Courses & Requirements

ESS-101: Intro. to Environmental and Sustainability Studies (4.00)

Causes and effects of human incursion into natural systems. Examination of social, political, ethical and economic issues and theory in light of ecological and evolutionary principles, with a goal of developing sustainable programs.

ESS-3XX: Interdisciplinary Methods in Environmental & Sustainability Studies (4.00)

*With advance approval from the ESS co-directors and the relevant instructor, WS 201, SOC 301, or ANTH/SOC 390 may substitute for this requirement when the student completes a substantial environmental or environmental justice–focused final project.

ESS-450: Internship (4.00)

Appropriate cross-registration, summer, or study abroad courses as approved by the ESS Program Co-Directors

BIO-108: Environmental Biology/Lab (4.00)

An introduction to human effects on interactions among organisms and the environment. May not be used to fulfill the minimum requirements for the biology major. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

BIO-215: Marine Biology (4.00)

The course takes an ecological approach to the study of marine organisms as exemplified in temperate, semitropical, and tropical environments. During the spring semester, students will attain an essential understanding of the principles of marine biology as it applies to a broad range of marine ecosystems, and learn field study techniques appropriate for comparative investigation of marine environments. This knowledge and these skills will be used during the field study part of the course in the summer where students will study temperate barrier island beach and salt march ecosystems on the Georgia coast, and tropical coral reefs, rocky intertidal, and mangrove ecosystems on Roatan Island, Bay Islands, Honduras. Special fees are required for the international travel component and for scuba diving at Roatan. Consult with the Center for Global Learning for the application process and timeline. Limited to 14 students. Prerequisite: One biology course and the instructor's permission.

Course requisites: One course in biology and permission of the instructor

BIO-303: Data Intensive Ecology/Lab (4.00)

This is a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in ecological research, data analysis, and computational methods. Students will gain hands-on experience using multiple publicly available ecological data sets to generate their own authentic research questions in the fields of behavioral ecology, community ecology, biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability. Students will be exposed to and gain experience using R, Python, and spatial analysis software while completing and presenting a semester-long group research project.

Course requisites: BIO-110, 110L, 111 and 111L

BIO-308: Ecology/Lab (4.00)

Interactions of organisms with their abiotic and biotic environments. Populations, communities and ecosystems from ecological and environmental perspectives. Laboratory and field studies, environmental analysis. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110, 111 & one 200-level BIO course; BIO-108 is prereq for ESS minors; Mathematics 117, 118 or 119 recommended

ESS-3XX: Interdisciplinary Methods in Environmental & Sustainability Studies (4.00)

*With advance approval from the ESS co-directors and the relevant instructor, WS 201, SOC 301, or ANTH/SOC 390 may substitute for this requirement when the student completes a substantial environmental or environmental justice–focused final project.

PH-331: Environmental Health (4.00)

An interdisciplinary, scientific survey of human interactions with the natural and built environments of the earth, and how anthropogenic stressors can ultimately influence public health and environmental quality. Physical and social environments are important determinants of the health of individuals and communities. Exposure to chemical, biological and physical agents can and do occur through the air, water and soil that comprise our physical environment. Particular emphasis in this course will be placed on describing (1) what pollution is and how/why it is harmful, (2) what the root sources and causes of pollution are, (3) what happens to pollutants when they enter the environment, and (4) how each pollutant class affects individual and community health over acute to chronic exposure periods. Cross-listed with ESS-331.

Course requisites: Take PH-101 or ESS-101 for Environmental Health topic

PH-101: Survey of Public Health (4.00)

Survey course that introduces the subdisciplines of public health. Introduces epidemiological, environmental, occupational, cultural, behavioral, and policy issues relevant to the health of populations around the world. Includes a historical context for current health issues and global practices.

