The Environmental Studies Minor prepares students to understand and respond to the critical environmental challenges of the twenty-first century. With only one earth, whose resources are rapidly being exhausted by an ever-increasing population’s consumption, the vocation of the “good man and good citizen” is to come to a critical understanding of the environmental issues involved and to envision strategic responses of sustainability and trusteeship. Consistent with the interdisciplinary character of Hampden-Sydney College’s liberal arts tradition, the minor draws perspectives on the environment from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The minor requires students to complete coursework in each division so that they can appreciate the multi-dimensional character of the environment as viewed through scientific, political and economic, literary, and ethical and religious lenses. The minor is coordinated by a steering committee from disciplines which mirror these diverse perspectives. Students with a particular interest in environmental studies may elect to follow, in addition to the regular academic major, a coherent pattern of courses oriented to the environment. Students are introduced to both the scientific and the humanistic dimensions of environmental issues.
The requirements for the minor are (a) one of the following courses: BIOL 108, PHYS 107, or CHEM 108; (b) one additional approved course in Natural Science & Mathematics, (c) one approved course in the Social Sciences; (d) one approved course in the Humanities; (e) one additional approved course in either the Social Sciences or Humanities; and (f) INDS 372 (Capstone for Environmental Studies Seniors).
Students interested in the minor should consult the coordinator, Professor Goodman.
The following courses are approved to count towards the minor: Natural Science & Mathematics- BIOL 108, BIOL 109, BIOL 271, BIOL 349, CHEM 105, CHEM 108, PHYS 107, PHYS 108; Social Sciences- ECON 212, GVFA 234, HIST 264; Humanities- ENGL 198, ENGL 199, RELI 225. The Steering Committee will also review sections of HIST 299, RHET 360, and RHET 370 each semester to include classes that focus on environmental issues in the Social Social Sciences and Humanities requirements.
updated 7/25/2025