Field Studies in the Environment & Sustainability: CFS 387-0
Credits available: 1-4 credits during Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer.
Credits toward degree: CFS credits typically count towards general elective credits.
For Weinberg students who started at Northwestern before Summer 2023, this course will count one credit toward Weinberg Distribution Requirement for Area III: Social and Behavioral Sciences.
For Weinberg students who started at Northwestern in or after Summer 2023 (including transfer students), this course will count one credit toward the Weinberg Foundation Discipline in Social and Behavioral Sciences.
For students in other NU schools, please talk with your academic advisor to see if this or other CFS classes count towards any requirements for you.
Course Description
The Environment and Sustainability course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of pressing global challenges and solutions at the intersection of environmental science, policy, and ethics. Students will dive into environmental epidemiology, social ecology, and environmental justice through discussions, case studies, participatory lectures, and assignments. Emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the course examines the complex interactions between human societies and the natural world, exploring both the causes and consequences of environmental degradation. Students will engage with real-world examples and current research to understand the multifaceted nature of sustainability and develop strategies for promoting resilience and stewardship in a rapidly changing world. By the end of the course, students will emerge with a deeper understanding of environmental issues and a toolkit for enacting positive change in their communities and beyond.
Possible Instructors: Jessica Puri, Lauren Baker, and others