BIO-140: Making Meaningful Maps: GIS for Everyone (4.00)

BIO-201: Microbiology/Lab (4.00)

Cell biology, metabolism, genetics and phylogeny of bacteria and archaea. Introduction to eukaryotic microbes and viruses. Principles of pathogenesis, immunology and environmental microbiology. Applications in biotechnology, medicine and industry. Individual laboratory project and use of representative literature in the discipline. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and BIO-111

BIO-216: Molecular Biology (3.00)

Genes and their activities at the molecular level in viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Mechanisms of gene expression and regulation in health and disease. Advanced topics in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Emphasis on experimental strategies and data analysis. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and BIO-111 BIO-216 & BIO-216L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-270: Invertebrate Biology/Lab (4.00)

Of the millions of living and extinct animal species, more than 95% are animals without backbones. These extraordinary animals encountered innumerable physical and physiological challenges as they evolved and colonized the air, land and aquatic environments. Their evolution produced many different body plans and, along the way, "invented" significant systems such as brains, skeletons, flight mechanisms, water balance and vascular systems and more. These evolutionary "inventions" led to the abundant diversity we have today. This course studies these beautiful and fascinating animals and the solutions that have evolved to allow life in diverse environments. It draws heavily on the themes of form, function and evolution, and illustrates the importance of these animals for environmental stability, as model organisms for biological research and as a resource for innovative solutions for problems faced by humans. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-192 Prerequisite

MAT-325: Mathematical Models and Applications (4.00)

Development of techniques of model building. Applications to illustrate the techniques drawn principally from the natural and social sciences. Offered alternate years.

Course requisites: 206 or 220 with a grade of C- or better

PHY-131: Introduction to Computer Programming (4.00)

This introduction to computer science emphasizes problem solving and data analysis skills along with computer programming skills. Using Python, students will learn design, implementation, testing, and analysis of algorithms and programs. And within the context of programming, they will learn to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions, and express those solutions clearly and accurately. Problems will be chosen from real-world examples such as graphics, image processing, cryptography, data analysis, astronomy, video games, and environmental simulation. Students will get instruction delivered in-person and through interactive media. Class time will focus on collaborative team projects to solve real-life problems. Prior programming experience is not a requirement for this course. (Cross-listed with MAT-131.)

MAT-231: How to Think Like a Data Scientist (4.00)

This course introduces students to the importance of gathering, cleaning, normalizing, visualizing, and analyzing data to drive informed decision-making, no matter the field of study. Students will learn to use a combination of tools and techniques, including spreadsheets, SQL, and Python to work on real world datasets using a combination of procedural and basic machine learning algorithms. They will also learn to ask good, exploratory questions and develop metrics to come up with a well thought-out analysis. Presenting and discussing an analysis of datasets chosen by the students will be an important part of the course. Like PHY/MAT-131, this course will be "flipped," with content learned outside of class and classroom time focused on hands-on, collaborative projects. Cross-listed with PHY-231.

Course requisites: PHY/MAT-131 (or permission)

ESS-202: Environ and Public Health Communication (4.00)

Examines and develops communication practices associated with current issues and controversies. Focus on communication as related to public health, to the environment and sustainability, especially as directed to target populations and advocacy. Final project related to a student's academic interest. Cross-listed with PH-202.

Course requisites: Prereq: ENG-110

ESS-295: Topics in Environmental Leadership (4.00)

TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP--A study of environmental policies and the leadership skills necessary to effectively engage with the social and political aspects of the environmental challenges faced locally, nationally and globally.

ESS-315: Ecological Feminisms (4.00)

This course introduces students to the histories, central themes, theories, and debates in environmental feminisms, ecofeminism, and feminist political ecology. We will employ an intersectional lens to examine how racism, sexism, heterosexism, imperialism, ableism, and other forms of oppression have shaped and continue to shape environmental discourses. Possible topics include: histories and critiques of ecofeminism, black feminism and environmentalism, Anthropocene feminism, back-to-land movements, queer ecologies, and animal ethics. Cross-listed with WS-315.

