University Catalog 2023-2024

Environmental Studies (EVST)

Environmental Studies (EVST)

EVST 1010  Intro To Enviromentl Stu  (3)  

This course introduces students to the field of environmental studies and the diverse topics of environmental research being conducted at Tulane. This interdisciplinary area of study explores environmental problems through a multitude of perspectives and complementing scientific analyses with considerations of philosophical, historical, economic, political, and cultural factors. Major concepts to be examined include: the state of scientific research, the role of the natural and social sciences in environmental decision-making, and the importance of history, ethics and justice in approaches to addressing contemporary environmental issues, such as biodiversity loss, global climate change, and natural resource depletion.

EVST 1030  Introduction to Environmental Humanities  (3)  

This seminar will examine the history of environmental thought as represented in works of literature and art, from the Epic of Gilgamesh to photographic portraits of Louisiana's Cancer Alley. How do the stories we tell about the natural world shape our relationship to it? We will explore the traditions of romanticism, naturalism, activist writing, environmental justice, climate fiction, and the literature of the Anthropocene. A series of writing assignments will culminate with a longer work that may take the form of a critical essay, a work of narrative journalism, or a short story.

EVST 1810  Special Topics  (3)  

Special topics course as designed by visiting or permanent Environmental Studies faculty. For description, consult the department. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours under separate title.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 1890  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 1940  Transfer Coursework  (0-20)  

Transfer Coursework at the 1000 level. Department approval may be required.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 2940  Transfer Coursework  (0-20)  

Transfer Coursework at the 2000 level. Department approval may be required.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 3010  Food System Leadership in the Gulf South  (3)  

A food system is a dynamic system of interrelated processes that impacts a diverse base of individuals, businesses, and communities economically, socially, politically, and environmentally across the Gulf South. This 3-credit-hour undergraduate course, through academic-community partnership, offers a unique opportunity for students to understand food systems and cultures across the Gulf South through interdisciplinary forums that engage diverse academic, industry, grassroots, and community perspectives. Students will also participate in community-based research to explore opportunities and threats related to food system distribution and resiliency in the Gulf South.

EVST 3310  Approaches to Environ Studies  (3)  

Approaches in Environmental Studies is a required core course for all EVST majors. The interdisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies requires the ability to understand the complex interrelationships between human society and natural ecosystems. Throughout this course we will focus on how to identify research questions, design research methodologies, carry out research, and analyze research findings. Students will gain competency in the four levels necessary for environmental analysis (data, methods, theories, and frameworks), skills that are key to doing environmental research and analysis. This course will enable students to build both empirical (data-based) and conceptual (idea-based) tools to shed scholarly light on environmental issues.

EVST 3350  Urban Farming  (3)  

Course will introduce students to the practices of urban farming and agriculture through a study of the basic skills and understandings involved in its practice and through employing those skills and understandings in the development and maintenance of urban gardens of various kinds.Ethical questions related to issues of sustainability, climate impact and use of chemicals in the garden will be discussed. Students will work in gardens of their own making as well as working with community partners in the New Orleans community.

EVST 3570  Mississippi River Colloquium  (3)  

EVST 3890  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Corequisite(s): EVST 3950.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 3891  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course in Environmental Studies. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 3930  Spec Topics Problems  (3)  

Special Topics in Environmental Studies. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 3933  Urban Gardening  (3)  

Students will study the practice of, and acquire the skills for urban gardening and farming via the development and maintenance of urban gardens. including indoor. potted. raised bed and small plot gardens. Skills developed throughout this course may include garden design, plant and crop selection, composting, irrigation, soil maintenance, and urban animal husbandry practices. Students will work in gardens of their own making and with community partners across greater New Orleans. Throughout the course. students will acquire a deeper awareness of their place as part of the earth community and the critical role this plays in community betterment as well as overall human happiness and well-being.

EVST 3940  Transfer Coursework  (0-20)  

Transfer Coursework at the 3000 level. Department approval may be required.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 3950  Special Topics Environmental Thought  (3)  

Special Topics in Environmental Studies. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.

Course Limit: 99

EVST 3951  Spec Topics Enviro Thought  (3-4)  

Special Topics in Environmental Studies. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 3952  Spec Topics Enviro Thought  (3)  

Special Topics in Environmental Studies. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.

Course Limit: 99

EVST 3959  Measuring Sustainability  (3)  

Students will review and critically assess the practice of measuring the environmental and sustainable attributes of a product. institution or community. We will study key frameworks and tools used by sustainability professionals today. including greenhouse gas emissions inventories. the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Green Building Rating system. ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. and Life Cycle Assessment. Through a critical examination of the tools used to assess sustainability. the course seeks to help students understand key sustainability concepts and to develop their own definition of a sustainable institution or community.

EVST 4190  Environmental Crime & Security  (3)  

Students will learn about environmental crime, green criminology, and environmental security in our society, including key concepts and definitions, theoretical foundations and approaches, and how those concepts and theories can be - or are being - applied to a range of environmental crime and security issues. We will examine social interactions and activities associated with these issues and explore various policy approaches used to address them.

EVST 4210  Environmental and Social Justice in New Orleans  (3-4)  

Examination of theoretical and conceptual frameworks for analyzing issues of environmental and social justice in the US and New Orleans through a combination of classroom instruction, guest speakers/practitioner demonstrations, applied field instruction, and professional development activities.

EVST 4400  Urban Political Ecology  (3)  

The primary objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of urban political ecology and the study of environmental issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. Additionally we will explore the practices of inquiry and analysis associated with environmental studies from a liberal arts perspective.

EVST 4410  Senior Seminar in Environmental Studies  (3,4)  

This is the capstone course required of all environmental studies majors. The course will emphasize three main areas: an overview of the fundamental contemporary environmental themes, issues, theories, concepts, and methods within the field of environment. Corequisite(s): EVST 4890.

Prerequisite(s): EVST 1010 and 3310.

EVST 4510  Environ Justice in Action  (4)  

This service-learning course enriches student understanding of doing environmental justice in the local community. Students will sharpen their environmental activism and advocacy skills in collaboration with environmentally focused organizations and nonprofits in the greater New Orleans area. May be repeated once for credit. Corequisite(s): SOCI 4610.

Corequisite(s): SOCI 4610.

EVST 4560  Enviro Stud Internship  (0-4)  

Internship. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 4890  Service Learning  (0-1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 4891  Service Learning  (1)  

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 4910  Independent Study  (1-3)  

Independent Study.

EVST 4940  Transfer Coursework  (0-20)  

Transfer coursework at the 4000 level. Departmental approval required.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 4990  Honor's Thesis  (3)  

Honor's Thesis.

EVST 5000  Honors Thesis  (4)  

Honor's Thesis.

EVST 5110  EVST Capstone: EVST 4410  (0)  

Corequisite(s): EVST 4410.

Corequisite(s): EVST 4410.

EVST 5380  Junior Year Abroad  (1-20)  

Junior Year Abroad. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99

EVST 5390  Junior Year Abroad  (1-20)  

Junior Year Abroad. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.


Maximum Hours: 99