Environmental Studies Courses Spring 2004

Master's Programs
Doctoral Program (Ph.D)

Master's Programs

ES 523
Advocacy Clinic II
(formerly Supervised Advocacy Fieldwork)
Competency Areas: Elective for all ES programs. Highly recommended for all second year Environmental Advocacy and Organizing students.

This hands-on, project-based course offers participants the opportunity to engage in supervised practical fieldwork on behalf of actual “clients” -- organizations at the local, state, national or international level working for environmental protection, corporate accountability, and social justice. Working in small group teams and individually, students will choose, design, conduct and evaluate advocacy projects from a wide variety of client proposal requests. The goal of the course is to provide students with a strong supervised experiential learning opportunity in the field with more group support, attention to theory, and supervision than an individual practicum placement usually allows. Course elements include focus on corporate campaign strategizing, project planning & management, research & lobbying skills, effective communication (e.g., media releases, briefing papers), and project evaluation.

Section A: Abigail Abrash-Walton
Times: Thursdays, 8:00 - 11:00 am
Maximum: 16
Credits: 3

ESF 528
Amphibian Field Biology Ecology & Conservation
Competency areas: CB-Required alternate to Mammalogy or Ornithology; EAO, EE, Cert, IND-Field Biology & Ecology; RMA-Elective

This course will focus on the biology and ecology of amphibians, particularly those native to New England and the measures being taken to monitor and conserve amphibian populations. The spring is an exciting time of year to study amphibians as a number of species, the Ambystomid salamanders in particular, are much more conspicuous than usual due to their spring courtship and breeding behaviors. The course will take advantage of these weather sensitive phenomena by including field trips to known hot spots.

Section A: Tom Tyning
Time: Fridays, April 2 & 16,
7:00 - 9:30 pm , and
Saturdays, April 3 , 8:30 am - 4:30 pm and April 17,
8:30 am - 8:30 pm
Maximum: 18
Credits: 2

ESAM 516
Building Sustainable Organizations
Competency Areas: RMA-Required alternate to 4 Perspectives of Management; IND-Strongly Recommended; CB, EAO, EE & Cert-Elective
Priority to RMA & IND students.

BSO surveys the landscape of sustainability theory and literature by considering organizational purpose, design and behavior through the lenses of ecology, management, economics and social justice. This course prepares students to analyze organizations from the perspective of sustainable practices, and to develop an understanding of the importance of self-knowledge and personal sustainability. BSO is designed to serve as a gateway for further study. Previous management experience is required and essential for participation in this class.

Section A: Pete Throop
Time: Thursdays, 4:30 - 7:00 pm
Maximum: 15
Credits: 3

ESS 575
Coastal Environments and Processes
Course Cancelled (12/11/03)

Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: RMA-Environmental Science elective ; EAO, CB, EE, IND & Cert-Elective
Competency Area FL03: Biosphere Science
First Priority to Teacher Cert;
Second Priority to EE, EAO & IND

Coastal landscapes are among the most dynamic physical systems on the planet. They respond to short-term weather events, long-term climate and tectonics, and sea level change across all time scales. Increasing concentration of settlements, industry, and recreation in the coastal zone demands an understanding of coastal evolution and response to environmental change. This course examines the coastal environment in the context of geological setting, history, and ecological function. Students will become familiar with coastal form and process on a global scale, and the variability and management challenges of New England's shore zone.

Cost: approximately $125 for food, camping/lodging and transportation.

Section A: Jim Jordan
Times: (Pre-trip meetings) Thursdays, March 4, 11 & April 2, 1:00 - 4:00 pm and
(Study Trip) Saturday - Tuesday, April 10 - 13
Maximum: 16
Credits: 3

ESE 515
Conceptual Development & Learning Theory
Competency Areas: Cert -Required; EE-Required alternate to Human Development & Conceptual Development; EAO, CB, IND, & RMA-Elective
Priority to EE students.

This course attempts to delve deeply into the nature of the thinking process. What is thinking? How does it develop? What is intelligence? Are learning and intelligence related? We will consider current research on the process of thinking and learning styles, comparing some opposing points of view on how learning occurs and discussing the presumed stages of cognitive development. This course will give a comprehensive understanding of the potential conceptual abilities of children and adults and a framework for understanding and structuring curricula.

Section A: Cindy Thomashow
Section B: Sue Gentile
Time: Section A: Thursdays, 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Section B: Fridays, 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Maximum: 14 per section (1 seat per section reserved for Science Education student)
Credits: 3

ESP 603
Corporations, Globalization and Democracy
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: May substitute for ESP 601 Ecological Economics and Public Policy. EAO-Required; CB, EE, Cert, IND & RMA-Required alternate
Competency Areas FL03: Environmental Issues
Priority to Environmental Advocacy students.

The future of the world ultimately depends on how people decide to organize and conduct their economic and political lives. This course will take a critical look at the issues that democratic societies face in an era marked by transnational corporations, “free” trade regimes, the international debt crisis, structural adjustment, and the growing dominance of neoliberalism as a political ideology. In particular, we will explore the economic and policy mechanisms that drive corporate globalization's “race to the bottom” in working conditions, human rights, democratic participation, environmental protection, public health, and ecological sustainability. The course will also examine a range of economic and policy alternatives that might help create more just, democratic, and sustainable societies.

Section A: Steve Chase
Time: Thursdays, 8:00 - 11:00 am
Maximum: 18
Credits: 3

ESE 514
Curriculum Design
Competency Areas: Cert & EE-Required; EAO,CB, IND & RMA-Elective
Priority to ES Teacher Certification students.

