Earth Science and Society
The societal challenges created of climate change, environmental pollution, or Hurricanes Harvey and Irma point to the importance of studying the intersection of Earth processes and human systems. Vassar students interested in interactions between humans and the Earth can elect the interdisciplinary major in Earth science and society, which presents an integrated and rigorous focus on the Earth as humanity’s home. It offers students the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary inquiry with faculty in one department while learning the theories and methodologies of the two geosciences.
Students majoring in Earth science and society take a series of departmental courses to satisfy the major requirements. Students interested in the major are encouraged to take ESSC 100, Earth Resource Challenges, which examines the intersection of social and environmental issues on a particular theme, ESCI 151, Earth, Environment, and Humanity, and GEOG 102, Global Geography. Relevant interdisciplinary courses outside the department may be substituted in partial fulfillment of the major, with approval of the department.
Courses and Requirements
Academic requirements and courses are available in the Vassar College Catalogue.
Major