GENV 442 - Environmental Thought | 2025-2026

A survey of the origin and development of those streams of geographic thought reflecting people's relationship to the natural environment. The course includes discussions within the context of Christian and non-Christian alternatives, of the development of a responsible Christian environmental ethic and its application to global environmental issues.

GENV 414 - Nature, Society, and History in Global Perspective | 2025-2026

Human interaction with the environment is the most fundamental of all relationships. This course examines the different ways in which societies have defined, understood, and used their non- human surroundings and the processes through which the environment influences culture and adapts to human communities. Students explore the historical context of the human-nature interaction in global perspective and compare the ways in which the concepts of politics, nationalism, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc. inform and guide the relationship.

GENV 411 - Rural Development | 2025-2026

The course is designed to introduce students to the broad concept of rural development, to the relationship between rural communities and their environments, and to the critical issues of rural restructuring and sustainability. This course examines the theoretical underpinnings, principles, and practices of rural development as well as the problems and challenges facing rural communities in both developed and developing countries.

GENV 409 - Thesis Preparation | 2025-2026

Students are required to choose a topic for their senior thesis (GENV 410) in consultation with an instructor. Selected readings and references pertinent to the topic are assigned. A final written and oral report is presented consisting of a detailed thesis proposal and a literature review. Students are advised to start in their third year to allow observations over a full calendar year.