THE JOY OF GARBAGE
Environmental Sciences 98/198
Syllabus Spring 2010
2 Units P/NP
Around the globe, human and non-human populations are feeling the effects of
bad “garbage” policies – from electronic waste, recycling practices, landfills,
incinerators, the dumping of hazardous materials, reckless or even unintended pollution
of terrestrial and aquatic environments, and so forth.
This class aims to highlight some of the major trends and issues wrapped up in
these crises. We will look at policies here on the UC Campus, in the Bay Area, as well
as national and international issues. Further, we will constantly be returning to the
questions of why such problems exist as they do today, trying get to the roots of the
matter. This requires a very multi-disciplinary approach, as these issues certainly are
complex and often rooted in subtle cultural attitudes. Thus, we hope to bring ethical,
political, economic, social, and other perspectives into our discussions and search for
solutions.
Guest speakers will talk to us about issues they specialize in, from
environmental-justice, landfill design and operations, zero-waste philosophies, the pros
and cons to recycling, composting, etc.
Course Requirements
Class participation is essential for this decal to flow. Whatever perspectives
and insights a student can bring into the class are very welcome and encouraged – we
will not be looking for “answers,” but instead critical thinking. In addition, any relevant
outside materials a student wishes to bring into class are welcome.
The first hour of class we will present the weekly “Garbage in the News,” have
student presentation on the weekly readings, and open up for discussion. The second
hour is generally reserved for a guest speaker or the viewing of a documentary.
Grading Policy
Weekly Assignments 50%
Midterm 20%
Final 30%
To pass you must get 70% or above.
More than three absences will result in an automatic fail. Attending only part of the two hour
period will result in half of an absence. In addition, everyone must go on one field trips to pass
the course. If it is not possible to attend the field trip because of a time conflict, arrangements
can be made, like visiting the location on your own, or doing a personal research paper.
Reflections on weekly readings, the midterm and final are required. Unsatisfactory homework
will not be counted. In addition, students must give one reflection on a weekly reading to the
class. The midterm and final will both be some sort of take-home paper or project.
Week Topic Speaker
1 2/1 Intro and Welcome Video – Story of Stuff
2 2/8 History / Recycling Video - History of Garbage
3 2/15 Academic Holiday
3 2/22 Incinerators TBA
4 3/1 Landfills Jeff Dunn, Kleinfelder Inc.
6 3/8 Environmental Justice Christine Cordero,CenterforEnvironmental Health
7 3/15 Biodiesel Dave Williamson, Orange Biodiesel
MIDTERM DUE 3/15
8 3/22 Spring Recess Dave Williams, Ecology Center
9 3/29 Campus/Legislation Lisa Bauer, UCB Recycling Coordinator
10 4/5 Composting Steven Sherman
11 4/12 Zero Waste Dan Knapp, Urban Ore, Inc
12 4/19 Consumer Culture Video - Affluenza
13 4/26 Sustainability/ TBA
Course Wrap-Up
FINAL DUE 5/3
*Syllabus subject to change
Coordinators:
David Soderberg, Katherine Brousseau, Paul Baeyens,
joyofgarbage@gmail.com
Faculty Sponsor:
Professor William Berry
Earth and Planetary Science
bberry@uclink.berkeley.edu 642-3925
DE-Cal 320 Eshleman Hall - decal@ocf.berkeley.edu - 642-9127