Environmental Studies, B.A.
What kind of environmental ethic would you have if you lived with compassion for other humans? This is the question that Point Loma Nazarene University equips students to answer in its Environmental Studies program. Jesus tells us that the two commandments which encompass all others are love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Yet we often miss the connection that loving God and neighbor has with the natural world. Cultural geographer Carolyn Finney claims it is necessary for humans to “understand how our unhealthy relationships with the natural environment are intimately linked to our unhealthy relationships with each other.” PLNU’s Environmental Studies program makes that link by providing cultural context along with foundational scientific knowledge. Our goal is that students leave the program with compassion for all of creation and other humans, created by listening to and understanding the context of the human story across cultures; with foundational knowledge of ecosystems and the human relationship to them; with communication skills in writing, media, and verbal avenues; and with the agency to use these traits to serve in the world.
Students with an Environmental Studies BA find careers in diverse fields that address human relationships with the natural world. From public relations and fundraising to design and engineering, Environmental Studies majors find jobs that rely on compassion, knowledge, and the ability to communicate well. Situated as a truly interdisciplinary major at PLNU with contributions across diverse disciplines, the focus of the program is to provide the cultural context, scientific foundation, and communication skills as they relate to humans and the environment. Different from many environmental sciences and other environmental studies programs, PLNU’s Environmental Studies program prepares students for multiple career paths by offering foundational courses in biology, the social and political sciences, and the arts and humanities, along with focused concentrations of study, ranging from creative writing or literature to media arts or public policy, which provide depth of expertise as well as breadth of perspective.
Environmental Studies at PLNU: we put the human element into the environment.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the program in Environmental Studies will be able to:
- Synthesize scientific and humanistic studies through practical environmental application.
- Locate, evaluate, and effectively use information to address environmental concerns.
- Identify and articulate sociocultural dynamics as they relate to the natural world.
- Present analyses to formal audiences, demonstrating appropriate strategies for audience engagement and oral communication.
- Identify and secure post-graduate studies or careers in environmental fields.
Concentrations
Choose one of the following required concentrations:
Biology Concentration
A strong background in the biology and chemistry of environmental systems empowers environmental justice with the ability to evaluate and use scientific data. With a concentration in biology, an Environmental Studies major can bring her biological expertise to educate and inform environmental social action. Careers include: sustainability officer, lab management, science writer.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-Division Requirements | ||
| BIO 1002 | Environment and People (FE) | 4 |
| BIO 2011 and BIO 2011L | Ecological and Evolutionary Systems (FE) and Ecological and Evolutionary Systems Laboratory (FE) | 4 |
| CHE 1001 | Chemistry and Society (FE) | 4 |
| ESI 2050 | Introduction to Environmental Studies | 3 |
| LIT 2000 | Literature and Culture (FE) 1 | 2 |
| PHL 2011 | Ethics (FE) | 3 |
| Choose one (1) course from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Disability Studies | ||
| The Politics of Race, Class, and Gender (FE) | ||
| Cultural Anthropology (FE) | ||
| Living Justly in Contemporary Society (FE) | ||
| Upper-Division Requirements | ||
| BIO 3063 and BIO 3063L | Conservation Ecology and Conservation Ecology Laboratory | 4 |
| BUS 4075 | Sustainability in Action | 3 |
| ESI 4020 | Advanced Environmental Studies | 3 |
| ESI 4070 | Internship in Environmental Studies | 2 |
| THE 3005 | Christian Faith and the Natural Sciences (FE) | 3 |
| Choose one (1) course from each group: | 10-12 | |
Social Justice: | ||
| The Bible, Environment, and Creation Care: Ecological Interpretation of Scripture | ||
| Global Governance | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Globalization and Culture | ||
| Theology of Creation Care | ||
Writing: | ||
| Creative Writing: Poetry | ||
| Creative Writing: Fiction | ||
| Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction | ||
| Professional Writing | ||
| Writing for the Community | ||
Cultural Studies: | ||
| Wilderness in the American Mind | ||
| Romantic Literature | ||
| Postcolonial Classics and Theory | ||
Language: | ||
| Intermediate French I | ||
| Intermediate French II | ||
| French Conversation | ||
| Intermediate Spanish Conversation I | ||
| Intermediate Spanish Conversation II | ||
| Civic Engagement: Conversation, Culture, and Community | ||
Approved immersion experience in another language | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Choose six (6) units from the following: 2 | 6 | |
| Applied Plant Biology | ||
| Introduction to Oceanography and Introduction to Oceanography Laboratory | ||
| Marine Biology and Marine Biology Laboratory | ||
| Field Biology: Neotropical Ecology | ||
| Vertebrate Biology and Vertebrate Biology Laboratory | ||
| Animal Behavior and Animal Behavior Laboratory | ||
| Experimental Marine Ecology and Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | ||
| Choose one (1) course from the following: | 3 | |
| Principles of Accounting for Non-Business Majors | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Calculus Based Statistics with R | ||
| Total Units | 57-60 | |
- 1
Select the course section for “Nature Writing.”
