Learning to Lead Sustainably Environmental Studies Major Takes Root
Beginning this fall, Westmont offers a new environmental studies major to engage pressing climate-related issues, explore environmental stewardship through the lens of Christian theology and ethics, and examine the links between social and environmental justice.
Since adding an environmental studies minor in 2019, Westmont has hosted several national climate workshops, including Faith. Climate. Action., and the Gaede Institute’s “Liberal Arts for a Fragile Planet.” Co-curricular programs on campus such as the Oak Restoration Project, the Westmont Garden and the Westmont Biodiversity Project teach and promote sustainability.
“Widespread environmental problems rank among the most pressing global issues of our time, and their scientific, social and moral dimensions require a sophisticated, informed and compassionate response,” says Amanda Sparkman, professor of biology and environmental studies adviser. “The environmental studies major will cultivate a deep understanding of human connections to the natural world so students can analyze and debate complex environmental problems and devise constructive, imaginative solutions.”
Students will develop the knowledge and skills to engage contemporary environmental issues such as biodiversity loss, pollution, resource depletion, climate change, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and sustainable development from local to global scales. Selected courses include Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, Restoration Ecology, Animal Diversity, Land into Landscape, Environmental Politics, and Food Systems.
“Westmont is ideally posed to attract students interested in studying environmental fields, given its natural beauty from mountain to coast, and close proximity to the Channel Islands National Park and Los Padres National Forest,” says Blake Victor Kent, associate professor of sociology. “Santa Barbara itself is well known for its historic role in originating Earth Day and for its many vibrant and well-respected environmental organizations.”
A number of local environmental groups offer internships for credit, and several Westmont professors invite environmental majors to conduct research. Students may participate in off-campus summer opportunities with a Westmont Mayterm semester in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, through Au Sable in Michigan and Washington, semester-abroad programs with the Creation Care Study Program in New Zealand and Belize, and internships at Westmont Downtown.