Course Descriptions

HIST 3655/CRN 83848 (advanced, liberal)

Instructor: Kate Dermody, M.S.

This study will examine the history of the Adirondacks through the lens of a critical paradox: how can humans preserve our natural beauty while allowing public access to these places? The study will first investigate the pull factors and industries of the Adirondacks and the effects on the conservation movements. Students will read William H.H. Murray’s writings and explore historical promotional images of the Adirondacks. This class will first investigate the pull factors and industries of the Adirondacks, and the effects on the conservation movements. Students will examine the future of conservation, tourism, and the role of gender, class, and race in the Adirondacks.

Meets SUNY General Education requirements?

Yes, American History and US History and Civic Engagement

BIOL 2204/CRN 83843 (introductory, liberal)

Instructor: Nikki Shrimpton, Ph.D.

Our human ancestors depended on plants for food, shelter, medicine, and clothing. Plants also had a key role in religion and mythology. Knowledge of plants and their uses was vital for survival for early peoples, and many cultures today still depend on plants for many of their resources. In this course, students will learn about plant biology and the role of plants in societies throughout the world. Ethnobotanical field methods will be introduced and students will engage in field/practical activities. Other topics for exploration and discussion will include conservation, sustainable development, bioprospecting, and intellectual property rights.

Meets SUNY General Education requirements?

Yes, Natural Science

BIOL 2210/CRN 83844 (introductory, liberal)

Instructor: Kevin Woo, Ph.D.

In this residency course, students will learn about the behavioral ecology and evolution of animals, and understand how they experience their perceptual world and navigate the ecological challenges that allowed them to survive or become extinct. Students will be introduced to the core conceptual, theoretical, and applied aspects in the interdisciplinary field of animal behavior. In particular, they will examine various topics in this field, such as communication, mate selection, sexual selection, neuroethology, cultural transmission, learning, and personality. Note: Students taking this residency course should not also take Animal Behavior (BIOL 2208).

Prerequisites: Introductory Biology or Introductory Psychology (PSYC 1005).

Meets SUNY General Education requirements?

Yes, Natural Science

ENSC 3008/CRN 83845 (advanced, liberal)

Instructor: Linda Jones, Ph.D.

In 1916, the US government established the National Park Service in an effort to conserve unique and breathtaking landforms and ecosystems for the enjoyment of future generations. In this study, students explore North American geology, physical geography, and ecology through their examination of the national parks. Students will compare approaches to the conservation and management of natural environments. They will consider possible answers to the paradox: How do conservationists and park managers preserve natural areas which are constantly changing? Prior to taking this course, students must have taken an introductory earth science or environmental science study, or equivalent College writing or critical thinking study, or equivalent.

Meets SUNY General Education requirements?

Yes, Natural Science

PHOT 1040/CRN 83849 (introductory, liberal)

Instructor: Terry Boddie, M.F.A.

The ability of photography to document the human impact on the natural environment over the past several decades has created a vast body of images. These images have made us more aware of the danger that this human intrusion has created for future generations. The work of photographers and artists such as Edward Burtynsky, Vik Muniz, and others has shifted the dialogue from one of observation of the consequence of this human impact to a dialog about how damages to the environment can be corrected. NOTE: Students may take either the introductory or advanced level of this course but not both.

Meets SUNY General Education requirements?

Yes, The Arts

CRJS 3996/CRN 83859 (advanced, liberal)

Instructor: Brian Frederick, Ph.D.

Murder in the Adirondacks is an immersive three-day residency designed for students in the field of criminal justice and related disciplines. Exploring the complexities of rural crime, particularly murder, the in-person residency takes place amidst the serene yet intriguing landscape of the Adirondacks. The program offers a unique exploration of criminal behavior specific to this rural region, encompassing various case studies, investigative methodologies, and the socio-cultural influences on criminal activities in rural settings. The residency will feature guest speakers from state and local law enforcement who will offer invaluable insights and firsthand experiences in handling and solving cases in the Adirondacks. Participants can expect to engage in discussions, workshops, and practical sessions, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and nuances involved in investigating and prosecuting crimes in rural environments.

Meets SUNY General Education requirements?

No

ENST 3010/CRN 83856 (advanced, liberal)

Instructor: Duncan RyanMann Ph.D.

In this interdisciplinary course, students investigate efforts to create systems of sustainable agriculture in both the developed and the developing world. Students examine current and traditional agricultural practices and their use of water, soil, and other resources from a critical sustainability perspective. Students also learn about economic, political, social, and technological forces that influence agriculture and efforts to move agricultural practices in a sustainable direction. According to the UN, the world's population is projected to grow from roughly 7 billion people today to over 9 billion people in 2050. Feeding an additional 2 billion people will put further stresses on the environment, particularly water and soil resources. In addition, many people in the developing world as well as some in the developed world are struggling today to maintain healthy diets.  

Meets SUNY General Education requirements?

Yes, Social Science