Designing curriculum is an extremely creative process, filled with controversies and dilemmas. It is a political, philosophical, and theoretical process. In this class, we will analyze, critique, and redesign both the explicit and hidden curriculum of a variety of materials as we attempt to resolve our conflicting conceptions of curriculum and develop our own philosophy of curriculum design. This is primarily a theory-based course with some opportunities for direct application. Consider this course as a way to help you move further along with your own questions and concerns about curriculum design and as an opportunity to twist, stretch, and flip your current understanding of what it means to design curriculum. In particular, we will experience first-hand and theoretically ideas like constructivism, democratic classrooms, coherent curriculum, authentic learning, problem solving and inquiry. This list of educational jargon will be more meaningful in a few months.

Section A: Jimmy Karlan
Time: Fridays, 8:00 - 11:00 am
Maximum: 15
Credits: 3

ESP 601
Ecological Economics and Public Policy
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: EAO, CB, EE, Cert, IND & RMA-Required
Competency Areas FL03: Environmental Issues

The premise of this course is that human actions are embedded within the natural environment. The political and economic systems that have been developed to meet the needs of a society are framed by the limitations of that environment. This course will allow students to explore how these societal institutions function to deal with questions such as freedom of choice, scarcity, ownership, equity, sustainability and change.

The course will investigate the development of environmental policies as informed by science, economics, public opinion and legal precedent. Students will be introduced to the policy tools utilized to translate policy into implementation and how effective such approaches have been in meeting overall environmental policy objectives. The primary focus will be within the United States, but innovative approaches that have been developed and utilized in other countries will also be presented to the students.
Sections A: Jim Gruber
Time: Thursdays, 8:00 - 11:00 am
Maximum: 16
Credits: 3

ES 519
Ecological Research Design
Competency Areas: CB-Required (Replaces ESS 571); EAO, EE, Cert, IND & RMA-Elective
Required of and Priority to CB students.

This course encourages successful ecological field research by building skills in hypothesis generation, selection of appropriate methods of data collection, use of correct statistical analyses, and effective presentation of results. Basic parametric and non-parametric statistical procedures (chi-square and related tests; ANOVA; regression and correlation analyses) are reviewed. Through lectures, lab exercises, group and individual research projects, and discussion of current literature in the field of conservation biology, students develop skills needed to conduct field studies aimed at biodiversity conservation and natural lands management.

Section A: Jon Atwood
Time: Fridays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Maximum: 16
Credits: 3

ESF 524A
Ecology of the Pacific Northwest
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: EAO, CB, EE, IND & Cert-Field Biology & Ecology; RMA-Elective
Competency Areas FL03: Natural Communities

Please Note: Attendance at ALL pre-trip meetings is mandatory. Enrolled students who fail to drop the course at least 1 week before the first pre-trip meeting or who fail to attend the first pre-trip meeting will be held financially responsible for the cost of the trip and will forfeit their seat in the class. Students on the waitlist are strongly encouraged to attend the first class. (Limited scholarship money is available to support students attending field study trips. If you are interested in applying for scholarship assistance, please see the ES department for eligibility guidelines.)

This course will investigate the dynamically diverse ecology of the Pacific Northwest bioregion, particularly northwestern Washington and Vancouver Island. The coastal ecology of Hood Canal and the outer Pacific beaches; alpine ecology of the Olympic Peninsula; temperate rainforest ecology of southern Vancouver Island and the Olympic rainforest will be explored. We travel through wilderness beaches, alpine glaciers and island-dotted waterways by bus and on foot and visit sites rich in Native American culture. We will travel historic waterways between Seattle, Victoria and Port Angeles. Specific attention will be given to the management of three major resources: fishing, timber and wildlife, as they relate to centuries of use (and abuse) by humans.

Total cost (including airfare, food, camping, ferries, etc.): $1400.

Section A: Peter Palmiotto and Peter Throop
Time: (Pre-trip meetings)
Fridays, February 6, March 12 and May 7,
7:00 - 9:00 pm and (Study Trip)
Saturday - Saturday, May 15 - 29
Maximum: 18
Location: Keene (pre-trip meetings)
Credits: 3

ESF 540
Ecosystems of Mount Desert Island
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: EAO, CB, EE, IND & Cert-Field Biology & Ecology; RMA-Elective
Competency Areas FL03: Natural Communities

Please Note: Attendance at ALL pre-trip meetings is mandatory. Enrolled students who fail to drop the course at least 1 week before the first pre-trip meeting or who fail to attend the first pre-trip meeting will be held financially responsible for the cost of the trip and will forfeit their seat in the class. Students on the waitlist are strongly encouraged to attend the first class. Students should be in good physical shape to be able to do a 10-mile a day hike.

Mount Desert Island arguably offers the most scenic landscape in New England with its dramatic exposed, glaciated mountains rising out of the Gulf of Maine. This field study trip will focus on the islandÕs terrestrial ecology including its geological history, fire ecosystems, outcrop succession of its granitic balds, and the impact of visitors on its fragile, coastal heath communities.

Cost: approximately $150 for food, camping, and transportation fees.

Sections A & B: Tom Wessels
Time : Section A: (Pre-trip meeting)
Friday, April 9, 7:00 - 9:00 pm and
(Study trip) Sunday - Saturday, May 23 - 29
Section B: (Pre-Trip meeting) Friday, April 9,
7:00 - 9:00 pm and
(Study trip), Sunday - Saturday, May 30 - June 5
Maximum: 16 per section
Credits: 2

ESE 528
Environmental Education Methods: Exhibit Development - Bronx Zoo
Competency Areas: EE-EE Methods Req Alt; EAO, CB, Cert, IND & RMA-elective
Priority to: ES Environmental Education students.

Museums and zoos have not been immune to the increasing environmental awareness among segments of American society. Although many non-formal 'science' institutions have long inspired an interest in natural history and endangered species, until recently 'environmental' education has not been a strong agenda. Many zoos/museums are pushing the boundaries of the traditional diorama or static exhibit to tackle contemporary social and environmental concerns and by mounting concept rather than object-oriented exhibitions. The new generation of environmental projects tend to contain more political, economic, social and public policy-oriented than before. Just how far to push this envelope and still 'entertain' the audience of leisure seekers is a continual concern for these institutions.

