
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GE Hudson River (Lecture-Video-Discussion) |
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The Physical Environment II |
Abrajano |
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The Physical Environment III |
Abrajano |
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The Physical Environment IV |
Abrajano |
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"Rivers of Destiny" (Video/Class Discussion) |
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Tragedy of the Commons: Sage
Luncheon |
Abrajano |
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Terrestrial I: Let’s Talk About the Land |
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"Seas of Grass"
(Video/Class Discussion) |
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Terrestrial II: Population and Ecology |
Abrajano |
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"The Urban Explosion"
(Video/Class Discussion) |
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"Biodiversity"
(Video/Class Discussion) |
Urbanovich |
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Invited Lecture: K. Urbanovich |
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Conversations with Environmental Practitioners |
Probasco/Voight |
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A visit by two RPI Alums: Paul Probasco and Stephanie Voight |
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Environment and Society |
Abrajano |
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"Land of Plenty, |
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Environment and Society |
Abrajano |
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"Hot Zones" (Human Health)
(Video/Class Discussion) |
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"On the Brink"
(Video/Class Discussion) |
Abrajano |
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Class Presentations I |
Students |
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Class Presentations II |
Students |