Green Curriculum
Many courses at PSC provide an introduction to sustainability concepts or help students develop skills to live a more "green" lifestyle. Consider enrolling to learn more.
PSC works in partnership with the Illinois Green Economy Network's (IGEN's) Greening Your Curriculum program. IGEN offers numerous resources on sustainability education to help Illinois community colleges integrate sustainability concepts and critical thinking into the curriculum.
Courses with "Green" Content
Spring 2012
Credit Courses
Biology 105: Environmental Biology (Multiple sections)
Students will consider the timely and urgent problems of mankind of a biological nature: pollution of air and water, adverse effects of radiation and insecticides on the environment, overpopulation, food production, thermal pollution, noise pollution, and other related topics.
Biology 111–H1: Cellular and Molecular Biology (Tues/Thurs 2:00 – 4:50 p.m.) Professor Lannan
Are genetically modified crops something to fear or are they useful to human society? Students will discuss the techniques used to create these crops and the ethics behind their development, using state-of-the-art biotechnology techniques to determine if samples they bring from home contain a common genetic modification.
English 099-01: Fundamental English III (Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs 8:00 – 9:15 a.m.) Professor Reichard
The food industry in America currently puts profit over people and tries to obscure the truth about the healthiness of their products. With the world population just surpassing 7 billion people, one of the great challenges of the 21st century will be how we can feed people in a way that is sustainable for our planet and our bodies. Students will read and discuss two bestselling books that confront the environmental crisis, one from a local/personal level and the second from a global/political perspective.
Physical Science 112–LCI: Earth Science (Mon/Wed 8:30 – 10:45) Professor Burrough
In studying the earth's materials and systems from rocks and minerals, to earthquakes and volcanoes, to weather and climate, students will understand that the Earth has limited resources and that there are environmental consequences of extracting and using these resources. Students will analyze soil samples from the Prairie State Nature Preserve, study the science behind global climate change, and explore the economic uses and environmental costs of extracting minerals and fossil fuels.
Non-Credit Classes
Bicycle Repair (May 12, 2012: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) $59
This hands-on class teaches bike repair basics, whether it's routine maintenance or fixing a problem when broken down on a trail. Learn how to replace a tube and tire, adjust brakes, repair a broken chain, and perform other minor repairs. Learn what tools are needed to make repairs easier. Bring your bicycle to class or work on bikes provided by the instructor.
EPA Lead Safety in Repair, Renovation, and Painting—RRP Training (Feb. 4, 2012: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or May 5, 2012: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) $259
As of April 22, 2010, the EPA requires contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978, be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. This course fulfills those requirements. Contractors will learn lead-safe work practices by following these three simple procedures: contain the work area, minimize dust and clean up thoroughly. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be "Lead-Safe Certified."
Gardening 101 (April 14 & 21, 2012: 1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.) $69
In this class, students learn the basics of soil, fertilizing, and planning a flower and vegetable garden. A supply list is provided in the first class so students can design and plant a "container" garden of their own during the second class. This class is recommended for beginning gardeners.
Summer 2012
Introduction to Criminal Justice CJ-101-IN: Introduction to Criminal Justice. Professor Fazzini
The plethora of forms and documentation in the criminal justice system creates a massive demand for paper, the reduction of which could have a major impact on the environment, as well decreasing costs and increasing efficiency within agencies. Students will interview staff from criminal justice agencies to determine the fiscal impact of paper forms and the cost factors associated with moving to more electronic means of documentation, and will explore how the use of paper forms within the criminal justice system might be reduced.