Acorn

Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Joanna Whitney Professor of Biology Sara Webb is a crucial component in the tentative design of the new Environmental Studies major.

In the past year, Drew University has seen a number of additions to its selection of disciplines. This week, faculty will vote on whether to approve the addition of another new major: Environmental Studies & Sustainability. The proposed major would build upon the already established Environmental Studies minor, providing an interdisciplinary approach to a field that is gaining attention.
Once approved, students will be granted the opportunity to declare the ESS major.
The major was developed with support of a generous grant from the Andrew Mellon Foundation. College of Liberal Arts Dean Paolo Cucchi explained that discussions were initially held with the Mellon Foundation to learn what areas they would be interested in funding. "The President spoke to Professor Curtis and Professor Webb and said here's an opportunity for a major grant. Think big and dream a little and see what you can come up with," said Cucchi.
Professor of Economics Fred Curtis explained how the Mellon grant enabled the University to create a proposal to expand the Environmental Studies into a major. "The idea for creating a major out of the existing program existed, but the grant made it possible by filling curricular gaps, providing students with research and internship opportunities, supporting new faculty positions and providing Geographic Information System technology."

Curtis explained GIS technology as a way to present data based on geographic information-water flow, watershed data, consumption data and sprawl data-putting geography back into our thinking about the environment. The Biology department has hired a new faculty member with experience with GIS technology-Dr. Catherine Riihimaki. Riihimaki will be joining the Drew environmental studies faculty in September 2008, teaching a course on Earth Systems and Environment. Other departments would also benefit from the new technology, Cucchi said, citing interest from faculty in Sociology and Archaeology.

Drew's approach to Environmental Studies is unique because the major would allow students to choose from different concentrations-Environmental Science, Sustainability Studies, or a "general option" allowing students to choose a mixture of courses serving their own needs. Curtis said that these programs have two tracks-science and policy-but rather than focus purely on policy, Drew would also offer sustainability. "Sustainability is a more inclusive and more focused way to go. My goal is for people to learn to live in ways more in harmony with the earth, rather than damaging the earth. Policy doesn't necessarily bring that in…there is no room for environmental humanism or humanities courses." Cucchi is also satisfied with the Sustainability option, "Sustainability is a little bit like the practical side. What can I do to make a difference? Which is very much in line with the President's ideas about learning and doing…about applying what you are learning."

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