Course requisites: WS-100 or ESS-101

ESS-395: Topics in Global Environmental Challenges (4.00)

TOPICS IN GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES--Advanced topics in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, emphasizing the global aspects of such issues as population growth, availability of affordable clean water, food sources and distribution, loss of biodiversity, energy production and consumption, pollution, and climate change. May be repeated when topic changes and prerequisite/s vary. Description for "THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY: GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN THE ANTHROPOCENE"--Humans' impact on the environment has become so significant that some scientists have proposed renaming our current geological period the Anthropocene, since anthropos- is Greek for human. This course uses a feminist lens to survey environmental issues around the globe, including food scarcity, climate change, and industrial pollution and the efforts being made to counteract these problems. Description for "FOOD PRODUCTION"--An examination of our current systems of food production including large scale agribusiness, small farmers, organic farming and the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers; economic issues such as processing, shipping, and marketing of food; as well as the health and sustainability of humans, animals and the natural environment.

Course requisites: ESS-101 or PH-101

HIS-215: African Environmental History (4.00)

This course will survey the evolution of African environmental and ecological systems over the past 200 years. Subjects will include aspects of the physical environment visible through changes in climate and hydrology, as well as key issues of human/environmental interaction, such as agriculture, deforestation, conservation, famine, malaria, and the role of colonialism and economic development in environmental change. The course will also examine the ways in which outsiders have created myths about the African environment and how Africans have managed their natural resources over time. The course will examine the causes and social effects of famine, vector-borne disease and the impact of political ecology of globalization on African environmental management. Course assignments will cover most geographical regions of Africa, but with special attention to East Africa. Materials available to students will include readings and lectures, but will also include films and other visual resources. Cross-listed as AS/ESS-215.

SOC-225: Urban Lives (4.00)

An exploration of social changes in urban settings in the United States, the Caribbean, and Western Europe, particularly the ways societal processes and social structures influence community and cultural life. Issues such as urban poverty, environmental pollution, "global city" formation and residential segregation will be discussed. Cross-listed with AS-225.

Course requisites: SOC-101, AS-170 or ANT-101

HIS-108: The Foundations of United States History (4.00)

A survey of early American history from European conquest to 1877. Main topics include Native-American life; the structure of Colonial society; the Revolution; industrialization; slavery; Westward expansion; the Civil War and Reconstruction.

HIS-240: A History of Native Americans (4.00)

An examination of beliefs, practices and social structures among native North American groups from the seventeenth century to the present. Themes include: cultural diversity; European-American imperialism; environmental impacts; the politics and processes of "removal"; identity and citizenship; reservation life; and resistance.

WS-295: Topics in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (4.00)

TOPICS IN WOMEN'S, GENDER & SEXUALITY STUDIES--A detailed, critical analysis of a specific topic in WGSS. May be repeated for credit when subject matter warrants. Description for "EXPLORING TRANS LINEAGES IN NORTH AMERICAN LITERATURE"--This course encourages students to read across generations and genre boundaries for trans stories and interrogate what makes a story 'trans.' Students will connect contemporary (post-1990) works of literature produced by, for, and about trans people to earlier writing which we may consider as "proto-trans" narratives or other generative texts. Students should expect to read novels, creative nonfiction, and some poetry and plays. Students will be encouraged to consider the ways language may serve as a mirror, a possibility model, a beacon. All works will be interpreted within their historical, social, cultural, ethical, and aesthetic contexts.

Course requisites: WS-100 or permission of instructor

WS-395: Advanced Topics in Women's, Gender And Sexuality Studies (4.00)

ADVANCED TOPICS IN WOMEN'S, GENDER & SEXUALITY STUDIES--A detailed, critical analysis of a specific topic in WGSS designed for students with significant background in WGSS and/or advanced undergraduates. May be crosslisted with other disciplines when topic applies.

Course requisites: WS-340 or permission of instructor.

POL-103: Intro to World Politics (4.00)

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD POLITICS--Major developments in world politics since 1945; the Cold War, international political economy, challenges to state sovereignty, and environmental issues.

