Sustainable Materials Management

This course introduces general terminology and principles regarding waste and sustainable materials management systems. The history of waste and materials management in California, including residential, commercial and institutional reuse, recycling, food recovery and composting programs, is addressed. An overview of state, national and global legislation and regulations related to sustainable materials management systems is provided. The course covers waste diversion practices such as reduce, reuse, recycle, and introduces principles in recovery, re-manufacturing, redesign and repurchasing.

This course will provide an overview of our "throw-away" culture and the motivations behind consumerism and related waste disposal practices. Key issues of the course include carbon footprint, plastics in our environment, consumer laws and cultural mindsets. The course will identify key government agencies and policies and how to collaborate and obtain funding for outreach. Environmental educational skills, programs, and methods will be reviewed. Case studies of successful outreach campaigns will be explored and the basics of establishing strong educational programs examined.

This course will identify how sustainable materials management systems and Zero Waste policies and programs are developed within a community, what type of planning and facilities are needed, and how to finance the systems. Students will also review sample sustainability and zero waste plans and will discuss different approaches communities have taken to developing Zero Waste goals. Students will also learn about tools for local government, best practices for RFPs (Request for Proposals) and contracts, enforcement options, design of resource recovery parks, performance reporting and financial records, Extended Producer Responsibility and Local Producer Responsibility policies and programs, bans, rules and incentives, and local markets and uses for discarded resources.

This course will provide hands-on applications and tools for businesses to design, implement and oversee waste reduction and sustainable materials management programs. It will review a variety of best practices for successful waste diversion and recovery in businesses, detailing how businesses can implement those practices to achieve Zero Waste. Examination of case studies will be used to demonstrate how different companies have implemented successful waste diversion and sustainability programs, including triple bottom line business practices. This course will also provide students with an understanding of how to plan and implement commercial food and organics programs.

This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.

This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper.

BIOL 9 recommended if not completed above

See the full list: SMC GE Area I Course (opens in new window)

ENGL 2 recommended for transfer options

See the full list: SMC GE Area III Course (opens in new window)

Food nourishes not only our bodies, but also our souls, and plays a critical role in the identity formation of individuals and groups of people in society. This course explores how different cultural systems throughout the world shape the production, distribution and consumption of food. This course utilizes a cross-cultural focus to investigate the social, cultural, and ecological aspects of food, food products, and food resources in a global, historical, and comparative perspective.

This course provides an introduction of the key topics concerning sustainability in business. In particular, an examination of business’ potential as a significant economic force to provide solutions to global environmental, social and economic challenges in the 21st century. The course will focus on how innovation can drive sustainable business activities.

This course provides an introduction to the voluntary process of sustainability reporting in business and other organizations. The Global Reporting Initiative will be highlighted as a key model for a business to build sustainable practices into its operations. Items such as team building, sustainability indicators, tracking and reporting are the areas of concentration. Students will be able to develop a beginning sustainability report for a chosen business.

This course provides an overview of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) as they relate to corporations and nonprofit organizations. Students will learn processes to build contemporary sustainability goals into the corporate culture and business model of conventional organizations. This course takes a global perspective, touching on various aspects of the global capitalist economy.

This course provides an introduction to the varied elements of social sustainability and examines what role business should play. Socially responsible leadership, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, innovation, activism and changing policies, social impacts on communities, the world’s food systems, global fair trade and impact entrepreneurs will be used to highlight the increasing attention on the need to align of business practices with essential societal needs.

This course emphasizes the application of economic theory to environmental issues and resource allocation. It evaluates the potential role of government in implementing environmental policy to solve issues related to market failure. It also explores the ecological approach to environmental issues, connecting economic systems with natural ecosystems. ECON 4 is the same course as ENVRN 4. Students may earn credit for one but not both.

This course emphasizes the application of economic theory to environmental issues and resource allocation. It evaluates the potential role of government in implementing environmental policy to solve issues related to market failure. It also explores the ecological approach to environmental issues, connecting economic systems with natural ecosystems. ECON 4 is the same course as ENVRN 4. Students may earn credit for one but not both.

This course surveys environmental history of the United States from earliest human migration to the present, focusing on the complex and consequential ways people have perceived, relied on, interacted with, and been impacted by the natural world. Topics include diverse patterns of interaction with land, water, plants, animals, and energy sources, as well as the economic, political, social, cultural, technological and global aspects of these patterns.

This course introduces the field of environmental ethics with an emphasis on global environmental problems and global citizenship. The conceptual foundations of environmental attitudes and values are examined through an historical survey of philosophies of nature and human/nature relations. Ethical theories are presented and used to analyze contemporary environmental problems, e.g. mistreatment of animals, pollution, climate change, species extinction, natural resource depletion, environmental racism etc. The ethical assumptions underlying various national and international responses to environmental problems will be analyzed and evaluated.

