- GEOL 1316 | Environmental Justice (2271)
WHO BEARS THE BURDEN?
Understand why environmental risks aren't shared equally — and what communities are doing about it.
This course examines how race, income, and power shape who lives near pollution, who loses access to clean water, and who gets left out of environmental decision-making. Through local case studies, policy analysis, and community voices, you'll develop tools to understand environmental inequality and the movements working to change it.
Open to ALL majors · No prerequisites · Counts toward Sustainability Certificate · Satisfies Diversity (DSAS) Gen-Ed · Elective for ES BA and BS
Instructor: Beth Ann Lani (bee44@pitt.edu)
Fridays 10 am - 12:30 pm
- GEOL 1317/FMST 0846 | Environmental Filmmaking (2271)
SCIENCE MEETS STORYTELLING
Translate ecological research into short documentary films.
A co-taught course with Film & Media Studies, Environmental Filmmaking teaches you to translate ecological research into short documentary films. You'll screen feature films, conduct field work, and produce three original short films over the semester. Whether your background is in environmental science, media, or neither — this course builds skills that cross disciplines.
Open to ALL majors · No prerequisites · Elective for ES BA and BS · Counts towards Media Studies major & minor · Topical elective in Production Track
Instructors: Sarah Moore (skm60@pitt.edu) & Patrick Shirey (pds25@pitt.edu)
Fridays 10 am - 12:30 pm- GEOL 1332 | Environmental Advocacy & Action (2271)
DOWN ABOUT THE STATE OF THE COUNTRY & THE WORLD?
Get inspired to be the change you want to see
This course goes behind the scenes of nonprofit advocacy; covering organizing, fundraising, event management, and how to communicate across audiences without losing your values. You'll meet more than a dozen Pittsburgh-area environmental professionals during the semester, with direct pathways to internships and careers in the region.
Open to ALL majors · No prerequisites · Counts toward Sustainability Certificate · Elective for ES BA and BS · Great for internship networking
Instructor: Ward Allebach (rwa2@pitt.edu)
Mondays 6 pm - 8:30 pm
- GEOL 1342 | Environmental Issues (2271)
FROM SCIENCE TO ACTION
Build the research and communication skills to turn good intentions into effective environmental action.
Environmental Issues puts you inside real environmental problems. You'll gather data, evaluate evidence, and produce work that meets publication standards. In this course, students workshop the skills that scientists, policymakers, and advocates actually use. Strong preparation for anyone heading toward grad school, law, policy, or consulting.
Open to ALL majors · No prerequisites · Satisfies Writing (W) requirement · Elective for ES BA and BS
Instructor: Mike Blackhurst (mfb86@pitt.edu)
Mondays 10 am - 12:30 pm