The Bronx Zoo has consciously and deliberately set an agenda of educating for conservation and care for the environment. Their exhibits are engaging and provocative, sometimes directly challenging the audience to relate their personal lifestyle choices to the impact on environmental issues, habitat loss and endangered species. We will study their process for deciding on and designing, researching and evaluating the effectiveness of these cutting-edge exhibits. Cost - approximately $250.

Section A: Cynthia Thomashow
Times: (Pre-trip meetings) Wednesdays, February 18, April 7 & 14, 7:00 - 9:00 pm and
(Study Trip) Sunday - Wednesday, April 25 - 28,
Location: (pre trip meetings) Keene (study trip) New York
Maximum: 10
Credits: 2

ESE 538
Environmental Education Methods: Research and Evaluation
Competency Areas: EE-EE Methods Req Alt; EAO, CB, Cert, IND & RMA-elective
Priority to ES Environmental Education students.

In order to show programmatic success of environmental education initiatives, professionals must be able to measure effectiveness and levels of impact. Does environmental education increase ecological literacy, impact awareness of environmental issues, build ecological identity in significant ways among the public and in schools? What do we really need to measure? Funding is dependent on good evaluation and research and showing its effective impact increases the likelihood of our profession gaining respect and legitimacy. This class will explore different methods of formative and summative evaluation. It will explore different research methods and designs for judging what and how people learn from a curriculum, an exhibit, an outdoor experience.

Section A: TBA
Times: TBA Saturdays & Sundays
Maximum: 14
Credits: 2

ESS 576
Environmental Evolution
Course Cancelled (12/11/03)
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: EAO, CB, EE, IND, RMA & Cert-Elective
Competency Area FL03: Biosphere Science
First Priority to ES Teacher Certification students.
Second Priority to EE, EAO & IND.

This course will focus on evolution of the biosphere in the context of long-term earth history. Topics covered will include themes of evolutionary theory, natural selection, speciation, punctuated versus gradual evolution, and the origins and evolution of life on earth. While this course will focus on biospheric evolution at a global scale, exploration of the geo-ecologic history of New England will be emphasized.

Section A: TBA
Times: Thursdays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Maximum: 16
Credits: 3

ESP 551A
Environmental Law
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: RMA-Required; EAO, CB, EE, IND & Cert-Elective
Competency Areas FL03: Environmental Issues; RMA-Required

This course will survey some critical federal environmental statutes in the United States and highlight important case law decided under those statutes. While an in-depth treatment of environmental law is not possible in a course of this length, we will examine the historical context of the major environmental statutes and regulations as well as their impact on land, air, water, and natural resources. We will explore how law and regulations are passed, and how the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government and the regulatory agencies function.

The course objectives include becoming familiar with a new vocabulary and learning how to read a legal opinion. We will begin to understand what a lawyer does and how to think like a lawyer. This course will test our abilities to spot legal issues and deliver reasoned and reasonable arguments on opposing sides of an issue.

Sections A & B: Rebecca Todd
Time Section A: Thursdays, 9:00 - 11:30 am
Section B: Fridays, 4:30 - 7:00 pm (Priority to RMA)
Maximum: 15 per section
Credits: 3

ESP 550A
Environmental Site Assessment
(formerly Hazards on the Landscape, ESS 569)
Competency Areas: RMA-Environmental Policy. Required Alternate to Groundwater Protection and Waste Management; EAO, CB, EE, Cert & IND-Elective.
Priority to RMA students.

This course is useful for anyone who will be working in a field that is related to the preservation, conservation or management of land and water resources. The course content reviews, and allows student to practice, evaluation approaches so as to assess potential or actual impacts from human activities associated with a parcel of land. Such procedures range from the formalized ASTM Phase I site assessment procedures to techniques for rapid site-assessment so to document and mitigate non-point source pollution.

This course would be a required skill for anyone entertaining the possibility of working for a land trust, watershed association, a planning agency or a consultancy that focuses on landowner regulatory compliance and liability issues. This course will meet the RMA requirements as indicated by the previous Hazards on the Landscape course.

Section A: Michael Simpson
Time: Fridays, January 23 - March 12, 8:00 - 11:00 am and Saturday, March 6, 8:00am - 5:00 pm
Maximum: 16
Credits: 2

ESF 512
Field Mammalogy
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: CB-Required alternate to Amphibians or Ornithology; EAO, EE, Cert & IND-Field Biology & Ecology; RMA-Elective
Competency Areas FL03: Natural Communities

Winter, with its snow, provides the best opportunity for field experiences in keeping track of local mammals and for field study of their behavior and ecology. The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the mammals of the region. Topics covered will include: scatology and the study of tracks and their value for ecological studies and school environmental education; the autecology of large rodents, including field trips to active dens and lodges; the autecology of the cervids, including a field trip to a winter deer yarding area; autecology of mustelids, canids, and felids -- the larger mammals most sensitive to human actions; also issues in game and fur-bearer management.

Section A: Meade Cadot
Time: Fridays, 1:15 - 4:15 pm
Location: Harris Center
Maximum: 16
(1 seat reserved for Science Education student)
Credits: 3

ESAF 500
Financial Administration
Competency Areas: RMA-Required; EAO, CB, EE , Cert & IND-Elective
Required of and Priority to RMA students.

This course is designed for students with little or no financial background and will introduce them to the basic concepts, terms, and processes of budgeting systems for nonprofit agencies. The course will include numerous case studies, computer work and an introduction to accounting procedures.

Section A: Jim Gruber
Time: Fridays, 8:00 - 11:00 am
Maximum: 18
Credits: 3

ESE 536
Foundations of Science and Environmental Education
Competency Areas FL03: Cert-Required; EAO, CB, EE, IND & RMA-Elective
Required of and Priority to ES Teacher Certification students.

The objectives of this course are to explore a range of historical and contemporary methodologies to science and environmental education, consider the relationship between the social context of science and environmental studies and how they are taught in the classroom and to examine science as an evolving knowledge system.

