Course Description

This course will investigate the scientific and policy-based aspects of several controversial environmental issues as well as their impacts on businesses and private citizens. It will present multiple perspectives for each issue and will take a debate-style format that stimulates student interest and develops critical thinking skills. Readings and discussions will focus on the interplay between scientific results and the policies proceeding from them including the appropriateness of such policies.

Rationale

The course introduces students to the basic principles of environmental science, policy, and law. This course is required for the cognate in Green and Sustainable Management (B.S. in Business Administration). Students passing this course will have the preliminary knowledge and skills to guide businesses through the maze of environmental laws and policies facing them today.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. 1. Demonstrate competence in the principles of environmental science and policy.
   2. Communicate effectively environmental science and policy information to varied audiences.
   3. Evaluate ethical issues in the areas of environmental science and policy in light of a biblical/Christian worldview.
   4. Critique research results in the environmental sciences as well as the policies proceeding from such results.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided promptly for each Discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. Each thread must also incorporate at least 1 scholarly resource in the current APA format. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words.

Article Review Assignments (2)

The student will read the articles assigned within the Module: Week(s) and write a 4–5-page review. Each review must be written in the current APA format and contain the following clearly labeled sections: Introduction; Summary; Critique; Business, Science, or Government Application; and Conclusion.

Research Paper Assignments (3)

The student will write an 8–10-page research-based paper in the current APA format that focuses on 1 of the topics provided by the instructor. The paper must include at least 6 scholarly sources in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible. There will be several assignments related to this project, due at various times throughout the course:

Bibliography and Thesis Statement

The student will submit a working bibliography of at least 6 sources and the thesis statement discussing what the paper will study or cover.

Outline

The student will submit a 2–3-page detailed outline of the Research Paper.

Final 

The student will submit the final version of the Research Paper.

Quizzes (8)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the Module: Week in which it is assigned. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes. Quizzes in Module: Week 3 and 7 will contain 2 essay questions in addition to 35 multiple-choice and/or true/false questions and will have a 1-hour and 30-minute time limit. All other quizzes will have 35 multiple-choice and/or true/false questions and will have a 1-hour time limit.