Current courses at Franklin & Marshall College
I am currently teaching in the Environmental Studies Program, which is housed within the Department of Earth and Environment. I have been designing and implementing courses for the Environmental Studies major and for the general education curriculum of F&M College.
CNX 240: The Whale
As part of F&M’s Connections curriculum, this course provides a foundation in writing and research skills. It focuses on The Whale as a focal point for understanding human connections to the natural world, using multiple disciplinary approaches. Students learn about whales’ unique physical/biological adaptations, as well as how humans have relied on them both directly as a resource, and indirectly/culturally for inspiration. We take a 360-degree view of the whale, engaging with biology, anthropology, economics, literature, art, and music.
ENE/STS 117: The Environment and Human Values
This introductory course examines historical and modern attitudes towards nature; human use of natural resources; effects of the growth of science and technology on human uses of and attitudes toward the environment; and the ability of modern humans to substantially alter the environment.
ENE/STS 216: Environmental Policy
A core course for the Environmental Studies major, this course provides an introduction to the historical development and current issues of environmental policy in the US, including how federal, state and local regulations seek to protect human health and the environment. Students gain a fundamental understanding of the policy cycle, and engage in writing targeted policy memos.
ENE/GOV 320 International Environmental Law
This upper-level course examines principles of international environmental law, the challenges of addressing global environmental issues, and the strengths and weaknesses of multilateral environmental agreements. Students engage directly with case law and international treaties, and they gain diplomatic negotiation and conflict resolution skills in a real-time simulation exercise.
ENE 405: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
This upper level seminar aims to provide students with in-depth understanding of a key tool for implementing marine conservation. The latest available information on MPAs is critically examined, in light of international targets for protected areas, and given the unique challenges posed by the marine environment for biodiversity conservation. Students undertake independent research on "real world" marine management regimes.
CNX 240: The Whale
As part of F&M’s Connections curriculum, this course provides a foundation in writing and research skills. It focuses on The Whale as a focal point for understanding human connections to the natural world, using multiple disciplinary approaches. Students learn about whales’ unique physical/biological adaptations, as well as how humans have relied on them both directly as a resource, and indirectly/culturally for inspiration. We take a 360-degree view of the whale, engaging with biology, anthropology, economics, literature, art, and music.
ENE/STS 117: The Environment and Human Values
This introductory course examines historical and modern attitudes towards nature; human use of natural resources; effects of the growth of science and technology on human uses of and attitudes toward the environment; and the ability of modern humans to substantially alter the environment.
ENE/STS 216: Environmental Policy
A core course for the Environmental Studies major, this course provides an introduction to the historical development and current issues of environmental policy in the US, including how federal, state and local regulations seek to protect human health and the environment. Students gain a fundamental understanding of the policy cycle, and engage in writing targeted policy memos.
ENE/GOV 320 International Environmental Law
This upper-level course examines principles of international environmental law, the challenges of addressing global environmental issues, and the strengths and weaknesses of multilateral environmental agreements. Students engage directly with case law and international treaties, and they gain diplomatic negotiation and conflict resolution skills in a real-time simulation exercise.
- Student-produced news report video of 2015 Simulated Negotiation
ENE 405: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
This upper level seminar aims to provide students with in-depth understanding of a key tool for implementing marine conservation. The latest available information on MPAs is critically examined, in light of international targets for protected areas, and given the unique challenges posed by the marine environment for biodiversity conservation. Students undertake independent research on "real world" marine management regimes.
Previous courses at Dalhousie University
At Dalhousie, I was a faculty member in the School for Resource and Environmental Studies, housed within the Faculty of Management. I designed and taught courses in the undergraduate College of Sustainability and in the Master of Marine Management program.
Sustainability (SUST) 2001: Environment, Society, and Governance: A Global Perspective (2011-2013)
A second year undergraduate course in the College of Sustainability that provided the environmental governance component for the degree. The course included three modules (Biodiversity, Food and Agriculture, Environmental Security) and a two-week simulated negotiation of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing.
Marine Affairs (MARA) 5001x: Contemporary Issues in Ocean Management and Development (2010-2012)
The foundation course for the Master of Marine Management (MMM) degree, emphasizing the development of analytical skills including policy analysis and understanding environmental governance.
Marine Affairs (MARA) 5013: Marine Protected Areas (2010-2013)
Specialized elective for the MMM degree, focused on the scientific, legal, and social aspects of marine protected areas, connecting students with practitioners.
Sustainability (SUST) 2001: Environment, Society, and Governance: A Global Perspective (2011-2013)
A second year undergraduate course in the College of Sustainability that provided the environmental governance component for the degree. The course included three modules (Biodiversity, Food and Agriculture, Environmental Security) and a two-week simulated negotiation of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing.
- Videos of the 2012 simulated negotiation produced by students representing the media: Day 1, Day 2
Marine Affairs (MARA) 5001x: Contemporary Issues in Ocean Management and Development (2010-2012)
The foundation course for the Master of Marine Management (MMM) degree, emphasizing the development of analytical skills including policy analysis and understanding environmental governance.
Marine Affairs (MARA) 5013: Marine Protected Areas (2010-2013)
Specialized elective for the MMM degree, focused on the scientific, legal, and social aspects of marine protected areas, connecting students with practitioners.