POL-207: Modern Political Thought (4.00)

An examination of major thinkers, such as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Wollstonecraft, Burke, Mill, and Marx, whose ideas have shaped the politics and ideologies of the modern world. We will also consider several contemporary political issues and commentators to illustrate the continuing influences of these modern theorists.

REL-131: Introduction to Islam (4.00)

The course will focus upon Islam. It will survey Islamic history, its distinctive forms of faith and practice, its roles in society and its worldwide involvement in a host of issues related to social, economic and political developments. The course will explore sympathetic, critical and creative perspectives on Islam, particularly as related to the struggles of today's Muslim women. The course will include opportunities for experiential learning, primarily in the form of field trips to one or more Islamic communities in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

ENG-210: Advanced Composition (4.00)

Expository writing for students who wish to develop and refine their use of language and their understanding of the writing process. Emphasis on forms of academic discourse, revision and research writing. Students will write several different kinds of academic essays using topics of their own devising. The mechanics of effective revision will be the focus of the course.

Course requisites: 110

ECO-105: Introduction to Microeconomics (4.00)

Microeconomics studies how individuals and firms allocate scarce resources via markets. In addition to an introduction to microeconomics, this course examines topics such as monopoly and competition, taxes and government interventions in the economy, and international trade.

GER-324: Adv Professional Writing & Speaking II Professional Contexts (4.00)

ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL WRITING & SPEAKING II--This course is designed to enable students to achieve an advanced level of fluency in the German language and to enhance their intercultural competencies for a wide range of potential future career fields. Specifically, students will learn how to navigate intercultural settings through four distinct communicative genres in the target language and culture: developing a descriptive marketing concept for a city in a German-speaking country; writing a review of a contemporary cultural event (a film, a play, a book, etc.); writing a summary of a political debate; giving a speech on a wide array of topics, and creating a podcast or video version of one of the prior projects. Students will compare how culturally different views and attitudes towards their chosen topics requires not only different vocabulary, but different registers, themes, stylistic and structural considerations. Developing and practicing these competencies provides students with a hands-on framework for connecting their liberal arts learning with a range of career fields. By writing, curating, speaking, and recording at least one project for each of the four distinct communicative areas students will leave this course with an intercultural toolkit that can be readily adapted for internship and job applications.

Course requisites: GER-202

CHI-101: Elementary Chinese I (4.00)

Designed to make spoken and written Mandarin Chinese a functional language for students. Emphasis on pronunciation, basic vocabulary, foundational grammar for simple sentences and short paragraphs, and the Chinese writing system for rudimentary reading and writing.

VPS-395: Topics in Visual Practices: Intersections in Contemporary Art/Architecture (4.00)

ENG-125: Digital Storytelling (4.00)

INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL STORYTELLING. The development of media-rich narratives created with selected productivity tools, such as film and audio editing software. Course projects focus on the educational uses of digital stories. Course may be taught in a hybrid or online format. Cross-listed with THE-125.

WS-201: Intersectional Research Methods (4.00)

This course introduces students to research methods, critical techniques and theoretical approaches commonly utilized by Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies scholars.

Course requisites: WS-100 or permission of instructor.

PH-395: Topics in Public Health (4.00)

TOPICS IN PUBLIC HEALTH--This course will offer a rotating selection of topics in public health. Students enrolled will have a background in Public Health and will be able to explore areas of public health which might include health disparities, mental health, etc. PH-395 may be repeated if the topic changes.

Description for "HEALTH DISPARITIES"--Critical analysis of social determinants of health and equity that create and sustain health disparities in the United States. Examines the historical influence of inequitable approaches to public health and medicine on contemporary health disparities; methods for measuring and monitoring disparities; and equitable and inclusive strategies to promote population health.

Description for "GEOGRAPHIES OF HEALTH AND DISEASE"--The course explores how geographic concepts - space, place, location, movement, environment, and region -- can help us to better understand health. Students will gain the knowledge necessary to think critically about spatial processes relating to health and healthcare. Students will also have opportunities to apply socio-spatial thinking to specific issues in public health through case studies and original research. The course is highly interdisciplinary and applied. Topics include GIS, globalization, im/migration, "modernization," urbanization, (political) disease ecology, pandemic diffusion, spatial epidemiology, biometeorology, health care delivery, health resource planning, and telemedicine.