Section A: Sue Gentile
Time: Thursdays, 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Maximum: 15
Credits: 3

ESF 536
Galapagos to the Andes
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: EAO, CB, EE, IND & Cert-Field Biology & Ecology elective. RMA-elective.
Competency Areas FL03: Natural Communities:

*Also Note: The pre-trip meetings for this course occur in the spring; the field study trip occurs during the summer term. Spring enrollment is uncredited; the field study trip will earn 3 credits in the summer term. Students must register for both spring and summer terms and go on the trip to earn credits. By registering for and being admitted to the non-credited Spring class, students agree to register for summer and assume responsibility for field trip costs. (Limited scholarship money is available to support students attending field study trips. If you are interested in applying for scholarship assistance, please see the ES department for eligibility guidelines.)

This course will focus on the relationship between evolutionary ecology and island biogeography in the most biologically intact ocean archipelago in the world. The abundant, unique fauna on these islands was inspirational to the development of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection and today remains an important testing ground for evolutionary research and a mecca for students of biology. We will visit many of the major islands, and snorkel with sea lions and penguins. Participants will also spend several days in the Amazon rain forest after visiting the islands.

Total cost including *air fare, meals, and lodging will be approximately $4,500 (*price may vary depending on airfare).

Section A: Jon Atwood
Times: (Pre-trip meeting dates)
Wednesdays, March 10, 31, April 21 and May 5,
7:00 - 9:00 pm and
(Study Trip) Wednesday - Monday, July 14 - August 2
Location: Keene (Pre-trip meetings) and
Galapagos Archipelago and Amazon basin (Study Trip)
Maximum: 14
Credits: uncredited for Spring; 3 credits for Summer

ES 510
Geographic Information System (GIS): An Integrating Technology
Course Cancelled (02/03/04)
Competency Areas: CB-Required; RMA-Required alternate to Proposal Writing; EAO,EE, IND & Cert-Elective
First Priority to CB students.
Second Priority to RMA students.

This is an introductory course in the use of GIS software to create, manage and work with spatially explicit data. This class will explore how to access GIS information available on the WWW, extract and analyze quantitative data using ArcView 3.2 software, understand limitations associated with various data sources and use software for preparation of maps. There will be a computer lab fee of $25 per student.

Sections A & B: Dennis Ulatowski
Time Section A: Thursdays, 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Section B: Thursdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Maximum: 12 per section
Credits: 3

ESP 531
Literature of the Land
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: EAO, CB, EE, Cert, IND & RMA-Elective
Competency Areas FL03: Environmental Issues

In the last half of the 20th Century, nature writing emerged as a prominent literary genre that has made a significant contribution to the way we think, feel and act toward the environment. In this class, we will read and discuss some of the great works of modern American nature writing, including Leopold's Sand County Almanac, Williams' Refuge, House's Totem Salmon, and Hogan's novel Solar Storms. Discussions will focus on these works and their influence, and the unique way they address environmental issues - including wilderness and wildlife conservation, health and the environment, bioregionalism, environmental justice and activism. We will also use this literature as inspiration and model for our own writing process as a way to explore and articulate the experiences and issues most important for our ecological awareness and identity.

Section A: Fred Taylor
Time: Thursdays, 8:30 - 11:30 am
Maximum: 15
Credits: 3

ES 699C
Master's Thesis
Required for all CB students; Optional for EAO, EE, Cert, IND & RMA students
Prerequisite: Master's Thesis Seminar

As a culmination of a student's work at Antioch, the Master's Thesis should reflect the student's particular focus of study and future professional interest. This effort will include a central research component associated with it. The research can be quantitative, qualitative or literary in nature. All Environmental Studies students are required to have approval from their advisor prior to entering the Master's Thesis process.

Section A: ES Faculty
Maximum: 20
Credits: 3

ES 699D
Master's Thesis Continuation
Required for all students continuing a Master's Thesis for which they have previously registered.

Students must register for Master's Thesis Continuation every semester until the thesis has been completed and signed off by your Master's Thesis reader. Enrollment in Master's Thesis Continuation confers half-time status for Financial Aid and loan deferment purposes through May 14, 2004.

Section A: ES Faculty
Maximum: 20
Credits: uncredited

ES 505A
Master's Thesis Seminar
Required for all students doing a Master's Thesis.

This seminar introduces students to the thesis research process. Emphasis is placed upon selecting and shaping the research topic including library research skills, how to review relevant research and theory, developing hypotheses and research questions, developing appropriate methods and outlining anticipated results. Through lectures, discussions, written assignments, peer review, and informal presentations, students will develop their research topic, culminating with a research prospectus, which can serve as a working proposal. The thesis seminar provides the opportunity for students to share their knowledge in a selected topic of interest and provides the class the chance to discuss the greater ramifications, relevance, and complexity of a variety of environmental topics.

Section A: Peter Palmiotto
Time: Fridays, January 30, February 20,
March 12, April 2 & 30,
11:30 am - 12:45 pm,
plus individual times to be
arranged with instructor
Maximum: 15
Credits: 1

ES 522
Natural Resource Inventory: Vegetation
Competency Areas: CB-Required alternate (Replaces ESS 561); EAO, EE, Cert ,IND & RMA-Elective
Prerequisite: Principles of Ecology or Community Ecology of NE Landscape
Priority to Conservation Biology students.

This carefully designed NRI course will use the spring time period to focus on vegetation and soils (wildlife in the Summer or Fall). Students will review the basics of developing investigation plans, base mapping, and map & compass use, and then conduct field sampling of woody plants and soils. Lecture and field time will be combined to provide an in depth review of both plot and plotless (point) methods of analysis. Assessments will be derived from quantitative data in order to provide realistic guidance for natural resource management on private and public lands.

