MS Sustainable Communities Courses

Advanced anthropology course that focuses on cultural, social structural, historical, and environmental analyses of sustainable development. Students engage with relevant social theory and practical applications in sustainable development case studies.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015

This course examines economic, environmental, and social problems associated with deindustrialization in postwar North American cities and the strategies adopted to ameliorate them. Major topics include segregation and housing, environmental regulation, environmental justice, industrial heritage, and economic and urban development policy.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior

Introduces the field of cultural resource management (CRM) archaeology; the legal structure that underwrites its practice; the real-world implications for the CRM process; practical problems faced by archaeologists in preservation fields, and the legal, political, and ethical obligations they have to various constituents and communities.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Provides a broad and deep overview into the prevalent debates, cases, and methods within the transdisciplinary fields of memory and heritage studies; students apply these processes in collaborative and individualized cases. Memory work in post-violence and post-industrialization communities, politics, and performances will be framed globally.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years

A rural sociology course analyzing the sustainability of rural communities (socially, environmentally, economically, and culturally). The course involves participatory research conducted together with a local community organization. Students practice research skills while making a difference in improving community life.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015

This course reviews the ways social scientists understand the nature of social organization, how these ideas have changed over time in concert with particular socio-historic transformations, and how, specifically, these ideas relate to understanding interactions between industrial society and the environment.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall

Field-based course that surveys basic concepts of ethnography and applies them in a class research project. Provides practical experience in field observation, interviews, field notes, and write-up of research.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015

A general introduction to survey methods. Students will learn the basics of survey design from questionnaire construction to the measurement of complex social science concepts. Students will also demonstrate their ability to conduct an original survey through a class project.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

Covers applied methods used in conducting empirical research in the social sciences. Topics include research design, hypothesis testing, measurement of concepts, and computer-based data analysis. Assumes familiarity with Social Sciences concepts.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): SS 2720 or PSY 2720 or MA 2720 or BUS 2100

A general introduction to quantitative analysis for the social sciences. The course uses common statistical software tools, such as SPSS, to aid in the analysis of data. Students apply their data analysis techniques to social science problems of their choosing in a semester-long project.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

Introduces advanced students to scholarly literature on industrial communities and its methods through reading and discussion of selected articles and case studies. Students will acquire skills in oral history, archival, field, and community-based research.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

A graduate seminar covering studies of industrial communities. Introduces the methods and approaches of this field through reading and discussion of selected articles and case studies. Students will acquire skills in oral history, work with archival materials, and conduct field and community-based research.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

This objective of this course is to explore the fundamentals of research design and analysis, particularly as these are applied to identifying, initiating, carrying out, and completing a thesis or dissertation research.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Practical experience in methods and techniques of field archaeology. Background readings followed by participation in site survey, testing, excavation, and record keeping. Students involved in ongoing research projects in upper Great Lakes Region. Offered with SS 3210. Graduate students complete independent project in addition to regular work. Recommended SS2020.

• Credits: variable to 8.0; Repeatable to a Max of 16
• Semesters Offered: Summer
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Principles and practice of survey and documentation of historic structures. Techniques include reconnaissance survey, in-depth survey, measured drawings, architectural photography, primary research, and written descriptions. Students use survey and documentation to analyze historic structures.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Applications of Geographic Information Science and Technologies for research problem identification, analysis, and dissemination. Students learn how to use GIS as a tool to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data for graduate research. Hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and problem solving.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-2)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years, Spring, in even years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior

Advanced application of Geographic Information Systems in social sciences as a tool to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data. Students gain hands-on experience in data collection, advanced spatial analysis, and scripting.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-2)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): (SS 2050 or FW 3540 or GE 3250 or GE 4540 or SU 3540 or SU 4010 or SU 4012) and UN 1015

Advanced application of Geographic Information Systems in social sciences as a tool to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data. Students gain hands-on experience in data collection, advanced spatial analysis, and scripting.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-2)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
• Pre-Requisite(s): SS 5049

A seminar on the study of culture and politics in marginal environments and disadvantaged communities. Draws upon research in anthropology and geography to examine the interaction in the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Pacific, and the Arctic.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): SS 2100 and UN 1015

This seminar in sustainability topics will cover a rotating set of topics, depending on semester offering. Topics may include energy use, justice, pollution, green design, or regulations bearing on sustainability.

• Credits: 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015

This course explores changes in human interactions with earth systems over time, starting with the development of agriculture and continuing to the present. Case studies include mining, forestry, water, agricultural, sustainability, and urban development.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): SS 3520 and UN 1015

Examines changes in human interactions with earth systems over time, starting with the development of agriculture and continuing to the present--with flows of material through economies and ecologies now intertwined in complex ways. Places the notion of sustainability in historical perspective.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years

Graduate seminar examining the interlinked processes of industrialization and globalization ca. 1700-present. The course covers key theoretical debates and explores different methodological approaches through case studies of selected topics and themes.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

An intensive student-led seminar focused on energy policy issues at local, regional, or global scales. Topics may include climate change, renewable energy, energy efficiency, nuclear wastes, and government mandates. May be repeated if topic differs.