This course examines environmental politics. The political, economic, and social origins of environmental change and degradation are examined, as well as democratic, bureaucratic and market-based solutions to environmental problems advocated by environmental movements, interest groups and political parties. Arguments for best public policy responses to a range of environmental problems will be assessed and debated. The course offers a practical problem-solving approach focusing primarily on the relations between a range of contemporary political values and on what it means to take political responsibility for reducing the human impact on the earth.

This course surveys global environmental history from early human evolution to the present, focusing on the complex and consequential ways people have perceived, relied on, interacted with and been impacted by the natural world. Topics include the diverse patterns of interaction with land, water, plants, animals, and energy sources, as well as their economic, political, social, cultural, and technological aspects in the local, regional, and global context.

This course will focus on the theory and application of psychological principles as they relate to the causes of, and potential solutions to, current global environmental problems. Modern ecological issues (such as global climate change, habitat-loss, etc.) have their historical origin in human behavior; this class will focus both on relevant causal behaviors, and on the mental mechanisms that give rise to such behavior. An evolutionary perspective will be employed to identify the pathways by which the clash of a “universal human nature” and the modern environment results in an “evolutionary mismatch.” Evolutionary models such as the “tragedy of the commons” will be elucidated with relevant and real world examples. In addition, the course will explore potential avenues to effectively reshape human kind’s social, technological and economic relationship with its environment. As such, a systems approach will be taken that considers the human as a part of, as well as an influence on, ecosystems. Cutting edge research will be integrated from different domains of psychology (cognitive, social, developmental and evolutionary, etc.) as well as related fields (genetics, behavioral economics, game-theory, anthropology, etc.) to comprehensively study the human-environment interaction.

This course surveys environmental history of the United States from earliest human migration to the present, focusing on the complex and consequential ways people have perceived, relied on, interacted with, and been impacted by the natural world. Topics include diverse patterns of interaction with land, water, plants, animals, and energy sources, as well as the economic, political, social, cultural, technological and global aspects of these patterns.

This course surveys global environmental history from early human evolution to the present, focusing on the complex and consequential ways people have perceived, relied on, interacted with and been impacted by the natural world. Topics include the diverse patterns of interaction with land, water, plants, animals, and energy sources, as well as their economic, political, social, cultural, and technological aspects in the local, regional, and global context.

This course provides a detailed introduction to the concepts, principles, systems, and materials of sustainable design for interiors and architecture. Students learn compatible approaches to renewable, healthy and environmentally responsive design affecting the local and global client.

This course introduces the field of environmental ethics with an emphasis on global environmental problems and global citizenship. The conceptual foundations of environmental attitudes and values are examined through an historical survey of philosophies of nature and human/nature relations. Ethical theories are presented and used to analyze contemporary environmental problems, e.g. mistreatment of animals, pollution, climate change, species extinction, natural resource depletion, environmental racism etc. The ethical assumptions underlying various national and international responses to environmental problems will be analyzed and evaluated.

This course examines environmental politics. The political, economic, and social origins of environmental change and degradation are examined, as well as democratic, bureaucratic and market-based solutions to environmental problems advocated by environmental movements, interest groups and political parties. Arguments for best public policy responses to a range of environmental problems will be assessed and debated. The course offers a practical problem-solving approach focusing primarily on the relations between a range of contemporary political values and on what it means to take political responsibility for reducing the human impact on the earth.

This course will focus on the theory and application of psychological principles as they relate to the causes of, and potential solutions to, current global environmental problems. Modern ecological issues (such as global climate change, habitat-loss, etc.) have their historical origin in human behavior; this class will focus both on relevant causal behaviors, and on the mental mechanisms that give rise to such behavior. An evolutionary perspective will be employed to identify the pathways by which the clash of a “universal human nature” and the modern environment results in an “evolutionary mismatch.” Evolutionary models such as the “tragedy of the commons” will be elucidated with relevant and real world examples. In addition, the course will explore potential avenues to effectively reshape human kind’s social, technological and economic relationship with its environment. As such, a systems approach will be taken that considers the human as a part of, as well as an influence on, ecosystems. Cutting edge research will be integrated from different domains of psychology (cognitive, social, developmental and evolutionary, etc.) as well as related fields (genetics, behavioral economics, game-theory, anthropology, etc.) to comprehensively study the human-environment interaction.

This survey course covers ecological principles including ecosystem structure and function, population dynamics and the interdependence of living organisms. Current environmental issues and controversies such as global warming, biodiversity and species extinction, habitat destruction, food and energy resources and pollution will be explored. Strategies for sustainable living will be emphasized.