Section A: Peter Palmiotto
Time: Thursdays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Maximum: 14
Credits: 3

ESF 514
New England Flora
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: EAO, CB, EE, IND & Cert-Field Biology & Ecology Required; RMA-Elective
Competency Areas FL03: Natural Communities

This course will be an introduction to the vascular flora of New England with special attention given to Spring wildflowers and woody plants in winter and summer conditions. The course will cover both plant structure and taxonomy, and will include laboratory and fieldwork.

Section A: Peter Palmiotto
Time: Fridays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Maximum: 15
(1 seat reserved for Science Education student)
Credits: 3

ES 516
Organizational Leadership in the Nonprofit World
(formerly Organizational Leadership & Personal Renewal)
Competency Areas: EAO-Required; CB, EE, Cert, IND & RMA-elective
Priority to Environmental Advocacy and Organizing students.

Just as the human body requires healthy organs to function well, a social movement requires well-run organizations. To become effective organizational leaders, people need to develop self-awareness, a healthy and balanced approach to life and work, good listening and communication skills, a keen understanding of group dynamics, and the ability to facilitate productive meetings. Organizational leaders also need to be visionaries who can manage time, money, emotions, and other people competently. This course will focus on such skills and explore how they can be combined to improve our personal effectiveness in creating growing, healthy, and successful organizations.

Section A: TBA
Time: Thursdays, 4:30 - 7:00 pm
Maximum: 16
Credits: 3

ESF 515
Ornithology
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: CB-Required alternate to Mammalogy or Amphibians; EAO, EE, IND & Cert-Field Biology & Ecology; RMA-Elective
Competency Areas FL03: Natural Communities

This course provides an overview of avian biology including evolutionary history and taxonomy, form and function of bird anatomy, behavior and communication, physiology, and population dynamics. One required field trip (to coastal Massachusetts) and selections from the PBS series, “The Life of Birds” will supplement weekly, in-class lecture material.

Section A: Jon Atwood
Time: Fridays, 8:00 - 11:00 am, and
TBA Saturday or Sunday field trip
Maximum: 16
(1 seat reserved for Science Education student)
Credits: 3

ES 693
Practicum, General
Practicum Seminar
Competency Areas: EAO, CB, EE, IND, Cert & RMA-Required
A total of 8 Practicum credits are required for all EA, EB, EE, IND and RMA majors. A total of 4 General Practicum credits are required for certification majors. It is strongly recommended that students not register for Practicum until after completing their second semester in the program.

The Practicum provides students with an opportunity to apply, in an organizational setting, what they are learning and to develop professional contacts within their fields of interest. While students are responsible for locating practica, faculty are available to provide support and information as needed. All students are required to attend a scheduled PRACTICUM ORIENTATION during their first semester.

The Practicum Seminar provides a setting in which students can discuss specific issues and concerns, and a format for presenting their accomplished projects. Students will meet privately with the instructor one time during the semester.

Section A: Kay Delanoy
Section B: Sue Weller
Section C: Krista Koehler
Section D: Duncan Watson
Time: Seminars meet:
Sections A & B: Thursdays, February 5, and
April 15 & 22,
11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Sections C & D: Fridays, February 6, and
April 16 & 23,
11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Maximum: 15 per section
Credits: variable
(Practicum Seminar credited as part of Practicum)

ES 694
Practicum, Teaching
Practicum Seminar for Biology & General Science Certification Students
Competency Areas: Cert - Required
Four credits of Student Teaching Practicum are required for certification students. A total of 8 Practicum credits are required for the MS degree.

The Student Teaching Practicum provides an in-classroom opportunity for applying learned skills in teaching either biology or general science. The seminar will cover the various issues that concern the teacher including classroom management; teaching style and presentation; discipline; relationships with supervisors, principals, and parents; and dealing with specific classroom challenges. Students will be expected to discuss their experiences in the classroom.

Section A: Jimmy Karlan
Time: TBA Thursdays, 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Maximum: 16
Credits: variable
(Practicum Seminar credited as part of Practicum)

ESACO 503
Proposal Writing and the Grants Process
Competency Areas: CB, EE-Required; RMA-Required alternate for GIS; EAO, IND & Cert-Elective
Priority to Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 entrants.
Attendance at all four classes is mandatory.

This course will focus on gaining competency in the three phases of the grants process: planning, research, and writing. Students will research and explore public and private funding sources appropriate for human services and environmental organizations. The criteria for selecting potential funding sources, the basic elements of a proposal, and developing successful collaborative efforts will be emphasized. Students will interactively engage in each phase of the process and will demonstrate their learning through submission of a proposal abstract and evidence of research in the public and private sectors.

Section A: Randy Ann Thomas
Time: Wednesdays,
February 11, 18, 25 and March 3,
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Maximum: 16
Credits: 2

EDP 598
School Law
Competency Area: ES Cert-Required
Required of and Priority to Environmental Studies and Education certification students.

This is a seminar designed to provide knowledge about school law and the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, sex, age or handicapping condition. Through lecture, case discussion, and debate, students will be able to understand the theoretical underpinnings of egalitarian social reform, the differences between public policy, and the principal components and content of relevant policy documents as well as the benefits and limitations of policy in this area.

Text: Edmund Reutter, Jr., The Supreme Court's Impact on Public Education

Sections A - C: John Carr
Time: Section A: Saturdays,
February 14 & March 13, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Section B: Sundays,
February 15 & March 14, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Section C: Saturdays,
April 3 & 24, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Maximum: 20 per section
(2 seats per section reserved for O&M students,
6 seats per section reserved for ES students)
Credits: 1

ES 690
SIS: Supervised Independent Study

If you are planning an independent study, please register for an SIS on your registration form; however, an SIS contract must be submitted to the Registrar's Office by April 20, 2004, in order for it to appear on your schedule or transcript. Please be sure to specify on the contract if the SIS will be used to fulfill a competency area or serve as a required course substitute, or as an elective. Contracts received after the April 20 deadline will be returned to you for registration in a subsequent semester (additional costs may apply). Credits will not appear on your schedule until the SIS contract(s) has been submitted to the Registrar's Office, thus affecting your enrollment status and perhaps your financial aid eligibility.

