Explore, discover, enroll: Must-take courses for fall semester

Elena Mathern, BS ‘25, Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management

Fall registration is right around the corner. Here are some unique courses for students interested in a variety of subjects.

Explore equity, sustainability, and social change

Explore the laws, ethics, and science behind sustainability and environmental justice.

ESPM 3004: Environmental justice in natural resource management

Who bears the most significant burden of environmental harm, and why? Uncover the answer to this question and other hidden truths through a class that explores the social, political, and economic forces driving environmental inequalities. Through case studies, team projects, and critical discussions, you’ll examine the history and principles of the environmental justice movement while analyzing real-world efforts to address systemic disparities.

CSPH 3301: Food choices: Healing the Earth, healing ourselves

This course explores the deep connections between nutrition, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Engage in thought-provoking discussions on how our diets shape ecosystems, labor practices, and global food security, empowering you to make informed, ethical choices for a healthier world (prerequisite: junior or senior undergraduates, or instructor consent).

SUST 3003: Sustainable people, sustainable planet

This course is the perfect introduction to sustainability studies, offering an interdisciplinary look at the challenges and solutions shaping our world. In an engaging classroom environment, you’ll examine global economic justice, environmental sustainability, and the systems that link them. This course is ideal for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact on the planet and society!

“In SUST3003, we focused a lot on closed-loop systems, how one action could affect something that you’d never think would be affected, which has opened my mind to think of the consequences of my actions, which could be applied to any professional setting.” 

Discover the world hidden beneath our feet

Learn about the hidden forces shaping ecosystems and agriculture.

SOIL 2601: The social life of soil

Soil is alive—teeming with microbes that cooperate, compete, and wage chemical warfare beneath our feet. This class uncovers the hidden world of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that shape plant health, nutrient cycles, and ecosystem stability. Explore how microbial alliances shift, how some microbes defend plants while others attack, and why fostering a thriving soil ecosystem is crucial for agriculture and food security.

AGRO 1103: Crops, environment, and society

This class covers the science and impact of crop production, from the history of agriculture to modern sustainability challenges. Students learn how soil, climate, and human culture influence where and how plants are grown and analyze the tradeoffs between economic, social, and environmental outcomes, with hands-on lab experiences and real-world case studies.

ENT 3025: Pesticides: Miracle products or technological nightmares?

Pesticides have revolutionized agriculture, medicine, and public health, but at what cost? This course takes a deep dive into the scientific, historical, and societal impacts of pesticide use—from their origins in nature to their role in modern industry. Explore the balance between pest control and unintended consequences, analyzing the environmental, health, and ethical debates surrounding these powerful chemicals. With no prerequisites, this class is great for anyone curious about the intersection of science, policy, and sustainability in an era of global population growth (online only).

Creativity meets culture

Consider a hands-on course in horticulture. 

HORT 1113: Floral design

Floral design introduces students to the art and technique of floral arrangement, blending creativity with practical skills. This course covers fundamental design principles and elements, from crafting wedding bouquets and corsages to creating decorative displays using fresh and dried materials. Whether you're interested in professional floral design or simply want to enhance your at-home arrangements, this hands-on course provides the skills and inspiration to bring floral artistry to life.

HORT 1015: Plant families for plant people

Forget endless slideshows—this course brings learning outdoors into the fresh air, as you tour beautiful campus landscapes and vibrant plant production systems. Led by Professor Brandon Miller, it is designed for anyone curious about the plants surrounding us daily. Discover firsthand the secrets of over 150 woody and herbaceous plants, learning to identify them by sight, touch, and even smell! 

Unexpected perspectives on history

Explore how horses, insects, and fashion have shaped human civilization.

ANSC 1701: Historical influence of the horse on society

During this course, you will explore the deep and evolving relationship between humans and horses throughout history. From transportation and warfare to agriculture and sport, horses have profoundly shaped civilization. In this course, students will step into the role of historians—framing questions, analyzing sources, and constructing reasoned arguments to interpret the impact of horses on society. Through critical thinking and historical inquiry, students will uncover the enduring significance of these mighty animals in human history.

ENT 2884: The six-legged conquerors: How insects have shaped human history

Insects have shaped human history in ways far beyond what meets the eye. The Six-Legged Conquerors: How Insects Have Shaped Human History explores the surprising and profound impact of insects, from deciding the outcomes of wars through disease to driving key industries like textiles and agriculture. Discover how insects have influenced spiritual beliefs, scientific discoveries, and modern technology. Through historical inquiry and entomological insights, this course reveals the fascinating ways these tiny creatures continue to shape our world.

ADES 3121: History of fashion, 19th to 21st century

Take advantage of being close to the College of Design by taking this class! This is a great opportunity for those interested in fashion, history, or cultural studies; this course offers a dynamic look at how clothing tells the story of our past and present. By examining the influences of gender, race, and class on style and society, students will engage with research methods in fashion history and gain hands-on experience analyzing garments from the Goldstein Museum of Design.