Sustainability & Environmental Studies

Sustainability and Environmental Studies Courses
Fall 2026

ENV 101 - Intro to Sustainability and Environmental Studies 

This interdisciplinary, introductory seminar explores current sustainability and environmental issues from a variety of perspectives (historical, social, and scientific) and disciplines (humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences). Attitudes toward the natural world and approaches to public and private decision-making are examined in terms of environmental justice issues. Field trips are taken to examine local and regional practices and issues. CGER NSW-MBP Natural Science & Wellness: Mind, Body, & Planet

Alysa Remsburg      TuTH 7:45-9:10 am

                                  TuTh 2:15-3:40 pm 

Jan Wellik                 TuTh 11:00-12:25 pm

                                  TuTh 12:40-2:05 pm 

Richard Frost           MW 2:15-3:40 pm 

                                  MW 3:55-5:20 pm 

Margot Higgins        TBA INTERNET 

                                  TBA INTERNET 

                                  TBA INTERNET 

                                   TuTh   3:55 pm - 5:20 pm

ENV 310 - Food, Culture, and the Environment 

This course provides an opportunity to investigate reasons for our food choices and impacts of the food system. Students meet professionals in the food system and ask questions that are both personal and societal. What led to our "normal" food options? Why is food waste a big deal for the planet? How are other people affected by our food choices? Is organic farming a solution? What can we do to reduce our carbon and water footprints? To investigate these kinds of questions, the course incorporates interviews, photography, video presentations, readings, service learning, food sampling, and discussion groups. 

Alysa Remsburg          TuTh 9:25-10:50 am 

ENV 354 - Sustainability, Indigenous Knowledge, and the Environment 

This class explores sustainability through Indigenous perspectives, emphasizing relationships among people, place, and the more-than-human world. Students begin the semester by examining oral traditions and the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous people and the natural environment. Students then consider land and water management practices, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), Indigenous food systems, the Land Back Movement, Nature's Rights, and climate adaptation. Through readings, discussions, and experiential learning, students critically engage with how Indigenous knowledge can inform sustainable futures while recognizing the importance of sovereignty and reciprocity.

Margot Higgins          W 1:10-3:55 pm 

COURSES PLANNED FOR FUTURE SEMESTERS

Spring 2027 

ENV 315 Sustainability: Principles and Practices 

          Alysa Remsburg Tu/Th 2:15-3:40 PM 

ENV 316 Occupying the Driftless 

          Margot Higgins M 6:00-8:45 PM 

ENV 350 Justice, Injustice, and Activism 

          Margot Higgins W 1:10-3:55 PM 

Fall 2027 

ENV 313 Woodlands of the Driftless 

ENV 314 Bicycling the Wisconsin Landscape 

ENV 351 Feeding the Planet: Environmental Justice of our Food Systems 

Spring 2028 

ENV 311 Mississippi River : Mighty and Managed 

ENV 316 Sustainability: Principles and Practices 

ENV 352 Global Parks and Wilderness 

Fall 2028 

ENV 310 Food, Culture, and the Environment 

ENV 353 Rural Livelihoods 

ENV 354 Sustainability, Indigenous Knowledge, and the Environment 

Spring 2029 

ENV 313 Woodlands of the Driftless 

ENV 314 Bicycling the Wisconsin Landscape 

ENV 351 Feeding the Planet: Environmental Justice of our Food Systems