Description for "COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH PRACTICE AND RESEARCH"--This course is designed as an overview of community-based health practice and research and will familiarize students with key historical underpinnings of community-based health practice; principles of community-based participatory research; methodological considerations in building community partnerships and community coalitions; community assessment; research planning, data gathering and data sharing. The course will also address cultural competence; working with diverse populations; and ethical issues in community-based health practice and research.

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Course requisites: PH-101 and PH-211

SOC-221: Social Problems in Global Contexts (4.00)

Examines competing definitions of and solutions to social problems. Topics vary, but may include issues related to wealth and poverty, racism, gender, work, family, education, and globalization.

Course requisites: Sociology 101 or Anthropology 101

SOC-301: Collective Behav & Soc Mvments (4.00)

This course examines organized collective efforts to bring about social change. It applies social science research methods, perspectives, and case studies to evaluate the effectiveness of activists' practices and outcomes. Analysis will include, but is not limited to, U.S. and international collective action such as the civil rights, workers', environmental, and women's movements.

Course requisites: SOC-101 or ANT-101

SOC-333: Race and Place in the New South (4.00)

This course is designed for majors. By focusing on questions of race and place, we will examine the "New South" using an approach that is sensitive to issues of representation, local histories, and racial mythologies. As a class, our goal will be to develop a critical understanding of the region and its redevelopment in the post-Civil Rights Movement era. Our work will include, but is not limited to, issues of segregation, gentrification, "Latinization," and community organizing. Atlanta, the so-called capital of "New South," will be a particular focus. The central assignment for this class is an independent "place study" of a metro Atlanta neighborhood. Some field trips and film screenings will take place outside of class time. Cross-listed with AS-333.

Course requisites: ANT-101, SOC-101 or AS-170

SOC-390: Foundations of Social Research (4.00)

Introduction to social research, including developing research questions, reviewing literature, carrying out field research and data analysis. Involves teamwork. Basic skills include kinship, ethnography, interviews and surveys. Topic varies by semester. Cross-listed with ANT-390.

Course requisites: Sociology 101 and Anthropology 101; junior standing

BUS-270: Adaptive Leadership (4.00)

Leadership is often understood to mean setting forth a vision and motivating others to join in the pursuit of that vision. Adaptive Leadership is something altogether different. Adaptive Leadership aims to enhance the group's capacity to itself identify and engage difficult challenges. Exercising Adaptive Leadership entails stepping into unknown space, taking people out of their comfort zones, questioning deeply-held group beliefs, and confronting losses associated with change. This course prepares students to exercise Adaptive Leadership by helping them appreciate the important distinction between leadership and authority and understand the complex relationship between individual action and collective capacity. Students will explore tensions associated with paradoxical pressures on leaders to be decisive and to be experimental, to be persuasive and to encourage group voice, to be an expert and to know the limits of one's expertise, to be accountable and to give the work back to the group, to be positive and to tolerate discomfort, and to be authentic and to be multiple. This course employs case-in-point teaching methodology to turn the classroom itself into a leadership laboratory.

ESS-101: Intro. to Environmental and Sustainability Studies (4.00)

Causes and effects of human incursion into natural systems. Examination of social, political, ethical and economic issues and theory in light of ecological and evolutionary principles, with a goal of developing sustainable programs.

