University of Maine at Farmington 2019-2020 Catalog

 
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Environmental Policy and Planning
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  EPP 131S - Conservation and Environment

This class examines the ideas, institutions and regulatory frameworks for protecting environments, as well as the underlying theories of natural systems that inform environmental policy. We use the tools of social science to examine contemporary conservation and environmental controversies in depth, paying close attention to issues such as environmental justice, the role of civil society organizations and citizen participation, alternatives to regulation, and the relationship between consumption and environmental degradation. Cross-listed with GEO 131S. Students may receive credit for only one the the courses. (Pass/Fail option) Every year.



Credit: 4

  EPP 204 - Introduction to GIS

This class introduces students to the recent revolution in geospatial information and technology. The course examines core concepts of spatial thinking, cartography, including the historical and ethical implications of this rapidly changing field. This is the first lab-based course in a sequence which enables students to learn the basic operation of a range of geospatial technology including, Google Earth, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and apply their knowledge to an independent research project. Cross-listed with GEO 204. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Every year.



Credit: 4

  EPP 207 - Environmental Field Methods

This course introduces the fundamentals of fieldwork-based geographical research methods and scientific report writing. The class focuses on concepts, techniques and tools pertinent to physical and environmental geography and related fields. Students will develop a toolkit of basic skills for fieldwork, data analysis and interpretation, data visualization, and presentation of results through oral, poster, and digital media. Along with a class project, students will work on group project resulting in a final report and presentation based on fieldwork and data you have collected. Cross-listed with GEO 207. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Every Fall.



Credit: 4

  EPP 231S - Environmental Issues

This course will examine the ethical, economic and cultural context of environmental issues from a geographic perspective. Case studies of policy and planning successes and failures will be used to understand the perspective of decision makers and stakeholders. Cross-listed with GEO 231S. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Pass/Fail option. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  EPP 235 - Physical Geography

This course studies the forms and processes of the physical environment.  Landscapes, climate, soils and vegetation are studied in their natural and human modified contexts with emphasis on spatial distribution.Cross-listed with GEO 235. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  EPP 238S - Forest Management: Science, Institutions, and Communities

Forested ecosystems exist under a range of administrative, economic, legal, and social contexts. Forest management is often directed at non-timber and non-forest resources, including aesthetics, water and air quality, wildlife, and more. This course focuses on the social and scientific rationales of forest management, and the divergent outcomes in various social contexts and ecological settings. Field work, site visits, and case study examples will emphasize Maine forests and management strategies. Field trips, writing, oral presentations, and group and independent inquiry are required. Cross-listed with GEO 238S. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Every Fall.



Credit: 4

  EPP 304 - Environmental GIS

This course addresses the interpretation and understanding of data and mapping. It is the second in a sequence of geographic information systems (GIS) courses leading to deeper learning and GIS certification. In classroom, lab and field settings, the course introduces fundamental concepts such as primary GIS data acquisition, database creation, data management, quantitative and qualitative techniques for classification, integration, and management of geographical data. The thematic focus of the course is environmental applications common to practitioners in planning, public health, wildlife, energy, recreation and allied career fields. Cross-listed with GEO 304. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Every year.



Credit: 4

  EPP 310 - Sustainable Development

This course focuses on environmentally sustainable development in the developing world. Emphasis is given to productive ways of conceptualizing development initiatives that address environmental integrity, education, health and gender-based development. Critiques of western-led development programs to date are also examined. Data-driven exercises and critical analysis and discussion of course reading materials further an understanding of the complexities associated with sustainable development. Cross-listed with GEO 310. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  EPP 320 - Environment, Economy, Society

This course introduces students to the ways that economies are envisioned and managed in the context of environmental impacts and social processes. Attention is devoted to the competing visions and tensions that may arise from economic activities, with investigation of these dynamics at local and global scales. Coursework includes analysis of several economic-environmental case studies and related exercises. Cross-listed with GEO 320. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  EPP 331 - Nature and Society

This course examines the relationships between nature and society from a geographic perspective. Case studies of the factors mediating human/environmental relationships illustrate the theoretical and empirical problems confronting humans in their decisions regarding resource use and management. Prerequisite(s): EPP 231, or permission of the instructor. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  EPP 340 - Sustainable Land Use

This course centers on sustainable design of urban and rural landscapes, investigating local and regional case studies of the connections between built environment and ecological systems. Students use geospatial technologies and environmental planning approaches to assess multiple factors (e.g., soils, transportation, wildlife, scenic values, infrastructure, cultural resources) that influence site planning in the context of present-day property law and environmental regulation. Cross-listed with GEO 340. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  EPP 343 - Community Planning

Community planning focuses on how people work together to improve their communities in terms of access to housing, transportation, food and agriculture, social services, economic opportunity and environmental sustainability. This course explores community planning theory and practice, including the history of professional planning, the comprehensive plan, public participation, redevelopment, and the regulatory process. This class has a major project component involving hands-on exploration of innovative planning tools. Cross-listed with GEO 343. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Every two years.



Credit: 4

  EPP 396 - Internship in Environmental Policy and Planning

The internship is an essential part of a student's development as an environmental professional. It consists of a hands-on learning experience based on a student's placement with a sponsor organization, as well as reflective work overseen by a faculty supervisor that supports the internship. Internships must be approved by the faculty supervisor as well as the sponsor organization prior to registration. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Every semester.



Credit: 1-16

  EPP 397 - Independent Study in Environmental Planning and Policy

Independent study provides an opportunity for a student to initiate, design and carry out a research project or educational activity under supervision of appropriate staff. Varies.



Credit: 4

  EPP 450 - Research in Environmental Policy and Planning

A course designed to be the capstone experience for students with an environmental policy and planning major. The course concentrates on research design, field research and data collection, analysis and presentation of data for a topic in environmental policy and planning, and writing up finding in the form of a lengthy research paper. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing. Cross-listed with GEO 450. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Every year.



Credit: 4

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