Since the 1970s, course offerings dealing with humankind’s relation to the natural environment have become an integral part of liberal arts education. This increased emphasis on environmental education and literacy at undergraduate institutions is supported nationally by the environmental education program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and internationally by the environmental and development programs of the United Nations. We face formidable environmental challenges in the 21^st century, including unprecedented loss of biodiversity, global climate change, depletion of natural resources, and habitat degradation and destruction. Environmental literacy is critical to becoming an informed and contributing member of today’s society.

An environmental studies minor is at the heart of the identity and mission of Mount St. Mary’s. In particular, such a program is a key component in responding to Pope John Paul II’s call for institutions to develop “concrete programmes and initiatives” to meet what he calls our “ecological crisis” (The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility). “It is necessary,” he explains, “that the entire human community – individuals, States and international bodies – take seriously the responsibility that is theirs.” This interdisciplinary minor will give students the opportunity to better understand the complex workings of nature, as well as to confront the difficult issues regarding resource use and our relationship to the environment.

At the completion of the environmental studies minor, students should be able t

(a)    understand and appreciate the full spectrum of themes and problems dealt with in the interdisciplinary field of environmental studies 
(b)   extrapolate an understanding of environmental studies concepts to practical application in the world beyond the classroom
(c)    understand and appreciate the place of environmental studies in society and its place in their own educational program
(d)   appreciate the relationship between human activity and its role in and responsibility for our created universe
(e)    communicate effectively, both orally and in writing