Silent Seasons: Human Impacts on Our Natural World

This course explores the themes of environmental sustainability and responsible living. We will examine the impacts that human activities have on the environment, and consider them from a variety of perspectives, including scientific, economic, and cultural. Our principal text is Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, often credited for sparking environmental awareness. We will discuss this book within its historical context, and also consider its relationship to other environmental issues.  The course will incorporate outdoor activities, exploring natural environments on and around the SLU campus.  This course also provides a foundation of important college-level skills, including study strategies, oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking. Students will also make connections to a cohort of peers who share similar interests in the natural world.