Credits: variable

ES 690U
SIS: Special Project
Competency Areas: RMA-Required for students not doing a Masters Thesis; EAO, EE, IND & Cert-Optional, Elective

The Special Project will be conducted as a supervised independent study. As a culmination of a student's work at Antioch, the Special Project is comparable to a master's thesis in scope, but differs in that it is not focused on research design. The Special Project follows standardized approaches used in a student's chosen field such as a solid waste plan, a curriculum development plan, or a marketing plan. The Special Project's content and format must be approved by both the student's advisor and program chair, but may be supervised by a qualified person external to the department.

Please register for this SIS on your registration form; however, an SIS contract must be submitted to the Registrar's Office by April 20, 2004, in order for it to appear on your schedule or transcript. Contracts received after the April 20 deadline will be returned to you for registration in a subsequent semester (additional costs may apply). Credits will not appear on your schedule until the SIS contract(s) has been submitted to the Registrar's Office, thus affecting your enrollment status and perhaps your financial aid eligibility.

Note: RMA Students are required to complete either a Special Project or a Master's Thesis.

Section A: Michael Simpson
Maximum: 15
Credits: 3

ESS 573
Soil Ecology
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: EAO, CB, EE, Cert, IND & RMA-Elective
Competency Area FL03: Biosphere Studies
Section A: First Priority to ES Teacher Cert.
Second Priority to EE, EAO, & IND.
Section B: First Priority to CB students.
Second Priority to EE, EAO, & IND.

The field of soil ecology continues to grow as more researchers, educators, and conservation activists become aware of the important role soil organisms play in shaping plant communities and in storing and recycling nutrients. Conservationists, land managers, and farmers continue to explore management techniques that incorporate soil “health” into conservation efforts. What is healthy soil? How do soil organisms influence soil fertility and plant distribution? How does human activity influence the ability of soil organisms to function optimally? In this course, we will explore soil food web structure, processes of organic matter and nutrient cycling, interactions between soil biota and vascular plants, and the effects of climate change and human activity on the structure and functioning of soil communities. The structure of this course will combine lectures, discussions, field trips, and laboratories, and emphasis will be on both natural and managed ecosystems.

Sections A and B: Rachel Thiet
Times: Section A: Thursdays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Section B: Fridays, 8:00 - 11:00 am
Maximum: 18 per section
Credits: 3

ESF 535
Tropical Ecology & Conservation Biology: Costa Rica
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: EAO, CB, EE, IND & Cert-Field Biology & Ecology; RMA-Elective
Competency Areas FL03: Natural Communities

This course will immerse students in the dynamics of a tropical rain forest and the complexities of conservation. We will be hosted by the Monteverde Institute (MVI) (http://www.mvinstitute.org/), located in the Tilaran mountain range of Costa Rica in the cloud forest community of Monteverde. We will be surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the region and will have easy access to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, the Santa Elena Reserve and the Bosque Eterno de los Ninos (The Childrens Eternal Forest). Over one-third of Costa Rica's flora can be found in the Monteverde Zone, and MVI offers excellent opportunities to gain appreciation and knowledge of this environment. In field and classroom work we will explore patterns of species diversity, life zones, altitudinal gradients, coevolutionary relationships and mutualisms, and adaptations among tropical plants and epiphyte communities. We will compare the forest preserve with nearby fragmented zones and discuss forest dynamics in fragmented and unfragmented landscapes. We will benefit from lectures and discussions with scientists conducting research in Monteverde. We will examine the conservation efforts in the region, with visits to specific research projects, artisan cooperatives, and ecotourism activities. A visit to INBio is scheduled, the non-governmental organization devoted to cataloguing all biodiversity in Costa Rica. Finally, we will explore Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste Province, one of Costa Rica's most important historic areas. This Park protects some of the last remaining tropical dry forest in the world and has more than 155 species of mammals, more than half of which are bats. There are also 253 species of birds, 100 of amphibians and reptiles, and over ten thousand types of insects, including some 3,140 species of butterflies and moths.

Cost $2000 including airfare.

Section A: Beth Kaplin
Times: (Pre-trip meetings)
Wednesdays, January 28, February 4 and March 10,
7:00 - 9:00 pm and (Study Trip)
Sunday - Saturday, March 14 - 27
Maximum: 12
Credits: 3

ESS 530
Water Quality
Competency areas: RMA-Required; EAO, CB, EE, IND & Cert-Elective
Prerequisite: Hydrology, Watershed Science (or concurrent) and general college chemistry or equivalent
Priority to RMA students.

This course examines the connections between land, surface waters and groundwater as they relate to water quality. It will consider the sources and consequences of water contaminants, basic methods of water quality assessment, and human approaches to management of water quality.

Section A: Paul Kotila
Time: Thursdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Maximum: 15
Credits: 2

ESP 562A
Watershed Planning
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: RMA-Environmental Policy (May substitute for ESP 589 Watershed Management); EAO, CB, EE, IND & Cert-Elective
Competency Area FL03: Environmental Issues
Priority to first year students.

Each year more and more attention is drawn to our nation's declining water resources. Despite some improvements, challenges continue and grow. To meet these challenges, many communities are adopting a watershed approach. This course will provide the knowledge foundation and skills for students to become effective leaders and participants in watershed planning processes. Many of these skills are transferable to other resource management issues.

This course examines all aspects of watershed management including science, policy, planning, regulations, implementation, information, and public outreach. Blending practical skills with research, this class will offer hands-on experience designing and developing a watershed plan, learning from leading examples around the country. Class participants will gain an understanding of basic problems facing water resources and watersheds, knowledge of who participates in watershed planning and why, how to facilitate watershed planning meetings, and tools to protect and restore watersheds and related water resources.

