ENVIRONMENTAL & GROWTH MANAGEMENT STUDIES (Major, Minor)
The Environmental and Growth Management Studies major analyzes the origins, processes, problems, and possibilities of creating a more sustainable society.
The Orlando Metropolitan Region offers an ideal laboratory for these tasks. Nationally recognized projects such as the Wekiva GeoPark and Celebration have placed Central Florida in the forefront of environmental protection and sustainable design. In addition, Rollins lies in the heart of Winter Park, one of America’s signature traditional towns. These opportunities offer students valuable learning experiences with full-time faculty and adjuncts in the environmental, planning, legal, and design professions.
Students may major in one of two tracks: Environmental Studies or Growth Management Studies.
Requirements for the Major (12)
Core Courses (4)
ENV 189 Environmental Crisis
ENV 220 Field Botany or ENV 325 Natural Habitats of Central Florida
ENV 300 Land Use Controls
ENV 389 Environmental Planning
Students select four elective courses from either the Environmental Studies or Growth Management Studies tracks, one at the 300 level.
Environmental Studies track
ENV 120 Biosphere
ENV 130 Geosphere
ENV 216 Ecology
ENV 270 Environmental Literature
Growth Management Studies track
ENV 289 Nature in the City
ENV 302 Traditional Town Planning
GMS 191 Humanscapes: The Urbanization Process
GMS 200 Pursuing the American Dream: Housing In America or
GMS 201 Historic Preservation
GMS 302 Citizen Participation and Community Dynamics
Four GMS, ENV, PSY or ECO elective courses selected in consultation with an adviser, two of which must be at the 300/400 level.
Requirements for Minor (7)
Students complete the core and three ENV or GMS courses.
Course Descriptions:
ENV 115 Oceanography with Lab
A study of oceanography with special emphasis on seawater composition and circulation, marine geology, marine biology, and economic resources. Includes a history of ocean studies, present development, and the future potentials of the oceans.
ENV 120 The Biosphere with Lab
A survey of biological principles which include the structure and function of cells; plant and animal physiology and anatomy; development; genetics; diversity of forms; ecology; and evolution.
ENV 130 The Geosphere with Lab
Introduces the study of geology, earth science, and ecological systems.
ENV 134 Environmental Concepts with Lab
An introduction to the scientific method and its application to environmental problems. A review of basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology is presented as preparation for the scientific investigation of problems such as ozone depletion, global warming, water quality testing, soil conservation, and air pollution chemistry. Students gain an understanding of present research in environmental problems and the ability to analyze scientific reports and evaluate conflicting scientific statements.
ENV 150 Physical Geography with Lab
An introduction to sedimentary rocks with an emphasis on the geomorphological and geological processes that result in the formation of natural landscapes. The laboratory emphasizes the interpretation of landscapes through topographic maps and aerial photography. Field trips focus on the interpretation of landscapes in the different physiographical regions throughout Florida. Laboratory and field trips mandatory.
ENV 189 The Environmental Crisis in its Cultural Context
Weighs humanity's responsibility to nature, technocratic drift of society, and conflicts between material and environmental values. Traces development of a mechanistic worldview and re-emergence of an organic or holistic perspective.
ENV 205/305 Topics: Environmental Studies
Discusses contemporary global environmental issues and case studies of human/environment interactions. Topics vary from year to year.
ENV 206 Caribbean Environmental History
Studies clash among American, European, and African cultures in East Indies. Views contemporary and historical geography of Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean in light of Spanish conquest, native assimilation, and African colonization. Prerequisite: ENV 189 or LAC 200.
ENV 212 Florida Water Resources
Florida water resources are most important ecologically as well as economically. What are the characteristics of Florida’s varied water resources? How fragile are they? Can we safely develop adjacent to these resources? These questions will be considered for Florida’s lakes, rivers, ground water, swamps, marshes, and estuaries. The physical, chemical and biological properties of Florida’s water resources along with how Florida’s weather and climate affect those resources will be explored. Also water resource laws and policies will be covered. With field trips.
ENV 215 Topics in Environmental Studies
Introduces subdisciplines. Varies from year to year. May be repeated for credit.
ENV 216 Ecology with Lab
Explores relationships of organisms and environments, including population, community, and ecosystem ecology. Focuses on aquatic and terrestrial systems of Central Florida. Lab required. Prerequisite: junior/senior status. ENV 120 and ENV 130.
ENV 220 Field Botany with Lab
Examines taxonomy, evolution, ecology, and the environmental significance of local flora through directed observation, identification, and experimental analysis. Students describe and identify plant specimens obtained in the field and interpret evolutionary and ecological relationships among plant groups. Mandatory field labs in Florida’s natural environment and climate.