BIO-108: Environmental Biology/Lab (4.00)

An introduction to human effects on interactions among organisms and the environment. May not be used to fulfill the minimum requirements for the biology major. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

BIO-215: Marine Biology (4.00)

The course takes an ecological approach to the study of marine organisms as exemplified in temperate, semitropical, and tropical environments. During the spring semester, students will attain an essential understanding of the principles of marine biology as it applies to a broad range of marine ecosystems, and learn field study techniques appropriate for comparative investigation of marine environments. This knowledge and these skills will be used during the field study part of the course in the summer where students will study temperate barrier island beach and salt march ecosystems on the Georgia coast, and tropical coral reefs, rocky intertidal, and mangrove ecosystems on Roatan Island, Bay Islands, Honduras. Special fees are required for the international travel component and for scuba diving at Roatan. Consult with the Center for Global Learning for the application process and timeline. Limited to 14 students. Prerequisite: One biology course and the instructor's permission.

Course requisites: One course in biology and permission of the instructor

BIO-308: Ecology/Lab (4.00)

Interactions of organisms with their abiotic and biotic environments. Populations, communities and ecosystems from ecological and environmental perspectives. Laboratory and field studies, environmental analysis. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110, 111 & one 200-level BIO course; BIO-108 is prereq for ESS minors; Mathematics 117, 118 or 119 recommended

BIO-303: Data Intensive Ecology/Lab (4.00)

This is a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) in ecological research, data analysis, and computational methods. Students will gain hands-on experience using multiple publicly available ecological data sets to generate their own authentic research questions in the fields of behavioral ecology, community ecology, biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability. Students will be exposed to and gain experience using R, Python, and spatial analysis software while completing and presenting a semester-long group research project.

Course requisites: BIO-110, 110L, 111 and 111L

ESS-3XX: Interdisciplinary Methods in Environmental & Sustainability Studies (4.00)

*With advance approval from the ESS co-directors and the relevant instructor, WS 201, SOC 301, or ANTH/SOC 390 may substitute for this requirement when the student completes a substantial environmental or environmental justice–focused final project.

ESS-202: Environ and Public Health Communication (4.00)

Examines and develops communication practices associated with current issues and controversies. Focus on communication as related to public health, to the environment and sustainability, especially as directed to target populations and advocacy. Final project related to a student's academic interest. Cross-listed with PH-202.

Course requisites: Prereq: ENG-110

ESS-295: Topics in Environmental Leadership (4.00)

TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP--A study of environmental policies and the leadership skills necessary to effectively engage with the social and political aspects of the environmental challenges faced locally, nationally and globally.

ESS-315: Ecological Feminisms (4.00)

This course introduces students to the histories, central themes, theories, and debates in environmental feminisms, ecofeminism, and feminist political ecology. We will employ an intersectional lens to examine how racism, sexism, heterosexism, imperialism, ableism, and other forms of oppression have shaped and continue to shape environmental discourses. Possible topics include: histories and critiques of ecofeminism, black feminism and environmentalism, Anthropocene feminism, back-to-land movements, queer ecologies, and animal ethics. Cross-listed with WS-315.

Course requisites: WS-100 or ESS-101

ESS-395: Topics in Global Environmental Challenges (4.00)

TOPICS IN GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES--Advanced topics in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, emphasizing the global aspects of such issues as population growth, availability of affordable clean water, food sources and distribution, loss of biodiversity, energy production and consumption, pollution, and climate change. May be repeated when topic changes and prerequisite/s vary. Description for "THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY: GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN THE ANTHROPOCENE"--Humans' impact on the environment has become so significant that some scientists have proposed renaming our current geological period the Anthropocene, since anthropos- is Greek for human. This course uses a feminist lens to survey environmental issues around the globe, including food scarcity, climate change, and industrial pollution and the efforts being made to counteract these problems. Description for "FOOD PRODUCTION"--An examination of our current systems of food production including large scale agribusiness, small farmers, organic farming and the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers; economic issues such as processing, shipping, and marketing of food; as well as the health and sustainability of humans, animals and the natural environment.

