Courses

Cities and Climate Change: PGEOG 383.01/711.001, Fall 2009

Global urbanization and climate change represent two of the most important transformations of the early 21st century. The objective of this course is to examine the intersections between cities and climate change. The class will be structured around a set of group activities and projects. A principal project will be to evaluate the impact and vulnerability of underground infrastructure and possibilities for adaptation and mitigation.

Cities and Climate Change syllabus here

Civic Environmentalism – GEOG 382.55, Winter 2009—Intersession

The objective of this course is to provide students with an active learning experience during they will gain both theoretical and practical knowledge in the realm of civic engagement, specifically environmentalism. Students will address questions regarding the structure, implementation, and effectiveness of civic environmental activities.

The course will follow a chronological history of environmental movements ranging from the birth of environmental protection during the industrial revolution to 20th century issues including the creation of landmark environmental legislation and finally the current environmental challenges that communities are facing. Through out the course, the recurrent themes and questions will be: How are people-both lay and experts-involved in the environmental decision making process? What type of environmentalism is most appropriate for contemporary environmental issues such as global warming, environmental justice, and public health concerns?

Civic Environmentalism syllabus here

College Now

CISC participates in the College Now program, a collaborative effort between CUNY and the NYC Department of Education designed to help prepare high school students for college-level coursework.  College Now offers eligible students the opportunity to take college courses for credit, free of charge.

In the summer of 2007, CISC staff members Anita Shoup and Lee Hachadoorian co-taught a College Now course on the physical and human environment of New York City.  Twenty three students from prestigious schools such as Stuyvesant, LaGuardia, and Hunter High School used the city as a laboratory to learn about issues such as urban sustainability, global climate change, and habitat loss.  Students enjoyed field work in Central Park, Pelham Bay Park, and the Hudson Valley.

The students uniformly expressed enthusiasm for the course, and many said they would recommend the program to their friends and teachers.  The College Now administration has responded with plans to offer the course during the academic year, as well as again during Summer 2008.

College Now syllabus here

The Nature and Environment of New York

The objective of this course is to examine the “natural” and built environment of the New York City metropolitan region, how it has changed over time, the drivers behind environmental transformations and the challenges for the creating “sustainable conditions” in the future.

The Nature and Environment of New York syllabus here