- 2
Courses and their corresponding lab (if applicable) must be taken concurrently.
Cultural Studies Concentration
Understanding where our current ideas about environmental and social justice come from is vital to having agency for positive change. Environmental Studies majors with a cultural studies concentration will be able to identify, critique, challenge, or champion cultural stories and themes about humanity’s relationship with the environment. Careers include: teaching, nonprofit management, public relations.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-Division Requirements | ||
| BIO 1002 | Environment and People (FE) | 4 |
| CHE 1001 | Chemistry and Society (FE) | 4 |
| ESI 2050 | Introduction to Environmental Studies | 3 |
| LIT 2000 | Literature and Culture (FE) 1 | 2 |
| PHL 2011 | Ethics (FE) | 3 |
| Choose one (1) course from each group: | 7-8 | |
Biology: | ||
| Ecology and Conservation (FE) and Ecology and Conservation Laboratory (FE) | ||
| Ecological and Evolutionary Systems (FE) and Ecological and Evolutionary Systems Laboratory (FE) | ||
Social Impact: | ||
| Introduction to Disability Studies | ||
| The Politics of Race, Class, and Gender (FE) | ||
| Cultural Anthropology (FE) | ||
| Living Justly in Contemporary Society (FE) | ||
| Upper-Division Requirements | ||
| BUS 4075 | Sustainability in Action | 3 |
| ESI 4020 | Advanced Environmental Studies | 3 |
| ESI 4070 | Internship in Environmental Studies | 2 |
| LIT 3000 | Literary Analysis | 3 |
| LIT 4046 | Romantic Literature | 3 |
| THE 3005 | Christian Faith and the Natural Sciences (FE) | 3 |
| Choose two (2) courses from the following: | 3-4 | |
| History of Surfing and Surf Culture | ||
| Wilderness in the American Mind | ||
| California History | ||
| Choose one (1) course from each group: | 10-12 | |
Social Justice: | ||
| The Bible, Environment, and Creation Care: Ecological Interpretation of Scripture | ||
| Global Governance | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Globalization and Culture | ||
| Theology of Creation Care | ||
Writing: | ||
| Creative Writing: Poetry | ||
| Creative Writing: Fiction | ||
| Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction | ||
| Professional Writing | ||
| Writing for the Community | ||
Language: | ||
| Intermediate French I | ||
| Intermediate French II | ||
| French Conversation | ||
| Intermediate Spanish Conversation I | ||
| Intermediate Spanish Conversation II | ||
| Civic Engagement: Conversation, Culture, and Community | ||
Approved immersion experience in another language | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Choose two (2) courses from the following or three (3) if a 305x course is chosen: | 8-11 | |
| Modern China Through Film | ||
| Two Years Before the Mast and the History of Coastal California | ||
| World Literatures: Ancient and Medieval Literatures | ||
| Diverse Voices of World Literature (FE) | ||
| Diverse Voices of Cinema (FE) | ||
| Diverse Voices of American Literature (FE) | ||
| Diverse Voices of Women Writers (FE) | ||
| American Literature to 1900 | ||
| 17th Century English Literature | ||
| Shakespeare | ||
| Latin American Culture and Civilization | ||
| Mexican American Literature and Culture | ||
| Genre/Period Studies in Hispanic Literature or Film | ||
| Total Units | 61-68 | |
- 1
Select the course section for "Nature Writing."