ENV 230 The Living Planet: A Portrait of the Earth
The biosphere, the area of earth supporting life, is continually changing over time. Continents drift, mountains erode, rivers change course, lakes fill in and become marshes, swamps, and eventually land, and man drastically alters his environment. Changes require plants and animals to adapt if they are to survive. The primary objective of this course is to explore the ways organisms have adapted to and colonized the biosphere—tropical rain forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra, estuaries, oceans, lakes, streams, and also the cities of man. Course will use the text by David Attenborough which also inspired the PBS television series. Supplemented by video tapes and slides.
ENV 231 The Trials of Life: A Natural History of Animal Behavior
This course is the sequel to ENV 230G The Living Planet, but can be taken independent of that course. This course is a study of the “how” and “why” of animal behavior through the use of the Time/Life video series and the accompanying textbook, both compiled by the British ecologist, David Attenborough. Advances in film technology and electronics, such as the development of fiber-optics, have allowed scientists to witness and record animal behavior unknown in the past. Additionally, more scientists have been involved in animal behavior studies in the last decade. This course will explore what has been learned concerning: the different life stages of animals; births; death; growing up; instinct versus learned behavior; communication; value of play; feeding including hunting and avoidance of being caught; navigation; cooperation as well as competition among species; home building; social organization; fighting; courting; and the propagation of species. A diversity of teaching techniques will be used including videos, movies, slides, discussion and a field trip.
ENV 270 Environmental Literature
Features poets, novelists, and essayists who have spoken out strongly for preservation of the environment: Whitman, Thoreau, Emerson, Burroughs, Muir, Austin, Carson, and Abbey.
ENV 280 American Environmental History
Follows evolution of land and resource use. Touches upon the destruction of Native Americans, colonial settlement, expansion of the frontier, progressive conservation movement, and evolution of the modern environmental movement. Prerequisite: ENV 189 and another ENV course.
ENV 284 Marine Biology
Introduces ecology, systematics, biogeography, and behavior of marine organisms from floating (planktonic) organisms through swimming and bottom-dwelling forms, with emphasis on organisms of Florida coasts and Caribbean. Includes lab and fieldwork.
ENV 289 Nature in the City
Takes up the problems of environmental degradation and alienation--separation of humans from nature--in American cities. Traces efforts of design professionals beginning with Frederick Law Olmsted to harmonize urban and natural worlds.
ENV 300 Land Use Controls
Law defines both property rights and the limitations placed on property use. This course analyzes how our growth can best be managed to promote the public welfare, reduce social costs and protect property rights. Florida’s Growth Management Act and its application in Central Florida will provide a major focus for the class. Emerging techniques including new urbanism, sustainable communities, transit-oriented development, and fiscal impact analysis will also be introduced.
ENV 302 Traditional Town Planning
Explores the historical basis, principles and practice of Traditional Town Planning as an alternative to conventional, auto-oriented development and suburban sprawl. Examines the importance of neighborhood structure, transportation alternatives and community identity as essential components of sustainable development. Includes field trip to model communities. Prerequisite: two ENV or GMS courses.
ENV 320 Aquatic Biology: Freshwater
Develops an awareness of the complex nature of the aquatic environment and the diversity of life in this medium. It starts with an exploration of the physical and chemical factors operating in the aquatic environment; then the most important groups of plants and animals are studied. Finally the individual groups are put together as populations and communities and the applied side of biology is examined through a short study of water-pollution biology. With laboratory and field trip. Prerequisite: two ENV or GMS courses.
ENV 323 Conservation of Biodiversity
Explores the contemporary human impact on global biological diversity from an interdisciplinary perspective. Assesses value of such conservation strategies as extractive reserves, national parks, and wildlife corridors. Prerequisite: ENV 120 recommended.
ENV 325 Natural Habitats of Central Florida
Investigates complex interactions between climate, landforms, soils, plants, and animals. Teaches ecosystem mapping techniques. Prerequisite: ENV 120 or ENV 130
ENV 327 Principles and Methods in Environmental Analysis
Introduces students to techniques of environmental field analysis and regulatory requirements. Covers regulatory criteria (i.e. wetland delineation), standards and guidelines for environmental assessments, and site analysis and sampling techniques. Students will also critique project case studies in groups to emphasize the problem-solving techniques employed at environmental firms and agencies. Prerequisite: ENV 220.
ENV 348 Sustainable Development
Explores both theoretical and actual development strategies that are ecologically and socially acceptable. Prerequisite: ENV 292 or consent.
