Environmental Studies
Welcome to Environmental Studies!
Environmental Studies cultivates an integral understanding of the relationship between humans and their surroundings. It encompasses a rich array of places, organisms, human experiences and histories, institutions, wisdom traditions, ideas and practices of justice, and the interconnectivity of systems – physical, living and non-living, social, spiritual, cultural, and creative. We integrate approaches across three broad study areas – natural/physical sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities – as we examine and model observed phenomena, interrogate contested ideas and practices, and seek meaningful and just solutions to problems. The community of Environmental Studies embodies a big tent where the identities, gifts, talents, and experiences of each person enables a richness and depth to our work.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is a central part of environmental studies. It starts with our required course, Environmental Studies 237 (Integration and Application in Environmental Studies), extends to other courses, and then includes co-curricular experiences. We value the blending of academic study with hands-on experience in contexts outside of the conventional classroom.
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Natural Lands
The Natural Lands provide a wealth of learning experiences for our students, from casual observations to independent research, as well as aesthetic and recreational value for the entire campus and Northfield community.
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Environmental Conversations
Environmental Conversations (“EnCon”) is an optional program for first-year students at St. Olaf who want to explore questions of environmental policy, science, and values – no matter what their intended major may be.
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