Design Concentration
Good design can capture the imagination and bring about powerful change. With a concentration in design, Environmental Studies majors gain valuable skills in presenting information and arguments in a visually pleasing format to reach a wide audience for environmental change. Careers include: graphic design, science illustration, biodesign, branding.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-Division Requirements | ||
| ART 1003 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 2003 | Graphic Design I: Visual Symbolism | 3 |
| BIO 1002 | Environment and People (FE) | 4 |
| CHE 1001 | Chemistry and Society (FE) | 4 |
| ESI 2050 | Introduction to Environmental Studies | 3 |
| LIT 2000 | Literature and Culture (FE) 1 | 2 |
| PHL 2011 | Ethics (FE) | 3 |
| Choose one (1) course from each group: | 7-8 | |
Biology: | ||
| Ecology and Conservation (FE) and Ecology and Conservation Laboratory (FE) | ||
| Ecological and Evolutionary Systems (FE) and Ecological and Evolutionary Systems Laboratory (FE) | ||
Social Impact: | ||
| Introduction to Disability Studies | ||
| The Politics of Race, Class, and Gender (FE) | ||
| Cultural Anthropology (FE) | ||
| Living Justly in Contemporary Society (FE) | ||
| Upper-Division Requirements | ||
| ART 3015 | Introduction to Interactive Web Design | 3 |
| BUS 4075 | Sustainability in Action | 3 |
| ESI 4020 | Advanced Environmental Studies | 3 |
| ESI 4070 | Internship in Environmental Studies | 2 |
| THE 3005 | Christian Faith and the Natural Sciences (FE) | 3 |
| Choose one (1) course from each group: | 10-12 | |
Social Justice: | ||
| The Bible, Environment, and Creation Care: Ecological Interpretation of Scripture | ||
| Global Governance | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Globalization and Culture | ||
| Theology of Creation Care | ||
Writing: | ||
| Creative Writing: Poetry | ||
| Creative Writing: Fiction | ||
| Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction | ||
| Professional Writing | ||
| Writing for the Community | ||
Cultural Studies: | ||
| Wilderness in the American Mind | ||
| Romantic Literature | ||
| Postcolonial Classics and Theory | ||
Language: | ||
| Intermediate French I | ||
| Intermediate French II | ||
| French Conversation | ||
| Intermediate Spanish Conversation I | ||
| Intermediate Spanish Conversation II | ||
| Civic Engagement: Conversation, Culture, and Community | ||
Approved immersion experience in another language | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Choose six (6) units from the following (one course must be 3000-level or higher): | 6 | |
| Drawing I | ||
| Introduction to Computer Graphics | ||
| Photography: Digital | ||
| Graphic Design II: Typography | ||
| Illustration I | ||
| Illustration II | ||
| Graphic Design III: Branding and Identity Programs | ||
| Interactive Web Design | ||
| Total Units | 59-62 | |
- 1
Select the course section for "Nature Writing."
Social Impact Concentration
Social service impacts the way the world works. With a social impact concentration, Environmental Studies majors will understand the structures and policies that govern our culture and find avenues of service that will let them be a powerful force for environmental change in the world. Careers include: law, urban planning, social work, public administration.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-Division Requirements | ||
| BIO 1002 | Environment and People (FE) | 4 |
| CHE 1001 | Chemistry and Society (FE) | 4 |
| EDU 2025 | Introduction to Disability Studies | 3 |
| ESI 2050 | Introduction to Environmental Studies | 3 |
| LIT 2000 | Literature and Culture (FE) 1 | 2 |
| PHL 2011 | Ethics (FE) | 3 |
| SOC 2001 | Cultural Anthropology (FE) | 3 |
| SWF 1000 | Living Justly in Contemporary Society (FE) | 3 |
| Choose one (1) sequence from the following: | ||
| Ecology and Conservation (FE) and Ecology and Conservation Laboratory (FE) | ||
| Ecological and Evolutionary Systems (FE) and Ecological and Evolutionary Systems Laboratory (FE) | ||
| Upper-Division Requirements | ||
| BIB 3043 | The Bible, Environment, and Creation Care: Ecological Interpretation of Scripture | 3 |
| or THE 3040 | Theology of Creation Care | |
| BUS 4075 | Sustainability in Action | 3 |
| ESI 4020 | Advanced Environmental Studies | 3 |
| ESI 4070 | Internship in Environmental Studies | 2 |
| POL 4035 | Global Governance | 4 |
| SOC 4035 | Environmental Sociology | 3 |
| THE 3005 | Christian Faith and the Natural Sciences (FE) | 3 |
| Choose one (1) course from each group: | 9 | |
Writing: | ||
| Creative Writing: Poetry | ||
| Creative Writing: Fiction | ||
| Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction | ||
| Professional Writing | ||
| Writing for the Community | ||
Cultural Studies: | ||
| Wilderness in the American Mind | ||
| Romantic Literature | ||
| Postcolonial Classics and Theory | ||
Language: | ||
| Intermediate French I | ||
| Intermediate French II | ||
| French Conversation | ||
| Intermediate Spanish Conversation I | ||
| Intermediate Spanish Conversation II | ||
| Civic Engagement: Conversation, Culture, and Community | ||
Approved immersion experience in another language | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Choose six (6) units from the following: | 6 | |
| Argumentation and Debate (FE) | ||
| Persuasion | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Introduction to Public Relations | ||
| Media Literacy | ||
| Public Relations Cases and Campaigns | ||
| Rhetorical Theories and Models | ||
| Theories of Economic Development | ||
| Multimedia Journalism | ||
| World Regional Geography | ||
| Urban Politics | ||
| International Law | ||
| Issues of Global Human Rights | ||
| Social Stratification | ||
| Urban Sociology | ||
| Race and Ethnicity | ||
| Social Change | ||
| Medical Sociology | ||
| Restorative Justice | ||
| Total Units | 61 | |
- 1
Select the course section for "Nature Writing."