This course introduces students to basic concepts of environmental biology through the study of evolution, ecology, and conservation biology. The course is designed for both major and non-major environmental science students. It is intended both as preparation for upper division Environmental Science classes, but also as general education for all students interested in a more in-depth understanding of current biological and environmental issues. By the end of the course, students should be able to use scientifically sound information to critically analyze complex environmental issues from around the world. Students will gather and analyze basic research data and apply the scientific method to conservation-related projects. Laboratory and field experiments are integrated and stress scientific methodology and thinking.

This introductory course will use an interdisciplinary approach to provide students with a broad perspective on environmental problems and solutions. Students will be introduced to the strategies used by scientists, economists, political analysts and other writers and researchers to investigate and analyze environmental and urban issues, human/nature relationships, natural and built environments, and environmental citizenship.

This course is a survey of earth’s atmosphere, with special reference to the causes and regional distribution of weather and climate. The nature and causes of winds, clouds, precipitation, severe storms, and global climate change is studied. Students will learn techniques of local weather observation and prediction.

This introductory course will use an interdisciplinary approach to provide students with a broad perspective on environmental problems and solutions. Students will be introduced to the strategies used by scientists, economists, political analysts and other writers and researchers to investigate and analyze environmental and urban issues, human/nature relationships, natural and built environments, and environmental citizenship.

This course explores the geologic causes of climate change and explores how climate has varied in the geologic past. The course will investigate how the oceans and atmosphere regulate both climate and weather today. Moreover, it will examine human contributions to current warming, and how policy decisions shape future emission scenarios. The course will also highlight societal impacts of current and future emission scenarios.

This course provides a general introduction to Cartography, broadly defined as the art, science, and ethics of map making and map use. The emphases include map scale, map projection, reference and thematic map reading, symbolization and map design. A variety of modern geospatial technologies and tools are covered, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), Remote Sensing, and web mapping. The course includes both lecture and hands-on application.

This course introduces students to the basic concepts of remote sensing, characteristics of remote sensors, and remote sensing applications in academic disciplines and professional industries. Emphases are placed on remote sensing data acquisition; digital image processing and interpretation. The course is designed for students interested in the Earth Observing System, environmental monitoring techniques, and image analysis.

This course illustrates geologic processes that have shaped and continue to shape Earth. Topics include plate tectonics, minerals, rocks, hazards associated with volcanoes, earthquakes, and other geologic processes, geologic time, mountain building, fossil fuels and other geologic resources, processes that change landscapes, and climate change. Upon completion of this course, the student will have a greater awareness and understanding of their constantly changing environment.

This course is an introduction to geologic hazards and resources. The primary focus is geologic settings that produce regions with different types of geologic hazards, the specific hazards and mitigation techniques associated with those regions, and the formation and utilization of geologic resources. Topics include earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and groundwater, fossil fuels, rock and mineral resources, and problems associated with resource use.

This course presents an introduction to geologic processes that have shaped the Earth. Lecture topics include formation of the Earth, plate tectonics, rocks, minerals, earthquakes, geologic structures, geologic time, coastal processes, and groundwater. Laboratory exercises expand this information by dealing with rock and mineral identification, topographic and geologic map interpretation, and the interpretation aerial photographs. Upon completion of this course, the student will have a good understanding of the processes that form major features on Earth.

This course explores the geologic causes of climate change and explores how climate has varied in the geologic past. The course will investigate how the oceans and atmosphere regulate both climate and weather today. Moreover, it will examine human contributions to current warming, and how policy decisions shape future emission scenarios. The course will also highlight societal impacts of current and future emission scenarios.

This course provides the student with an understanding of the physical and geological aspect of oceanography. Lecture topics include the origin of the oceans, plate tectonics, seafloor topography, waves, beaches, estuaries, lagoons, and lakes. Completion of this course will give the student a greater knowledge of the fascinating and dynamic world of the oceans.

This course provides a general introduction to Cartography, broadly defined as the art, science, and ethics of map making and map use. The emphases include map scale, map projection, reference and thematic map reading, symbolization and map design. A variety of modern geospatial technologies and tools are covered, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), Remote Sensing, and web mapping. The course includes both lecture and hands-on application.

This course focuses on utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in real world applications such as disaster management, crime analysis, environmental sustainability analysis, and marketing. Students will use ArcGIS and other open source GIS software to process, analyze and map geospatial data, extract geospatial information, and develop geospatial wisdom. Emphases are placed on developing geospatial thinking and utilizing GIS to answer geospatial questions.