Sustainability

PCC's academic sustainability committee, SPARC (Sustainable Practices for Academics and Resources Council) has identified courses in the current catalog as having a sustainability focus. 

A Focus Award in Sustainability is also offered.

Architecture Design & Drafting

ARCH 131. Sustainable Building Strategies. 4 Credits.

Focuses on creating buildings that are sited, designed, constructed, operated and maintained for the health and well-being of the occupants, while minimizing impact on the environment. Prerequisite: ARCH 101 or INSP 151. Audit available.

ARCH 204. Green Residential Studio. 4 Credits.

Covers advanced study of sustainable building design and systems, applied to residential buildings. Includes site analysis, passive technologies, and use of sustainable building materials. Involves application of concepts applied to an actual house design in a studio format. Prerequisites: ARCH 101, ARCH 113, ARCH 122, ARCH 126. Prerequisite/concurrent: ARCH 131 and ARCH 224. Audit available.

ARCH 224. Active and Passive Building Systems. 4 Credits.

Covers environmental building systems for residential applications and evaluation of building performance. Prerequisite: ARCH 101, ARCH 124. Audit available.

ARCH 280. Cooperative Education:Architectural Design and Drafting. 1-4 Credit.

Work or observe on approved job sites. Student receives as varied and complete an experience as possible under job conditions. Credits are variable and based on the number of clock hours student spends on job site. Must be coordinated with the supervisor, instructor, and cooperative education specialist. Department permission required.

Biology

BI 101. Biology I. 4 Credits.

Introduces the properties of life, morphology and physiology of cells, cell chemistry, energy transformation, and the basic principles of ecology. Designed as a laboratory science course for non-biology majors. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

BI 103. Biology III. 4 Credits.

Presents the evolutionary relationships among the kingdoms. Includes a comparison of biological systems across kingdoms. Designed as a laboratory science course for non-biology majors. Prerequisites: BI 101, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

BI 141. Habitats: Life of the Forest. 4 Credits.

Examines the structure and function of forest ecosystems with a focus on the Pacific Northwest. Covers distribution and interactions of plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as physical factors such as climate, soil, and water. Emphasizes plant identification, field sampling, and environmental testing in laboratory component. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

BI 142. Habitats: Marine Biology. 4 Credits.

Provides a survey of basic ecological principles related to marine ecosystems, with a focus on local habitats and organisms. Discusses interconnectedness of human societies and marine systems. Includes a laboratory component that explores biological and physical aspects of marine systems. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

BI 143. Habitats: Freshwater Biology. 4 Credits.

Provides a survey of basic ecological principles related to freshwater ecosystems, including streams, lakes and wetlands, with a focus on local habitats and organisms. Discusses the interconnectedness of human societies and freshwater systems. Includes a laboratory component that explores biological, chemical, and physical aspects of freshwater systems. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

BI 145. Intro. to Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Management. 4 Credits.

Introduces ecological principles and fundamental concepts of fish and wildlife conservation and management. Explores the human-wildlife relationship and the legal, economical, and ethical aspects of conservation and management. Presents field techniques for identifying and assessing wildlife and biodiversity. Includes fieldwork. Recommended: BI 101 or equivalent. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

BI 160. Ecology/Field Biology: Coast. 2 Credits.

Field trip experience designed to introduce the relationships among plants, animals and the general geologic formation of various life zones for the Oregon Coast. Audit available.

BI 161. Ecology/Field Bio: Great Basin. 2 Credits.

Introduces the relationships among plants, animals and the general geological formations of various life zones for the Great Basin and/or Cascades geographical areas through a field trip experience. Audit available.

BI 163. Organic Gardening. 4 Credits.

Introduces the structure and function of soils including the soil food web, composting and compost tea, and the basics of biogeochemical cycling. Explores basic plant anatomy and the growing of flowers, vegetables and fruits in the Pacific Northwest. Includes discussion of organic pest control, beneficial insects, and pruning and grafting and exploration of these concepts in laboratory. Recommended: Introductory high school biology course or equivalent experience. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

BI 164. Bird Identification and Ecology. 4 Credits.

Introduces the biology of birds of the Pacific Northwest. Emphasizes learning bird identification in the field by sight and sounds. Covers the study of avian ecology, natural history and behavior. Introduces field techniques for identifying and studying birds. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

BI 200B. Principles of Ecology: Field Biology. 4 Credits.

Introduces concepts of ecology and biodiversity. Covers distribution of organisms and their interactions with their environment. Explores physical factors of ecosystems such as climate, soil, and water. Introduces field sampling, environmental testing, and exploration of factors affecting biodiversity. Often involves regional or international travel. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

BI 213. Principles of Biology III. 5 Credits.

