Environment, Society, and Culture
Examine social and environmental challenges from varied and diverse perspectives in order to make a positive impact on the environment.
Examine and Address Social and Environmental Conflicts
Coursework in the minor focuses on a variety of perspectives, including those related to ethics, environment, history, sociology, economics, geography, gender, public policy, and health. Rooted in experiential learning and research, the interdisciplinary minor allows for true investigation and social change.
Projects and presentations will integrate concepts and tools from multiple disciplines to address challenges on both a local and global level. You might identify what chemicals are polluting rivers and how they impact human health, or which economic practices will help end poverty and protect the natural world.
While applying principles of environmental justice, civic engagement, sustainability, and strategic policy approaches, you'll gain critical skills and a deeper understanding of how environmental issues impact society.
Program Details
Coursework in the environment, society, and culture minor will encourage you to research and respond to environmental challenges, including climate change, water pollution, air quality, food safety, loss of habitats, urbanization, and the spread of disease. Opportunities to conduct research alongside faculty or work on projects with community organizations provide you with connections, new ways of thinking and professional experience.
While pursuing this minor, you will have the option to complete an internship as part of your coursework. These internships are a great opportunity for you to gain experience, discover career paths, and meet future employers. Possible internships could include working with national park conservation, writing about sustainability issues, or conducting research on marine mammals.
The environment, society, and culture minor is made up of courses chosen by you. Explore topics in biology, chemistry, geography, environmental public health, economics, environmental science, sociology, philosophy, history, math, and women's, gender and sexuality studies. This multidisciplinary approach allows you to study areas that interest you while learning from a variety of departments and faculty members.
Blugold Stories
Courses within the environment, society, and culture minor will provide you with the awareness and tools to make a positive impact on the environment — both locally and globally. Through courses from a variety of disciplines, you will study the political, economic, and social dimensions of environmental problems; address environmental issues through scientific, socioeconomic, and ethical perspectives; and recognize the spiritual and philosophical interconnections between humans and the environment.
Here are a few courses in Environment, Society, and Culture at UW-Eau Claire.
ENPH 110
Introduction to Environmental Health
Health-oriented problems in the environment with attention directed to air and water pollution, solid waste, housing, occupational health and safety, food sanitation, animal zoonoses, ecology of health and disease, radiological health, energy, and global environmental health.
ENPH 441
Water and Wastewater
Investigative procedures, sampling techniques, analysis and treatment of water and wastewater. Emphasis on water pollution, aquatic nuisances, drinking water quality, on-site waste disposal, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, private wells, and groundwater contamination.
ENPH 150
Disease Detectives: Epidemics and Data
Introduction to disease outbreak investigation. Epidemiology as a scientific way of thinking using non-intensive mathematics including examples from current events.
Get More Info
Sign up to receive additional information about our campus.
What's Next?
