Environmental Studies Courses
Special Offering Courses in EVST at both the graduate and undergraduate level are courses that are not permanent, often offered on a one-time basis, and not fully described in catalog course listings. They include Special Topics courses (numbered 291, 391, 491 and 595), Seminar Courses (numbered 494 and 594) and Supervised Internship (numbered 396/595).
Spring 2020 Special Offerings Course Descriptions
ENST 391.1/595--Seeking Sustainability Lecture/Action Series -1 cr
Instructor: Vicki Watson
In the 50th anniversary year of Earth Day, we recognize that transitioning to a Sustainable Society is the challenge of our age. Addressing climate change, mass extinctions, and growing violence require that we understand the meanings of sustainability (as informed by all the disciplines) and that we ACT. This lecture series examines the meanings of sustainability and demonstrates how UM and our local community are working together to move towards a more sustainable, just and peaceful society. Panels include UM workers, local government, nonprofits and businesses who will describe their sustainability efforts and their needs for workers and volunteers. Students will participate in at least one sustainability action during the semester. Meets Thursday evenings 7-8:30 pm in Gallagher 122.
ENST 391.80 -- Energy and Climate -- 3 cr
Instructor: Peter McDonough
Take a deep dive into our power grid in the context of climate change. We begin with energy as we experience every day and trace it back through the grid to its ultimate source, exploring the science, technology, politics, economics, and impacts along the way. This course uses class lectures, discussions, games, and projects to help students become multilingual in the energy and climate world.T/Th 11:00 – 12:20
ENST 594 -- Environmental Writing: Visiting Writer - 3 cr
Instructor/Visiting Writer: Ana Maria Spagna -- Untangling Environmental Stories
Environmental Writing with Visiting Writer is a 3-credit graduate writing workshop course conducted by different visiting writers each Spring semester.Each year’s course is designed by the Kittredge Distinguished Visiting Writer in EVST, so there is variability from year to year; however, the core of the course is visiting writer reading and response to student work in progress.Most often this is done through class workshops, which gives writers additional feedback from their peers. For a list of previous Kittredge Visiting Writers in EVST, see Environmental Writing. Course registration is consent of instructor through Phil Condon at phil.condon@mso.umt.edu
Fall 2019 Special Offerings Course Descriptions
ENST 396.06/595.02 Supervised Internship - Native Plants - 2 cr
Instructor: Marilyn Marler and Rosalyn LaPier
Co-convened graduate and undergraduate sections. Interns will work on campus learning about Native plants, ethnobotany, invasive species, landscaping and restoring natural areas, in collaboration with UM's Manager of Natural Areas, Marilyn Marler. Students will meet once a week with instructors, plus work 3-4 hours per week on a project on campus. Syllabus available under syllabi link.
ENST 494.01 Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture Education - 2 cr
Instructor: Jason Mandala
Meets at the PEAS Farm, 3010 Duncan Drive, Missoula
Open to all UM students, offering a practical experience teaching Missoula's school-age youth in a hands-on environment. Students will lead two field trips each week for 5 to 6 weeks with school groups visiting the PEAS Farm, teaching fun-filled educational activities focused on the social, scientific, and nutritional components of sustainable agriculture and the food system. Class will meet each Friday morning at the UM campus or the PEAS farm to practice lessons, share teaching experiences, and discuss related readings. Prior experience as a PEAS Farm intern is helpful.
ENST 494.02/594.02 UMFLAT Sustainability - Open to UMFLAT residents only
ENSC 594.01 Applied Ecology - 3 cr
Instructors: Len Broberg and Ethan Smith
Understanding the principles and concepts of ecology and how they inform real life decisions about human interactions with the environment. Emphasizes the science of sustainability and the conservation of watersheds and biodiversity. To be successful in the course, students should have had college level introductory biology, chemistry and statistics. Graduate students lead teams of undergrads in a research project and provide one presentation to the class on an applied ecology topic of their choice.
ENSC 594.02 Indigenous Research Methods
Instructor: Rosalyn LaPier
This seminar explores techniques for inquiry through some of the many perspectives of scholars at work today in Indigenous communities. Though there are a multitude of approaches to research and inquiry, many of those methods ignore ancient Indigenous wisdom and traditions as well as worldviews and avenues for both discovery and learning. We hope to avoid those pitfalls and learn about methods to work with or within Indigenous communities.