Includes the process of science, evolution, systematics, and ecology. The third of a three-course sequence for students majoring in biology and the sciences, including pre-medical, pre-dental, chiropractic, pharmacy, and related fields. Prerequisite: BI 212. Audit available.

BI 280A. Cooperative Education: Biology. 1-10 Credit.

Offers relevant experience in the field or laboratory in an area of biology or environmental sciences. Provides an opportunity to make a cooperative education training agreement with an instructor, an employer/supervisor, and a cooperative education specialist. Prerequisite: BI 101 or BI 211, and instructor permission. Audit available.

Building Construction Technology

BCT 116. Alternative Building Design. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to natural green building principles used in the design and construction of alternative buildings such as straw bale, cobb and rammed earth. Student team will develop designs by constructing scaled models, and will then prepare and deliver presentations that defend and promote their designs. Audit available.

BCT 206. Sustainable Construction Practices. 3 Credits.

Introduces the environmental, economical, and human consequences resulting from conventional building practices and the need for sustainable design and construction. Audit available.

Business Administration

BA 278. Eco-Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship. 4 Credits.

Introduces the social, economic and environmental pillars of sustainability, and social entrepreneurship within the business environment with a focus on global, domestic and internal business methods, practices and policies. Investigates sustainable business, social innovation and intrapreneurship evolution and trends. Includes opportunities to interact with local social entrepreneurs, analyze initiatives, and develop market-based solutions to social problems. Examines individual and corporate decision-making and best practices. Includes team projects and a community-based service learning experience. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

BA 280A. Cooperative Education: Business Experience. 1-6 Credit.

Offers relevant field experience in business environments in one of the following areas: bookkeeping, marketing, management, international business, advertising, banking, purchasing, investment, finance and customer services (sales or credit services). Allows exploration of career options. Course may be repeated for up to 12 credits. Prerequisite: Completion of 12 BA credits and instructor permission.

BA 280B. Cooperative Education: Business Experience - Seminar. 1 Credit.

Supplements on-the-job experience through feedback sessions, instruction in job-related areas, and linkages to the student's on-campus program. Co-requisite: BA 280A Prerequisite: Department permission required.

Chemistry

CH 100. Everyday Chemistry with Lab. 4 Credits.

Introduces chemistry related topics pertaining to everyday life. Includes topics such as renewable energy, clean air and water and global climate change using a relatively nonmathematical approach. Includes atomic/molecular structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, acids/bases and the social and environmental role of chemistry. Recommended for non-science majors to fulfill the Gen Ed science with lab requirement. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

Economics

EC 221. Globalization and International Relations. 4 Credits.

Provides an introductory survey of economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions of globalization and evaluates their impacts on international relations. Examines patterns of conflict and cooperation among countries including the influence of international institutions, NGOs, and global corporations. Introduces selected issues such as war and peace, global security, environment, elites and concentration of power, wealth and income distribution, cultural and ethnic identities and explores possible peaceful solutions to these global problems. PS 221, EC 221 and SOC 221 are equivalent and only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Social Sciences/SS

EC 285. Introduction to Political Economy. 4 Credits.

Covers specific topics related to the United States economy from a systems/institutional perspective. Includes key institutions that make up the U.S. economy such as, corporations, government, the market system, labor unions, monetary and financial institutions, and others. Examines three problem areas: environmental degradation and resource depletion; social and political inequality; and economic instability. Introduces possible solutions based on institutional change and develops viable economic alternatives based on principles of environmental sustainability, equity and economic stability. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Social Sciences/SS

Electronic Engineering Technology

EET 110. Introduction to Renewable Energy. 3 Credits.

Introduces sustainability and renewable energy (RE) sources and technologies including PV and solar thermal, geothermal, biomass, biodiesel, fuel cell, wind, hydro, ocean wave, photovoltaic, etc. Covers RE environmental issues, demand and distribution management, and green and RE career opportunities, etc. Prerequisites: WR 121Z. Prerequisite/concurrent: MTH 111Z; or department approval. Audit available.

Environmental Studies

ESR 140. Introduction to Sustainability. 4 Credits.

Introduces the theories, principles, and practices of sustainability and their applications. Includes discussions on maintaining ecological and environmental integrity, human health and well-being, and economic viability. May include off-site field trips, physical activity, and hands-on learning opportunities. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

ESR 141. Introduction to Individual Sustainability. 4 Credits.

