Values & Theory Core
Introduction
The Values and Theory Secondary Core is recommended for students interested in exploring the conceptual underpinnings of environmental studies. It is particularly suited for students aiming for careers in the theoretical branches of the discipline (philosophy, politics, economics, law), but also potentially working in the private, public, and/or non-profit sector to communicate environmental ideas, fashion environmental arguments, aid with outreach, or contribute in areas where qualitative analysis, argument, and critical reasoning are central components of the job. This core sequence could encompass research in philosophy, political science, economics, geography, comparative sociology or sociology, environmental writing, etc. The course structure is focused on the development of qualitative analytical skills that will be helpful with critical assessment of an enormous range of environmental questions. The elective list includes possible focus on environmental ethics, scientific epistemology, political theory, macroeconomic theory, theories of justice, etc.
1. Common Core Requirements (8 credit hours)
- ENVS 5000 (3): Science Policy and Values
- ENVS 5003 (3): Theory and Methods in Environment
- ENVS 5510 (2): ENVS Colloquium – two semesters
Note: students will have the opportunity to participate in the organization of the colloquium after their first year for 1 unit of academic credit.
2. Theory and Methods (9 credit hours)
In some instances the courses below will be offered only once every other year. Students are responsible to keep track of when those courses are offered and to plan enrollments accordingly.
- ENVS/PHIL 5240: Environmental Philosophy
- PSCI 7024: Environmental Political Theory
- ENVS 5100: Environmental & Energy Economics
3. Required Interdisciplinary Elective Categories (6 credit hours)
Science (3 credit hours): choose one graduate level science course drawn from any science or engineering unit on campus.
AND
Policy (3 credit hours)
Choose one:
- ENVS 5701: Politics, Policy and Management: Foundations
- ENVS 5702: Politics, Policy and Management: Theory and Practice
- ENVS 5100: Science and Tech Policy
- ENVS 5110: Science Technology and Society
- ENVS 5820: Renewable Energy Policy
- ENVS 5810: Water Resources and Environmental Sustainability
4. 2 Internship Credits or 6 Thesis Credits (for MS students)
5. Electives: 7-11 credit hours for MS/ 7 credit hours for PhD
See Cluster Options. PhD Students are allowed to use 4 credit hours of MS thesis credit hours toward the 30 credit hours total.
Recommended Courses -- Values and Theory Core
Total Course Credit Hours for MS: 28 course credit hours +2 Colloquium credits + 6 thesis credits = 36 total OR 32 course credit hours + 2 Colloquium credits + 2 Internship credits
Total Course Credit Hours for PhD: 30 course credit hours +2 Colloquium credits + 30 dissertation credits = 62 total
Course transfer credit from courses taken at other universities or for online courses taken at the University of Colorado cannot be counted toward the fulfillment of Common Core Requirements, Secondary Core Requirements, or Required Interdisciplinary Electives.
Maxwell Boykoff Environmental governance, science and policy interactions, political economy and the environment.
Deserai Crowe Environmental policy and the role that mass media and other factors play in policy decisions.
Nicholas Flores Decision-making and the environment; analysis of public goods provision; valuation of environmental and public goods.
Benjamin Hale Environmental ethics and policy, applied ethics, normative ethics, metaethics, ethical and environmental concerns of emerging technologies.
Jonathan Hughes The consequences of adoption of environmental policies in energy markets, climate change policy, gasoline, electricity and renewable energy markets.
Steven Vanderheiden Normative political theory and environmental politics.
Tom Yulsman Science writing, primarily about Earth systems (geology, paleontology, climate) as well as astronomy