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Course Information
EFB 120 - The Global Environment and the Evolution of Human Culture
The Global Environment and the Evolution of Human Culture has been a core course at ESF for close to 20 years. Each year about 250 students take Global Environment (for short) on campus; it is a required core course for two of our undergraduate programs and also fulfills a general education requirement in either Natural Science or Social Science. Global Environment is fairly unique in its integration of the study of the environment with the study of history and human culture all into one course. Energy is used as a common theme to integrate the various topics that are covered.
Global Environment is a course that focuses on the big picture. We begin by looking at the environmental processes that lead to patterns of life on Earth and then move on to how these patterns shaped human social-cultural development. In our look at the advancement of human culture we focus particular attention on changes in resource use.
We then transition to the subsequent rise of environmental problems and issues of sustainability. Finally, we conclude with an overview of some methods being used to create a more sustainable future. Many of the topics covered are particularly timely given the current state of energy resources and environmental problems.
The Global Environment and the Evolution of Human Culture is offered via the Blackboard course management system. The course format consists of a series of modules that correspond to the material covered in a single class day in the face to face version of the course. We will complete two modules each week. Most modules consist of readings, a video, and a discussion. There is also a research paper, completed in stages throughout the semester. Expect to spend 6 to 10 hours each week (not all online) completing course work.
General Education Credit
Global Environment fulfills SUNY General Education credit in either the Natural Sciences or the Social Sciences.
There are no prerequisites for this course, but to be successful it is helpful to be:
- Motivated to learn
- Willing to actively participate in discussions
- Familiar with basic Earth Science and Biology Concepts
- Able to read and interpret simple graphs
- Familiar with word processing, navigating the internet, opening and attaching files, and communicating through email
Instructor
Course Tuition, Fees and Registration
Course tuition is $621.00 plus $5.00 transcript fee (fees subject to change), due in full prior to January 19, 2010. Go to the Online Registration page to sign up for the course.
Note: Matriculated ESF students please sign up for the on-campus section (section 1 or 2) of EFB 120.
Required Text
Environmental Science. by R.K. Kaufmann and C.J. Cleveland.
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies. by Jared Diamond
System Requirements
- Windows 98 or higher / Mac OS X 10.3 or higher
- Broadband Internet Access
- Microsoft Word and Powerpoint, or Open Office Writer and Impress (free software available for most operating systems)
- Adobe Flash Player
- Microsoft Internet Explorer or Firefox
