There are multiple pathways to appreciating the ecological complexity and wonder of the earth we inhabit. Whether discussing aspects of sustainability or its philosophical tilt, environmental studies will prepare you to address complex issues.

Why environmental studies at Sewanee?

The expansive curriculum of the environmental studies program—including natural and social sciences as well as the humanities and fine arts—offers so many avenues for you to explore. The program’s spread of curricular options will enable you to develop not only depth of exposure to certain fields and methodologies of study, but also cross-disciplinary breadth of understanding.

A major asset of the Environmental Studies program at Sewanee is the unparalleled opportunity for field study available throughout the University’s 13,000-acre land-base, commonly known as “the Domain,” and its "living laboratory" for inquiry. This extensive tract includes extensive woodlands, lakes, trails, caves, and bluffs that surround the central campus and encompass the residential village of Sewanee.

A Sampling of Courses

Walking the Land
Environmental Studies

A field-oriented geology and writing course, conducted on the Cumberland Plateau and surrounding areas. The emphasis will be on observation of geological features, particularly geomorphology, and how these relate to other natural parts of the landscape. Historical aspects of human use of the land will also be emphasized. Extensive walking and hiking.

ENST 100
Foundations of Food and Agriculture
Environmental Studies

Integrating local, regional, and global perspectives, this course outlines the history of agriculture, introduces the development of food systems and policy, and reviews the environmental impact of food production. Topics include the history of agricultural expansion in the US, the development of agriculture and food policies, interaction among agricultural markets at home and abroad, and sustainable agriculture. Field opportunities include garden activities and local trips that relate broader issues to the way livelihoods are pursued on the Cumberland Plateau.

ENST 201
Environmental Ethics
Philosophy

Examines a wide range of controversial issues concerning the moral responsibilities of human beings toward the natural environment with special attention to competing philosophical theories on the moral status of non-human species and natural ecosystems.

PHIL 230
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Environmental Studies

Programs of Study & Related Programs

Requirements for the Minor in Environmental Studies

Requirements for the Minor in Archaeology | Website

Requirements for the Major in Environment & Sustainability | Website

Requirements for the Major in Environmental Arts & Humanities | Website

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Forestry | Website

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Geology | Website

Requirements for the Major in Natural Resources & the Environment | Website

Requirements for the Minor in Religion & Environment | Website

Meet some professors

Russell Fielding
russell.fielding@sewanee.edu

Russell completed graduate degrees in geography at the University of Montana (MA, 2005) and at Louisiana State University (PhD, 2010). He studied the literatures of cultural geography, environmental history, anthropology, and human ecology. Working to follow the example of the great Berkeley geographer, Carl O. Sauer, he considers himself "an earth scientist with a slant toward biogeography, of which [humans are] a part." (Leighly 1976, 342) He seeks to apply his training toward addressing real human and environmental problems among the cultures and ecosystems of the Caribbean.

Assistant Professor of Environment and Sustainability
Daniel C. Carter
dccarter@sewanee.edu

Daniel Carter is currently teaching courses in Environmental Policy, Introduction to Environmental Studies, Environmental Education, and Land-use Policy. Daniel was born, raised and currently lives on a cattle and sheep farm in the Sewanee region and has a passion for land conservation. His research involves analyzing the cultural, financial, and environmental impacts of land-use change in the south Cumberland Plateau as timber companies have divested thousands of acres for development purposes in recent years.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies
Keri Watson
klwatson@sewanee.edu

Keri Watson is a Sewanee graduate with a Ph.D. in Natural Resources from the University of Vermont. She specializes in environment and sustainability.

Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Systems
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Contact

Sarah C. Sherwood
Associate Professor and University Archaeologist

sherwood@sewanee.edu

Snowden Hall 220, Ext. 3396

C. Ken Smith
Professor and Assistant Dean of the Environment

ksmith@sewanee.edu

Cleveland Annex 101A, Snowden Hall 209, Ext. 3219

The Domain: An Immersive Experience

Integrated Program in the Environment
6 Majors, 6 Minors, 13,000 Acres

Sewanee's Integrated Program in the Environment is one of the premier collections of environmental offerings in the country. A working farm, a 13,000-acre forest, and well-funded internships offer opportunities to apply your classroom learning. An expansive curriculum—including natural and social sciences as well as the humanities and fine arts—offers students multiple pathways for gaining an understanding of the ecological complexity and wonder of the earth we inhabit.

Explore Your Options
Sustainability & Stewardship
Hand-on Experience

The Office of Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability offers students a variety of opportunities to get involved with land management, sustainable practices, etc.

Get Involved
The University Farm
Where Growth Happens

The University Farm seeks to give you a transformative experience through the immersive and intimate practice of restorative agriculture. The Farm offers opportunities to enhance your education and connect with the history of agriculture—especially how these ideas affect the plateau. And if you’re lucky, there will be some baby goats around during finals.

Yes, I love baby goats