Introduces theory, principles and practices of sustainability and their applications at the individual scale. Addresses a wide range of topics at the individual level including the built world, water, and energy; transportation options; wise purchasing; sustainable agriculture and food choices; recycling and waste reduction; recreation and its effects on the environment; restoring natural environments and connections between health and the environment. May include off-site field trips, physical activity, and hands-on learning opportunities. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

ESR 171. Environmental Science: Biological Perspectives. 4 Credits.

Covers environmental topics that are primarily biological in nature, including ecosystem functions, biodiversity, human population issues, agricultural practices, and environmental ethics. Laboratory exercises illustrate these topics and may include fieldwork. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

ESR 172. Environmental Science: Chemical Perspectives. 4 Credits.

Covers environmental topics that are primarily chemical in nature, including water and water pollution, environmental hazards and human health, pests and pest control, solid waste, hazardous waste, and air pollution. Laboratory exercises illustrate these topics and may include fieldwork. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

ESR 173. Environmental Science: Geological Perspectives. 4 Credits.

Covers environmental topics that relate to the intersection of geological processes and materials with society, including fundamental principles of geosciences, soil resources, hydrogeology, nonrenewable and renewable energy resources, and global climate change. Laboratory exercises illustrate these topics and may include fieldwork. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

ESR 201. Applied Environmental Studies: Science/Policy Consideration. 4 Credits.

Covers environmental laws and the regulations promulgated under them. Introduces the legal system of the United States as well as the genesis of important federal environmental laws and the history of compliance and violation. Prerequisite: ESR 200. Audit available.

ESR 204. Introduction to Environmental Restoration. 4 Credits.

Develops an understanding of ecological theories and practices of environmental restoration using local and global case studies. Provides opportunities to engage in hands-on experience with restoration projects in a variety of ecosystems, and at different stages of the restoration process. Includes fieldwork. Prerequisites: ESR 171 or ESR 200 or BI 143, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

Geography

GEO 106. World Regional Geography. 4 Credits.

Examines the human and environmental factors shaping world regions. Includes information on spatial patterns of economic development, natural resources, international trade, population and migration, and cultural landscapes. Analyzes each region as part of the larger global community, with specific emphasis on current issues and trends. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS

GEO 212. Geography of Global Issues. 4 Credits.

Examines human and environment interaction as they relate to current issues of cultural, economic, and political globalization. Includes issues on global spatial patterns of agricultural production and hunger, economic development and poverty, population and migration, conflict and security, human rights, climate change and environmental justice. Illustrates geographic concepts using local, regional, and global examples. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS

Geology

G 184. Global Climate Change. 4 Credits.

Covers characteristics of Earth's climate system. Includes the atmosphere, ocean, biosphere, and solid Earth as well as past, present, and future climate change and future mitigation and adaptation efforts. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Science, Math, and Computer Sci/SCI

Gerontology

Health

HE 264. Food Systems and Public Health. 4 Credits.

Examines the connections among diet, industrial and sustainable agriculture, the environment, and public health. Explores factors such as equity, food insecurity, food justice, sustainability, and the historical, economic and political forces that have shaped food systems both nationally and globally. May include community-based learning. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Social Sciences/SS

HE 278. Human Health and the Environment. 3 Credits.

Examines the interconnected relationship between the environment and human health. Explores how the natural, built, and social environments impact human health as well as how humans impact the health of the planet. Analyzes factors that influence human and environmental health including public policies, communities, organizational structures, interpersonal relationships and individual factors. Focuses on environmental justice, advocacy, climate change, toxins, food systems, air pollution, land use, and water issues. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Social Sciences/SS

Horticulture

HOR 285. Permaculture Design. 7 Credits.

Covers principles of permaculture for both urban & rural applications and sustainable human settlements. Covers landscape analysis, ecological planning & design methods, organic food production, food security, natural soil improvement, integrated animal systems, water harvesting, conservation and management, forest gardening, techniques and design strategies. Audit available.

Interior Design

ID 121. Sustainable Materials for Residential Interiors. 3 Credits.

Covers the environmental impact of materials used in residential interior design. Includes analysis and evaluation of materials based on multiple types of criteria and information. Prerequisites: ID 100, ID 131, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement.

Landscape Technology

LAT 272. Sustainable Landscaping. 3 Credits.

Covers methods used to protect and conserve natural systems and resources within the landscape. Deals with the health of people, plants and the environment and examines new approaches to landscaping. Recommended: WR 115 or IRW 115. Audit available.

Literature

ENG 230. Environmental Literature. 4 Credits.

Introduces texts that explore the relationship between people and their environments, both natural and built. Examines historical trends that have shaped thinking, understanding, and feelings about how humans and the natural world interact. Explores literary writings on issues of sustainability, environmental justice, ecological literacy, and a sense of place. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

ENG 269. Wilderness Literature. 4 Credits.

