Robert Alexander

This course uses economic analysis to better understand the nature of environmental issues such as pollution and the allocation of natural resources. The course also examines the economic rationale behind policies aimed at improving the quality of the environment and altering our use of natural resources. The relative strengths of alternative policies will be discussed using a series of case studies focusing on actual policies aimed at correcting environmental problems. Prerequisite: ECON 101 and sophomore standing.Generally offered every spring semester.

This course examines contemporary environmental problems, introducing the major concepts pertaining to human interactions with the biosphere. We will explore this interaction at both local and global scales. Course topics include basic principles of ecology (flows of energy, cycling of matter and the role of feedback), the impacts of human technology, the roots of our perceptions about and reactions to nature, the social and legal framework for responding to problems and economic issues surrounding environmental issues. We will discuss methods for answering questions regarding the consequences of our actions and, using a systems approach, focus on methods for organizing information to evaluate complex issues. The format of the course will be three-quarters discussion and lecture and one-quarter workshop. The workshops will include field trips, experience with collecting data, and application of systems thinking. This course taken at Kenyon, paired with any biology course, counts toward the natural science diversification requirement. This course is required for the major. No prerequisite. Offered every year.

An examination of the processes used to understand, analyze and solve environmental problems. Students are introduced to the use of mathematics and statistics to analyze environmental data. Problems involving stock, dimensions, mass balance, energy and population analysis are studied. Applied static and dynamical modeling of environmental problems is emphasized. This counts toward the quantitative skills requirement for the major. This interdisciplinary course does not count toward the completion of any diversification requirement. Prerequisite: ENVS 112. Offered every fall.

The intention of this capstone seminar is to draw together and apply the concepts learned in earlier courses in the environmental studies concentration. The focus of the course will be on case studies of natural-resource management, with specific topic areas to be determined. In this strongly interdisciplinary effort, we will explore ecological, economic, social and legal issues that influence how people exploit natural resources, and whether that exploitation is sustainable. Students will be expected to develop and communicate their understanding of the complex and inseparable relationships of human well-being, ecosystem services and environmental management. This course is required for the major. This interdisciplinary course does not count toward the completion of any diversification requirement. Prerequisite: senior standing and environmental studies major or concentrator. Offered every spring.

Internships offer students hands-on experience in a possible career field of interest, the opportunity to focus career goals and aspirations, and exposure to the wider world outside of classroom. This course serves to offer students the opportunity to formally connect the internship with wider academic interests. An audit notation will be placed on the student’s record upon notification from the Career Development Office. International students will work directly with the Center for Global Engagement to complete the course requirements.\nIn order to earn 0.13 unit (credit/no credit) of credit, the student must complete all required activities including the final reflection paper, daily journal and all class meetings. Students must complete the paper before the end of the fourth week of fall semester classes. Students may complete four internships either under EXPL 205 or EXPL 206 and receive up to 0.52 units of credit.

Internships offer students hands-on experience in a possible career field of interest, the opportunity to focus career goals and aspirations, and exposure to the wider world outside of the classroom. This course serves two purposes: to aid students in the identification and pursuit of internship opportunities and to offer students the opportunity to formally connect the internship with wider academic interests.\nStudents registering for this course will work collaboratively with a Career Development Office advisor. Working collaboratively with a Career Development Office advisor, students will produce high quality resumes and cover letters. Students will also discuss networking and practice interview skills. An audit notation. International students will work directly with the Center for Global Engagement to complete the course requirements.\nStudents must obtain an internship opportunity (60 hour minimum) within the first three weeks of class. In order to earn 0.13 units (credit/no credit) of credit, the student must complete all required activities including the final reflection paper and conversation with the faculty advisor. The faculty advisor will email the CDO and Registrar's Office upon completion of the required coursework. Students may complete four internships and receive up to 0.52 units of credit either under EXPL 205 or EXPL 206.