New Environmental Minor

April 30, 2009 • By Matt Sutherland, Contributing Writer
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HARRISONBURG, Va. — For anyone looking for a different way to study the environment at James Madison University, there’s a new option available.

Starting in fall 2009, the department of geology and environmental science will be offering a new minor in environmental science.

While environmental science is the only new minor in the department, two other minors — environmental management and environmental studies — have been reassessed and their course structures modified in order to provide a stronger learning organization.

Ann-Janine Morey, the associate vice provost for cross-disciplinary studies, said the program was made to integrate science and social concerns.

“The idea is to create a curriculum that addresses issues that are urgent both socially and academically, and bring a higher profile to the academic response to environmental issues,” Morey said.

Stephen Frysinger, the coordinator of the environmental management minor, describes the new curriculum as an extension of the past.

At the end of the course structure, all three environmental minors will converge to enroll in ENVT 400, a “capstone experience” directed toward providing different perspectives on several dimensions of the science.

Stephen Leslie, the head of the department, believes the new course will be a substantial glimpse into the field.

“We took a look at the environmental minors that existed, looked at if there was a way to… connect them a bit,” Leslie said. “You can look at the environment from a variety of perspectives… and with faculty from different backgrounds, you’ll be able to look at the subject in a more holistic way.”

According to the environmental science minor’s Web site, environmental science, as well as the other new minors, could be pursued by students “ranging from the physical, natural or social sciences, to education, journalism or business, all [benefiting] from this broadly based environmental curriculum.”

While neither the department of geology and environmental science nor the Office of the Registrar knows how many students have declared the environmental science minor yet, the expectations are high.

“The minors were just approved, so it’s too early to be looking,” Morey said. “However, [the program] draws upon the strengths of existing faculty who are interested in environment.”

Environmental science is just one of several minors being added to the Fall 2009 course catalog. Other minors include modern European studies, which is offered by the department of political science and chronic illness, offered by the department of nursing.

Contact Matt Sutherland at suthermh@jmu.edu

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