To solve environmental issues, it’s important to examine every angle—that’s where the humanities come in.
At first glance, biology and literature appear more different than similar—but what if there was a place where they worked better together than separately? In the Kennedy Center’s Global Environmental Studies minor, courses intentionally incorporate both science and humanities to provide students with a well-rounded view on environmental issues. Using these vantage points, students then learn to look for interdisciplinary solutions to modern-day environmental problems. Comparative literature professor George Handley (Literature of the Americas and Ecotheology), faculty coordinator for this minor, explains that global environmental studies will not only enhance students’ career trajectory, but can also change how they lead their everyday life—for good.
An Inside Look at Global Environmental Studies
For 25 years, Handley has been involved in a branch of study known as ecocriticism that examines nature in literature, whether it be in environmental writers’ works or in mainstream media. He explains, “It’s using the environment as a lens through which to study literature. We look at film, music, poetry, landscape painting, visual art—anything that helps [show] the ways in which environmental values and environmental concern are expressed in the humanities.” He goes on to explain, “If you just look at the science of what’s happening but never really understand the cultural environment or the history that shaped certain attitudes or behaviors resulting in some of these problems, then you’re not really getting at the root of what’s going on.”
Initially, Handley was one of the few BYU professors studying environmental issues from the perspective of his field. However, now he has connections with faculty members who bring the environment into their studies all over campus—in engineering, business, social science, religious studies, and even dance. With so many different fields involved with the minor, students with all backgrounds and interests can feel included.
Even if they do nothing else with [this] education than to just live a better, more sustainable lifestyle, then something really important has happened in their education.
By welcoming students from all disciplines, Handley hopes to invite a myriad of perspectives to the table to solve some of the bigger environmental issues seen today. To gain a more well-rounded perspective on these problems, Handley designed the minor to include electives such as chemistry, English, and political science. In the introductory course for the minor, Handley invites professors from various fields to present on environmental issues, introducing students to different views on potential solutions. He then encourages students in the minor to get involved with these lecturers and their colleagues at the new, off-campus stewardship lab set to open fall 2024. There, students will combine science and humanities to perform research projects alongside faculty, helping undergrads think critically and incorporate both perspectives in their environmental research.
A Life-Changing Minor
Handley argues that regardless of the career path undergraduates have in mind, when they come into the minor ready to see an interdisciplinary view of the environment, their lives will be changed. He explains that looking at problems from multiple perspectives sets global environmental studies students apart as leaders, not simply because they understand science and humanities, but because they learn to consult different perspectives when faced with issues. He says, “When students develop a high level of interdisciplinary understanding of problems, it puts them in a position to be a problem solver, a bridge builder, and someone who engages in conversation and dialogue. Even if they do nothing else with [this] education than to just live a better, more sustainable lifestyle, then something really important has happened in their education.”
Most importantly, Handley explains that the minor encourages students to contemplate how their relationship with Christ relates to their relationship with the environment. As students ponder this important connection, Handley finds they develop a deeper desire to care for the world around them. He explains, “When they can catch a vision of how important stewardship is to the restored gospel, it transforms their life; it doesn’t just transform an academic field of study—it makes them want to live differently.”
Join the Global Environmental Studies Club to get involved at their next event!
To learn more about the minor, visit the Kennedy Center website or contact Professor George Handley directly.