Section A: Cary H. Gaunt
Time: Thursdays, January 29 - February 12,
March 4 & 11 and April 1 - 29
9:00 am - 12:00 pm, and
Saturday, February 28, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Maximum: 15
Credits: 3

ESS 574
Watershed Science
Competency Areas SP03 and earlier: RMA-Environmental Science elective; EAO, CB, EE, IND & Cert-Elective
Competency Area FL03: Biosphere Science
Section A: First Priority to CB students.
Second Priority to EE, EAO and IND.
Section B: First Priority to RMA students.
Second Priority to EE, EAO and IND.

This course examines the hydrological cycle at local, regional, and global scales, and the role that water plays in landscape evolution and ecology. Students will investigate aspects of fluvial geomorphology, precipitation, infiltration, and runoff as contributing factors to stream flow and aquifer storage. We will emphasize the delineation of watersheds as structural, functional, ecological and management entities, and will analyze storm frequency and magnitude as controls on the short and long-term evolution of fluvial systems in general and the New England landscape in particular.

Sections A & B: Jim Jordan
Times Section A: Fridays, 8:00 - 11:00 am
Section B: Fridays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Maximum: 18 per section
Credits: 3

ESF 541A
Wetlands Ecology
Competency Area SP03 and earlier: RMA-This course meets the Wetlands RMA requirement; EAO, CB, EE, Cert & IND-Field Biology and Ecology
Competency Area FL03: Natural Communities
Priority to RMA & CB students who entered Fall 2002 or Spring 2003.

This course will provide an overview of the wetlands communities within the New England region. The Fish and Wildlife Service's wetlands classification scheme (Cowardin, et. al.) will be the foundation for this review. Students will have an opportunity not only to learn about typical wetland types, but also gain an understanding of the underlying abiotic factors that influences the observed biotic community structure. In addition, students will be introduced to the wetlands evaluation procedures developed to assess the functional values of wetlands in the context of the greater watershed.

This course meets the Wetlands RMA requirement and will be one of the required pre-requisites for other advanced wetland courses, such as Wetlands Delineation and Wetlands Mitigation & Restoration.

Section A: Michael Simpson
Times: Fridays, April 9 - May 14, 8:00 - 11:00 am, and Saturday & Sunday, April 24 & 25 and Sunday, May 2, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Maximum: 14
Credits: 2

ESF 545
Wolves of Yellowstone: Ecology, Conservation and Challenges
in the 21st Century:
Competency Area SP03 and earlier: EAO, CB, EE, Cert. & IND-Field Biology & Ecology; RMA-elective
Competency Area FL03: Natural Communities

This field study trip will focus on the ecology of wolves of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The trip will be based out of the oldest National Park in States - Yellowstone. We will study with private, USFWS and park biologists, to gain a comprehensive understanding of one of the most misunderstood predators in North America. Topics covered will include snow tracking and interpretation, wolf social structure and development, resource management, predator-prey behavior, social and economic impacts of wolves and the politics.

Course fee: $1300 (includes airfare, lodging & meals.)

Section A: Meade Cadot
Time: (Pre-trip meetings)
Wednesdays, January 28, February 11 & March 3,
7:00 - 9:00 pm and
(Study Trip) Tuesday - Fridays, March 16 - 26
Location: Keene and
Yellowstone National Park (study trip)
Maximum: 14
Credits: 2

ESCE 629
Writing for the Real World
Competency Areas: EE-Required alternate for EE Methods; EAO, CB, Cert, IND & RMA-Elective
Priority to Environmental Studies students.

Based on the principles of clear, concise writing, this course gives students simple guidelines and instructions to make their writing irresistible to readers. With basic journalism at its core, the course is designed to help students write non-fiction with readers in mind. It will cover interviewing, writing feature stories, news, press releases and essays for magazines, broadcast, newspapers and other publications.

Techniques and processes for approaching publishers will also be presented with guest lectures from editors and published writers. Students will also learn how professionals handle writing on deadline, discipline, self-editing and revision. Students will explore and practice reaching specific and broad audiences with writing that is crisp, lively, and ready for publication. The course also helps students write compelling academic papers.

Section A: Paul Hertneky
Time: Thursdays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Maximum: 10
Credits: 3

Doctoral Program (Ph.D)

ES 775
Candidacy Continuation
Competency Area: Dissertation Process
Restricted to Students who have completed three years of the program, but have not completed their Service Project, Integrated Essay, and/or Dissertation Proposal.

The Candidacy Continuation semester is designed for students who need additional time to complete their doctoral candidacy projects. Students retain full access to faculty and all student resources at Antioch. During this semester they continue to work independently with their advisor and the rest of the faculty as needed to complete their service project, integrated essay, doctoral dissertation proposal. Students may schedule their Dissertation Proposal Review meeting during this candidacy continuation semester.

Registration in Candidacy Continuation will carry half-time status for loan deferment and Financial Aid purposes.
Section A: Alesia Maltz
Maximum: 5
Credits: 0

ES 774
Dissertation Proposal
Competency Area: Integrated Projects
Required of and Restricted to PhD III students.

This seminar allows students to devote themselves to developing and refining the research questions that are the foundation of a dissertation, and to exploring, analyzing and critiquing methods specific to their research interests with the purpose of selecting the methods they will employ. Upon completion of this seminar students should have completed or be very close to completing a draft research proposal, which sets forth the nature of their dissertation inquiry and a detailed account of the methods to be used. Since the proposal also contains material supporting the relevance of the dissertation topic and the appropriateness of the chosen methods, the seminar will also focus on the organization of literature surveys and the identification of key references that serve as models for the specific dissertation work.