Course requisites: ESS-101 or PH-101

HIS-215: African Environmental History (4.00)

This course will survey the evolution of African environmental and ecological systems over the past 200 years. Subjects will include aspects of the physical environment visible through changes in climate and hydrology, as well as key issues of human/environmental interaction, such as agriculture, deforestation, conservation, famine, malaria, and the role of colonialism and economic development in environmental change. The course will also examine the ways in which outsiders have created myths about the African environment and how Africans have managed their natural resources over time. The course will examine the causes and social effects of famine, vector-borne disease and the impact of political ecology of globalization on African environmental management. Course assignments will cover most geographical regions of Africa, but with special attention to East Africa. Materials available to students will include readings and lectures, but will also include films and other visual resources. Cross-listed as AS/ESS-215.

PH-331: Environmental Health (4.00)

An interdisciplinary, scientific survey of human interactions with the natural and built environments of the earth, and how anthropogenic stressors can ultimately influence public health and environmental quality. Physical and social environments are important determinants of the health of individuals and communities. Exposure to chemical, biological and physical agents can and do occur through the air, water and soil that comprise our physical environment. Particular emphasis in this course will be placed on describing (1) what pollution is and how/why it is harmful, (2) what the root sources and causes of pollution are, (3) what happens to pollutants when they enter the environment, and (4) how each pollutant class affects individual and community health over acute to chronic exposure periods. Cross-listed with ESS-331.

Course requisites: Take PH-101 or ESS-101 for Environmental Health topic

SOC-225: Urban Lives (4.00)

An exploration of social changes in urban settings in the United States, the Caribbean, and Western Europe, particularly the ways societal processes and social structures influence community and cultural life. Issues such as urban poverty, environmental pollution, "global city" formation and residential segregation will be discussed. Cross-listed with AS-225.

Course requisites: SOC-101, AS-170 or ANT-101

ESS-3XX: Interdisciplinary Methods in Environmental & Sustainability Studies (4.00)

*With advance approval from the ESS co-directors and the relevant instructor, WS 201, SOC 301, or ANTH/SOC 390 may substitute for this requirement when the student completes a substantial environmental or environmental justice–focused final project.

BIO-201: Microbiology/Lab (4.00)

Cell biology, metabolism, genetics and phylogeny of bacteria and archaea. Introduction to eukaryotic microbes and viruses. Principles of pathogenesis, immunology and environmental microbiology. Applications in biotechnology, medicine and industry. Individual laboratory project and use of representative literature in the discipline. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and BIO-111

BIO-216: Molecular Biology (3.00)

Genes and their activities at the molecular level in viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Mechanisms of gene expression and regulation in health and disease. Advanced topics in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Emphasis on experimental strategies and data analysis. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.

Course requisites: BIO-110 and BIO-111 BIO-216 & BIO-216L must be taken concurrently.

BIO-140: Making Meaningful Maps: GIS for Everyone (4.00)

ECO-105: Introduction to Microeconomics (4.00)

Microeconomics studies how individuals and firms allocate scarce resources via markets. In addition to an introduction to microeconomics, this course examines topics such as monopoly and competition, taxes and government interventions in the economy, and international trade.

ENG-210: Advanced Composition (4.00)

Expository writing for students who wish to develop and refine their use of language and their understanding of the writing process. Emphasis on forms of academic discourse, revision and research writing. Students will write several different kinds of academic essays using topics of their own devising. The mechanics of effective revision will be the focus of the course.

Course requisites: 110

HIS-240: A History of Native Americans (4.00)

An examination of beliefs, practices and social structures among native North American groups from the seventeenth century to the present. Themes include: cultural diversity; European-American imperialism; environmental impacts; the politics and processes of "removal"; identity and citizenship; reservation life; and resistance.

HIS-108: The Foundations of United States History (4.00)

A survey of early American history from European conquest to 1877. Main topics include Native-American life; the structure of Colonial society; the Revolution; industrialization; slavery; Westward expansion; the Civil War and Reconstruction.