Explores writings about wilderness and the natural world, giving attention to the relationship between nature and culture. Considers a variety of historical perspectives through essays, poetry, book-length nonfiction, novels, and film. Examines efforts to rethink the concept of wilderness with respect to law, gender, work, race, and the built environment (e.g., urban forests, gardens, farming) while addressing contemporary concerns for global environmental sustainability. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

Management/Supervisory Development

MSD 200. Organizations and Social Responsibility. 3 Credits.

Explores the changing relationships and responsibilities between organizations and their various stakeholders. Includes social and ethical issues of the community in which the company exists, employee rights and diversity, global corporate citizenship, role of government oversight of business, environmental issues, and consumer protection. Audit available.

Paralegal

PL 240. Environmental Law. 3 Credits.

Explores federal, state and regional policies involving environmental issues and cutting edge developments. Includes case law trends, building regulations, energy development, energy efficiency and climate change trends. Explores how the law can be ahead of industry and how industry can be ahead of the law. Prerequisite: PL 101. Audit available.

Philosophy

PHL 206. Introduction to Environmental Ethics. 4 Credits.

Investigates the ethical questions that pertain to human choices regarding the environment. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

PHL 209. Business Ethics. 4 Credits.

Reviews some historical and contemporary ethical theories and ethical issues that arise in several aspects of business, such as, management, use of computers, marketing, accounting, and doing business in an international setting. Includes the social responsibilities of corporations, the rights of workers, truth in advertising, the environmental impact of doing business, affirmative action in hiring, sexual harassment in the workplace, respect for cultural differences, and the responsibilities of the individual in the corporate setting. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Arts and Letters/AL

Political Science

PS 221. Globalization and International Relations. 4 Credits.

Provides an introductory survey of economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions of globalization and evaluates their impacts on international relations. Examines patterns of conflict and cooperation among countries including the influence of international institutions, NGOs, and global corporations. Introduces selected issues such as war and peace, global security, environment, elites and concentration of power, wealth and income distribution, cultural and ethnic identities and explores possible peaceful solutions to these global problems. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. PS 221, EC 221 and SOC 221 are equivalent and only one may be taken for credit. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Social Sciences/SS

PS 280A. Cooperative Education: Political Science. 1-4 Credit.

Extends knowledge of Political Science through work and/or volunteer time spent in settings that provide learning experiences. Department permission required. Audit available.

PS 297. Environmental Politics and Policy. 4 Credits.

Introduces the politics of environmental policymaking in the United States. Examines the key factors behind environmental policy conflicts, with an emphasis on themes and patterns that cut across cases. Explores topics such as interest groups, social movements, political culture, public opinion, court decisions, political leadership, media coverage and partisanship. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

Sociology

SOC 204. Introduction to Sociology. 4 Credits.

Introduces Sociology as a social science. Explores the central questions, schools of thought, forms of research, and theoretical debates about social issues and how societies are organized. Examines the many ways in which social contexts, historical events, institutional structures, and unequal relations of power shape society and peoples' behaviors, identities, and lives. Covers the development of skills needed to think critically about cultural beliefs and social systems. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS

SOC 205. Social Change. 4 Credits.

Examines social changes within and across societies. Explores the central questions, schools of thought, forms of research, and theoretical debates about social issues and how social institutions and systems are organized and change over time. Examines the many ways in which social contexts, historical events, institutional structures, and unequal relations of power shape society and how collective behavior can lead to social change over time. Develops skills needed to think critically about how and why societies change and how the causes and consequences of social change shape the world. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Social Sciences/SS

SOC 206. Social Problems. 4 Credits.

Uses sociological thinking to explore causes, consequences, and solutions related to social problems. Includes such topics as poverty, homelessness, addiction, health care, racism, violence, mass incarceration, sexism, policing, hate crimes, education, global stratification, or environmental crises. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS

SOC 228. Introduction to Environmental Sociology. 4 Credits.

Introduces core sociological concepts and theories, as a social science, to examine the relationship between humans and the environment. Explores central questions, research, and theoretical debates about the structural and cultural causes and consequences of various social and environmental problems and how to respond to these issues through policies and actions. Fosters the development of the skills needed to think critically about social and environmental changes and the tools needed to address them. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
This course fulfills the following GE requirements: Cultural Literacy, Cultural Literacy/DIV, Social Sciences/SS

SOC 280A. Cooperative Education: Sociology. 1-3 Credit.

Expands knowledge of sociology through work and/or volunteer experiences which provide opportunities for application of sociological learning objectives and practical skill development. Prerequisite: Instructor permission required.