Writing and Communication Concentration
A clearly communicated idea has the most impact. With a writing and communication concentration, Environmental Studies majors will develop the skills to share their ideas and stories both in writing and verbally. Clear communicators can take the complexity of many environmental issues and present them so that a wide audience can understand. Careers include: editing, writing, screenwriting, journalism, branding.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-Division Requirements | ||
| BIO 1002 | Environment and People (FE) | 4 |
| CHE 1001 | Chemistry and Society (FE) | 4 |
| ESI 2050 | Introduction to Environmental Studies | 3 |
| JRN 2050 | Introduction to Journalism | 3 |
| LIT 2000 | Literature and Culture (FE) 1 | 2 |
| PHL 2011 | Ethics (FE) | 3 |
| WRI 2020 | Introduction to Creative Writing | 3 |
| Choose one (1) course from each group: | 7-8 | |
Biology: | ||
| Ecology and Conservation (FE) and Ecology and Conservation Laboratory (FE) | ||
| Ecological and Evolutionary Systems (FE) and Ecological and Evolutionary Systems Laboratory (FE) | ||
Social Impact: | ||
| Introduction to Disability Studies | ||
| The Politics of Race, Class, and Gender (FE) | ||
| Cultural Anthropology (FE) | ||
| Living Justly in Contemporary Society (FE) | ||
| Upper-Division Requirements | ||
| BUS 4075 | Sustainability in Action | 3 |
| ESI 4020 | Advanced Environmental Studies | 3 |
| ESI 4070 | Internship in Environmental Studies | 2 |
| POL 4035 | Global Governance | 4 |
| THE 3005 | Christian Faith and the Natural Sciences (FE) | 3 |
| WRI 3065 | Professional Writing | 3 |
| WRI 4000 | Writing for the Community | 3 |
| Choose one (1) course from each group: | 7-9 | |
Social Justice: | ||
| The Bible, Environment, and Creation Care: Ecological Interpretation of Scripture | ||
| Environmental Sociology | ||
| Globalization and Culture | ||
| Theology of Creation Care | ||
Cultural Studies: | ||
| Wilderness in the American Mind | ||
| Romantic Literature | ||
| Postcolonial Classics and Theory | ||
Language: | ||
| Intermediate French I | ||
| Intermediate French II | ||
| French Conversation | ||
| Intermediate Spanish Conversation I | ||
| Intermediate Spanish Conversation II | ||
| Civic Engagement: Conversation, Culture, and Community | ||
Approved immersion experience in another language | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Choose six (6) units from the following: | 6 | |
| Argumentation and Debate (FE) | ||
| Narrative and Documentary Film | ||
| Persuasion | ||
| Electronic Media in Communication | ||
| Introduction to Public Relations | ||
| Media Literacy | ||
| Public Relations Cases and Campaigns | ||
| Advanced Reporting | ||
| Television News Writing | ||
| Television News Production | ||
| Computer-Assisted Reporting | ||
| Media Law and Ethics | ||
| Editing | ||
| Special Topics in Journalism | ||
| Public Relations Writing | ||
| Advanced Television News Production | ||
| Multimedia Journalism | ||
| Magazine Editing and Concepts | ||
| Creative Writing: Poetry | ||
| Creative Writing: Fiction | ||
| Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction | ||
| Advanced Writing Workshop | ||
| Total Units | 63-66 | |
- 1
Select the course section for "Nature Writing."
Possible Minors
- Biology: Environmental Biology Minor
- French Minor
- History Minor
- International Development Minor
- Literature Minor
- Media Communication Minor
- Multimedia Journalism Minor
- Nonprofit Organization Management Minor
- Public Relations Minor
- Spanish Minor
- Sustainability Studies Minor
- Writing Minor