• Credits: variable to 3.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

An overview of environmental and natural resource policies in the U.S. and internationally. Emphasizes policies regarding forests, wildlife, public lands, pollution, and climate change. Dicussion of policy adminstration by the USDA Forest Service and National Park Service.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years, Spring, in odd years
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

This course will review the complex process of energy policy making in the U.S. focusing on political, economic, social, organizational, and technological dimensions. Students will examine the prospects for policy change in the light of global climate change.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Toxicology of major environmental pollutants, their dose-response relationships and fundamentals of environmental remediation. Topics include physical, chemical, and biological remediation methods and effect of environmental toxins on biological systems. Laboratory will involve the application of chemical and biological remediation techniques.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): BL 1020 or BL 1040 or (BL 1200 and BL 1210) or (BL 1400 and BL 1410)

Field intensive course with significant time spent on a research vessel (R/V Agassiz or some other) where students will learn the use of a variety of state-of-the-art techniques to characterize biological communities and measure important physical and biological processes.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (4-0-6)
• Semesters Offered: Summer, in odd years
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Field course combining river and stream ecosystem and foodweb study with fishes in lake systems. Students will be exposed to research methods used in lakes for comprehensive abiotic and biotic understanding.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years, Summer, in even years

This course will provide advanced coverage of ecological pattern, science, and theory of aquatic and terrestrial systems and their interface. Topics will range from individuals and populations to communities and landscapes. Lectures and discussions will be guided by published literature.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

An introduction to urban transportation planning, planning data collection, transportation planning models, and development and evaluation of transportation plans. Includes extensive use of transportation planning software to evaluate transportation plans in multimodal networks.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore

Economic and environmental aspects of water use. Topics include flood damage reduction, water demand and hydrologic forecasting, water supply planning, and water resource systems operation.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Pre-Requisite(s): CEE 3620 and EC 3400

Considers the efficient and equitable use of environmental resources. Measures the benefits and costs of decreasing pollution and protecting scarce ecological resources; addresses market failures and the economic valuation of environmental amenities. Requires students to learn quantitative and technical techniques to determine the efficient use of resources.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
• Pre-Requisite(s): EC 2001 or EC 3002

Provides an overview of climate change science, effects and adaptation. Students develop knowledge of climate change effects and adaption for real world forested ecosystem examples and learn how to communicate these climate change projects and plans with stakeholders.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

This course will cover snow formation in the atmosphere, snow accumulation and distribution, snow metamorphism, avalanche dynamics, snowmelt and runoff, remote sensing of snow properties, and the impact of forests and under-snow biogeochemical processes.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Urban forestry is the science and art of managing natural resources in communities. It focuses on maximizing the wide range of economic, environmental, and social benefits associated with trees and urban greenspaces while minimizing maintenance costs and reducing tree-related risks.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring

Study the tools, challenges, and philosophical underpinnings associated with ecological restoration. Restoration of forest, grassland, and wetland communities (plant and animal) will be discussed.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring, in odd years
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

This survey course introduces the applications of hydrological concepts to evaluate the impacts of forest management and other land use activities/events on water yield, infiltration, evapotranspiration, stormflow, erosion, sedimentation, and water quality.

• Credits: 1.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Develops the scientific basis for environmental management in ecosystems impacted by mining activities. Considers the origin, behavior, and fate of pollutants generated during the life of a mine. Introduces engineered approaches for mitigation, remediation and reclamation of environmental impacts.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Fall
• Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
• Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1150

Exploration of how to develop comprehensive plans to mitigate the impact of natural hazards on humans. Requires a project and report.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary nature of natural hazards as well as the complexities of engaging with people of other cultures about geological hazards. Course is designed for and open to any student interested in gaining a global perspective on natural hazards, disaster risk, and social aspects of hazard mitigation.

• Credits: 3.0
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
• Semesters Offered: Spring

Students enroll in this course during a supervised field experience dealing with natural and cultural heritage, natural or cultural resources, and/or community development. This course allows progress toward MS degrees in Industrial Archaeology and Environmental and Energy Policy while serving as an intern through OSM VISTA.

• Credits: 1.0; May be repeated
• Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Industrial Archaeology, Environmental Policy

Individual research work leading towards master's thesis or project. Open by arrangement to students in master's programs in the Department of Social Sciences.

• Credits: variable to 10.0; May be repeated; Graded Pass/Fail Only
• Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Internship, on or off campus, providing appropriate practical, professional experience in an area related directly to a student's course of study. Students work under professional supervision. Requires a written evaluation of the work.

• Credits: variable to 9.0; Repeatable to a Max of 9
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: Permission of department required

Students participate in a colloquium in Washington D.C., offered as part of an academic internship program, that includes a range of prominent speakers, information interviews, and a capstone reflection. This course will have a program fee attached that is equal to the room and board fee charged by the Washington Center.

• Credits: variable to 3.0
• Semesters Offered: On Demand
• Restrictions: Permission of department required
• Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015