The culminating experience of the environmental studies major is the capstone seminar course. Under the direction of a faculty member, students with a variety of majors concentrate on a single, environmental topic. Recent examples include: "Oceans in Peril," "Environmental Justice," and "The Green Campus: Swarthmore and Sustainability." The class members collectively work on a major initiative as part of the course. These projects have led to a sustainability action plan for the College, a map illustrating environmental justice in Delaware County, Pa., and a conference about watershed restoration.
2021: Engaging With This Moment on Earth
Giovanna Di Chiro, Professor of Environmental Studies
The Marcellus Shale stretches under most of the Appalachian Basin and contains large reserves of natural gas. Energy companies are leasing mineral rights from landowners and states throughout the region to access these reserves. The techniques used to get the natural gas, hydraulic fracturing and horizontal well drilling, have potentially adverse effects on the environment, human health, and communities.. The 2010 Environmental Studies Capstone, taught by Professor Carol J. Nackenoff on Environmental Justice and Water, created a website with information on the Marcellus Shale natural gas plays for their final project.
Carol Nackenoff