ENV 362 Environmental Politics
This course will examine the diverse influences and interests that shape environmental policy, with special emphasis on the role of the media. The presidential election will provide a unique opportunity to see how these influences and interests actually play out in the present political climate.
ENV 365 Environment and Development in Central America
Studies the need for broad-based sustainable development using Central America as a case study. Considers how widespread deforestation and rapid population growth combine with other environmental factors to severely depress living standards throughout the region. Explores appropriate models of sustainable development for the region. Optional field study component also available.
ENV 372 Images of the Environment as Seen Through Film
Reveals attitudes toward nature and wilderness, attitudes toward technology, exploitation of nature, and visions of the future. Screens such movies as “Modern Times,” “Koyaanisquatsi,” “Jeremiah Johnson,” “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz,” “Local Hero,” “Them,” “The Birds,” “Metropolis,” “Never Cry Wolf,” “Wild River,” and “Man in the White Suit.” Prerequisite: one ENV course or consent.
ENV 375 Island Economies and Sustainable Development in the Caribbean
Examines the natural resources and conservation of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats of the Caribbean. Conservation of these resources for future generations while meeting the legitimate material needs of people in the region also discussed. Explores the prospects for sustainable economic development with an emphasis on successful models of investment. Optional field study component also available.
ENV 385 Sustainable Development in the Amazon Basin
Examines the natural resources and conservation of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats of the Caribbean. Conservation of these resources for future generations while meeting the legitimate material needs of people in the region also discussed. Explores the prospects for sustainable economic development with an emphasis on successful models of investment. Optional field study component also available.
ENV 386 Environmental Law
Introduces the interpretation and application of federal, state, and local environmental regulations in the U.S. Focuses on national and local land-use planning and federal judicial response to environmental problems past and present. Covers air and water pollution, dredge-and-fill laws, historic preservation, toxic-waste, and growth management regulations. Recommended: ENV 120, 189, and 292.
ENV 389 Environmental Planning
Provides an understanding of competing demands for urban growth and development and needs to conserve and protect limited natural resources. Concludes with environmental issues in Central Florida. Prerequisite:JR/SR status. ENV 189 and 220.
GMN 221 Germany Today: East Meets West
Examines German society in twentieth century: political institutions, political parties, educational system, media, industry and trade unions, role of women, youth, foreign workers, and cultural developments.
GMS 191 Humanscapes: The Urbanization Process
Humanscapes is a study of the environmental and psychological factors that we rely on to make sense of our cities and neighborhoods. This course also examines the failure of modern communities to provide a common life that connects humans to each other and the landscape. The steps needed to rectify this dilemma and create communities that are easy to understand, yet continually stimulating, is the final component of this course.
GMS 200 Pursuing the American Dream: Housing in America
This course provides an overview of housing issues, with an emphasis on affordable housing. Students analyze the political, cultural, and economic components that influence the provision of the nation's housing. In examining the many facets involved in the provision of the American home, this course also reveals the nature and reality of the American dream.
GMS 201 Introduction to Historic Preservation
This course provides an introduction to issues of historic preservation. Topics include the history and language of the movement, governmental agencies and their activities, adaptive reuse, and architectural history. Research involving historical written sources, maps, photos, and oral history will be used in class assignments.
GMS 215 Topics in Urban and Growth Management Studies
An exploration of selected topics in urban and growth management studies. May be repeated for credit if topics vary.
GMS 302 Citizen Participation and Community Dynamics
This course examines the components that make a community work. Case studies and local projects are studied to find out how communities function and what makes them unique. Since citizen participation operates at the most fundamental level of American democracy, students are also introduced to the communication tools and techniques for resolving conflict and building consensus. Previously GMS 202.
GMS 324 Statistics for Urban Affairs
Public officials often need to evaluate policy options objectively. The evaluation process, including the identification and ranking of alternatives, and common analytical methods used during the process are presented. Surveying methods, such as preparing a sampling plan and designing survey instruments are also covered, as are statistical techniques for analyzing data collected. The course is applications oriented, using examples as much as possible to illustrate how officials use the evaluation process and analytical methods in real world situations.
GMS 498 Internship: Growth Management Studies
Internship in the field of Urban and Public Affairs involving such organizations as planning agencies, development firms and environmental consulting firms.
Catalog 2008-2009
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Last Update: September 11, 2008
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Information posted on the Rollins College Hamilton Holt School Web site is intended as general information only. It is subject to change and does not reflect a contract between students and the College. Contact the Hamilton Holt School office to confirm any information.
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