Section A: Beth Kaplin
Time: Fridays, 1:00 - 7:00 pm, and
Saturdays, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm,
February 6 & 7 and April 2 & 3
(Additional contact hours will be met by specific
course work designed to be completed on-line.)
Maximum: 15
Credits: 4

ES 776
Dissertation Seminar
Competency Area: Dissertation Process
Restricted to PhD IV students.
Prerequisites: Completion of Integrated Essay, Service Project and Dissertation Proposal or written permission of instructor

This year- long seminar is designed to provide support and consultation for students in the process of formulating and carrying out their doctoral dissertation research. Topics to be addressed during the year include: ongoing evaluation and assessment of research methods, research ethics, dilemmas of working in the field, analysis, writing the dissertation, making formal presentations, dissemination of research results, and transformations you experience in your growth as a scholar. Students along with the instructors are intended to serve as a peer community, providing support, advice, and critique. Each semester, students will make a formal presentation to the class documenting the current state of their research and bringing to the class the expertise they have developed. Additional faculty may be brought in as needed to provide input in special topic areas.

Section A: Alesia Maltz
Time: Saturday, 2:00 - 8:00 pm and
Sunday, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm,
February 7 and April 4.
(Additional contact hours will be met by specific
course work designed to be completed on-line.)
Maximum: 15
Credits: 4

ES 899
Doctoral Dissertation
Competency Area: Dissertation Process
Restricted to PhD IV students.

Students who are actively engaged in writing the doctoral dissertation are required to register for these credits. You cannot register for this class unless your dissertation proposal has been approved by your committee.

Section A: Doctoral Faculty
Maximum: 15
Credits: 4

ES 899C
Doctoral Dissertation Continuation
Competency Area: Dissertation Process
Restricted to PhDV students who have registered for two semesters of ES 899 Doctoral Dissertation and three semesters of ES 776 Dissertation Seminar and have not completed the dissertation. Students must continue to register until dissertation is accepted and deposited.
Section A: Doctoral Faculty

Maximum: 15
Credits: uncredited

ES 703
Global Environmental Change
Competency Area: Foundation
Required of and Restricted to PhD I students.

This course covers the various ecological problems that occur on a global scale: climate change, ozone depletion, habitat destruction, species destruction, etc. The parameters of global change research and policy are emphasized, including an overview of the methodological approaches that are being used to evaluate the impact of global change. What is the evolutionary, biological, and geological context of global environmental change? How do human relationships with the natural environment change through geographical space and historical time? What are the ecological consequences of such change and how can they be studied and understood? Such inquiry includes investigating diverse approaches, perceptions, policies and practices of natural resource use. How do humans choose to live within a particular ecosystem? How do humans change ecosystems? What are the consequences of those changes?

Section A: Rachel Thiet
Time: Saturdays, 2:00 - 8:00 pm, and
Sundays, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm,
February 7 & 8, March 6 & 7,
April 3 & 4 and April 24 & 25.
(Additional contact hours will be met by specific
course work designed to be completed on-line.)
Maximum: 15
Credits: 4

ES 771
The Integrated Essay
Competency Area: Integrated Projects
Restricted to PhD III students.

The Integrated Essay is the culmination of the learning domain. It is an opportunity for students to organize, interpret, and amplify their core scholarly interests. The essay represents the ability to synthesize and conceptualize knowledge, to contribute new ideas to an emerging field of study, to express the theoretical and practical significance of these ideas, and to consider their consequences for scholarship, research, and/or professional practice. Throughout the learning domain, students explore widely, noting convergencies, connections, and interstices- nodes and networks of intellectual resonance that contain deep insights. The purpose of the Integrated Essay is to cultivate those insights, by exploring them in depth, tracing their formulation, development, and application.

Note: The Integrated Essay does not meet as a course. Students will work independently with instructor.

Section A: Doctoral Faculty
Maximum: 12
Credits: 4

ES 729
Learning Domain Seminar II
Competency Area: Research Strategies and Learning Domains
Required of and Restricted to PhD II students.

The purpose of this seminar is to provide an opportunity for students to engage their learning domain in the larger academic discourse and to delve into aspects of their learning domain that have not been addressed in reading circles, courses or independent studies. Students will concentrate on developing critical reading and writing skills, and will create a piece of writing for publication.

Section A: Alesia Maltz
Times: Fridays, 1:00 - 7:00 pm, and
Saturdays, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm,
February 6 & 7, March 5 & 6 and April 23 & 24.
(Additional contact hours will be met by specific
course work designed to be completed on-line.)
Maximum: 15
Credits: 3

ES 705
Political Economy of Environmental Issues
Competency Area: Foundation
Required of and Restricted to PhDI students.

Participants in this course study the social and political tensions underlying environmental issues. We do this by examining political theories of democracy, the history and development of economic thought, the exercise of power in diverse political circumstances, the role of corporations in democracy and capitalism today, and the practice and meaning of environmental citizenship. Discussions will center around the political discourse on sustainability, ideas of the common good, individual choice, fairness, social responsibility, and equity. Essentially, the purpose of this course is to familiarize you with the concepts, theories, evidence, and controversies associated with the political, social, and economic dimensions of environmental policy making.

Section A: Tom Webler
Times: Fridays, 1:00 - 7:00 pm, and
Saturdays, 8:00 am - 12:00,
February 6 & 7, March 5 & 6,
April 2 & 3 and April 23 & 24.
(Additional contact hours will be met by specific
course work designed to be completed on-line.)
Maximum: 15
Credits: 4

ES 752
Service Project
Competency Area: Integrated Projects
Required of and Restricted to PhD III students.

The Service Project is an opportunity to cooperate with a specific institutional, organizational, or community group addressing concerns of relevance to the student's academic work. This provides a public context for one's scholarly interests, both providing expertise to a project, and allowing the student to learn from the experience of the community, building broad coalitions for environmental work, and using the doctoral learning process as a service for diverse constituencies.

Note: The Service Project does not meet as a course. The project is discussed in the Theory and Practice Seminar. The student receives credit upon satisfactory completion of the Service Project essay.

Section A: Heidi Watts
Maximum: 12
Time: To be arranged with instructor
Credits: 4

ES 890
SIS: Supervised Individual Study