REL-131: Introduction to Islam (4.00)

The course will focus upon Islam. It will survey Islamic history, its distinctive forms of faith and practice, its roles in society and its worldwide involvement in a host of issues related to social, economic and political developments. The course will explore sympathetic, critical and creative perspectives on Islam, particularly as related to the struggles of today's Muslim women. The course will include opportunities for experiential learning, primarily in the form of field trips to one or more Islamic communities in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

PH-101: Survey of Public Health (4.00)

Survey course that introduces the subdisciplines of public health. Introduces epidemiological, environmental, occupational, cultural, behavioral, and policy issues relevant to the health of populations around the world. Includes a historical context for current health issues and global practices.

MAT-325: Mathematical Models and Applications (4.00)

Development of techniques of model building. Applications to illustrate the techniques drawn principally from the natural and social sciences. Offered alternate years.

Course requisites: 206 or 220 with a grade of C- or better

POL-103: Intro to World Politics (4.00)

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD POLITICS--Major developments in world politics since 1945; the Cold War, international political economy, challenges to state sovereignty, and environmental issues.

POL-207: Modern Political Thought (4.00)

An examination of major thinkers, such as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Wollstonecraft, Burke, Mill, and Marx, whose ideas have shaped the politics and ideologies of the modern world. We will also consider several contemporary political issues and commentators to illustrate the continuing influences of these modern theorists.

GER-324: Adv Professional Writing & Speaking II Professional Contexts (4.00)

ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL WRITING & SPEAKING II--This course is designed to enable students to achieve an advanced level of fluency in the German language and to enhance their intercultural competencies for a wide range of potential future career fields. Specifically, students will learn how to navigate intercultural settings through four distinct communicative genres in the target language and culture: developing a descriptive marketing concept for a city in a German-speaking country; writing a review of a contemporary cultural event (a film, a play, a book, etc.); writing a summary of a political debate; giving a speech on a wide array of topics, and creating a podcast or video version of one of the prior projects. Students will compare how culturally different views and attitudes towards their chosen topics requires not only different vocabulary, but different registers, themes, stylistic and structural considerations. Developing and practicing these competencies provides students with a hands-on framework for connecting their liberal arts learning with a range of career fields. By writing, curating, speaking, and recording at least one project for each of the four distinct communicative areas students will leave this course with an intercultural toolkit that can be readily adapted for internship and job applications.

Course requisites: GER-202

CHI-101: Elementary Chinese I (4.00)

Designed to make spoken and written Mandarin Chinese a functional language for students. Emphasis on pronunciation, basic vocabulary, foundational grammar for simple sentences and short paragraphs, and the Chinese writing system for rudimentary reading and writing.

WS-295: Topics in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (4.00)

TOPICS IN WOMEN'S, GENDER & SEXUALITY STUDIES--A detailed, critical analysis of a specific topic in WGSS. May be repeated for credit when subject matter warrants. Description for "EXPLORING TRANS LINEAGES IN NORTH AMERICAN LITERATURE"--This course encourages students to read across generations and genre boundaries for trans stories and interrogate what makes a story 'trans.' Students will connect contemporary (post-1990) works of literature produced by, for, and about trans people to earlier writing which we may consider as "proto-trans" narratives or other generative texts. Students should expect to read novels, creative nonfiction, and some poetry and plays. Students will be encouraged to consider the ways language may serve as a mirror, a possibility model, a beacon. All works will be interpreted within their historical, social, cultural, ethical, and aesthetic contexts.

Course requisites: WS-100 or permission of instructor

WS-395: Advanced Topics in Women's, Gender And Sexuality Studies (4.00)

ADVANCED TOPICS IN WOMEN'S, GENDER & SEXUALITY STUDIES--A detailed, critical analysis of a specific topic in WGSS designed for students with significant background in WGSS and/or advanced undergraduates. May be crosslisted with other disciplines when topic applies.

Course requisites: WS-340 or permission of instructor.

VPS-395: Topics in Visual Practices: Intersections in Contemporary Art/Architecture (4.00)

ESS-440: Directed Research (1.00)

Appropriate cross-registration, summer, or study abroad courses as approved by the ESS Program Co-Directors

ESS-450: Internship (4.00)

Appropriate cross-registration, summer, or study abroad courses as approved by the ESS Program Co-Directors