Environmental Studies

 

Professors:  Askins, Dawson, Frasure, Thompson, Visgilio, Zimmer; Associate Professors:  Borrelli, Lizarralde, Turner; Assistant Professor:  Jones; Visiting Assistant Professor:  Davis; Senior Lecturers:  Chomiak, Hine; Professor Siver, director

 

The Major in Environmental Studies

 

Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary program that combines natural science and social science.  It examines local, regional, national, and international environmental problems in a holistic manner.  There are two tracks to the major, the Natural Science Track and the Social Science Track.  The College is also a member of a consortium of small liberal arts colleges that participates in a semester of study in environmental science, known as the Semester in Environmental Science, at The Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA.

                Except for transfer students and students accepted in the Semester in Environmental Science program, no more than two courses taken off campus can be applied toward the major.  Courses taken off campus need pre-approval by the director.

                Advanced Placement:  Students who score a 4 or 5 on the AP Environmental Science test can place out of Environmental Studies 110, but not Environmental Studies 111.  AP credit in Environmental Science does not count towards fulfilling Area 1 of the General Education requirements.  See page 337-338 of this catalog for general information about Advanced Placement credit.

 

Natural Science Track

 

This track consists of thirteen courses distributed as follows:

 

1.        The following five courses:  Environmental Studies 110 or 111; Environmental Studies 115 or 120; Biology 105 or Botany 115; Biology 207; Chemistry 103 or 107 (Chemistry 101 will not fulfill this requirement).

 

2.        Two courses from the following field/ecological group:  Biology 305, 307, 320, 413; Botany  205, 315; Environmental Studies 314, 316, 318, 410.

 

3.        One course from the following organismal/analytical group:  Biology 204, 215, 330; Botany 205, 225, 410; Environmental Studies 210, 312, 313; Chemistry 316.

 

4.        Two courses from the following:  Any Biology, Botany, Chemistry, or Environmental Studies course listed in #2 or #3; Environmental Studies 205, 259, 497-498; Environmental Studies 391, 392, 491, 492, 493, 494 if natural science-based and with permission of the director; Chemistry 104, 204, 214, 223, 224, 316; Mathematics 107 or 206; Physics 107, 108, 109, 110.

 

5.        Two courses from the following social science group:  Economics 307; Environmental Studies 207, 228, 251, 258, 311, 326; Environmental Studies 391, 392, 491, 492, 493, 494 if social science-based and with permission of the director; Government 260; Philosophy 228.

 

6.        One senior-level seminar chosen from the following:  Environmental Studies 493, 494; Economics 404; Government 493A, or U or 494A, or U.

 

Advisers for Natural Science Track:  Askins, Chomiak, Hine, Jones, Siver, Thompson, Zimmer

 

Social Science Track

 

This track consists of twelve courses distributed as follows:

 

1.        One of the following:  Environmental Studies 110 or 111.

 

2.        Two of the following:  Environmental Studies 115 or 120; Biology 105 or Botany 115; Chemistry 101, 103, or 107.

 

3.        Two of the following (one of which must be a field-based/laboratory course):  Biology 207, 305, 307, 413; Botany 205, 315; Environmental Studies 113, 205, 210, 312 or 313, 314, 316, 318, 410.

 

4.        Economics 307 and one of the following:  Environmental Studies 251, 258, 326, or Government 260.

 

5.        Four of the following:  Anthropology 202, 234, 245, 250, 302, 307; Economics 205, 404; Environmental Studies 207, 228, 251, 258, 295, 296, 308, 311, 312, 326, 497-498; Environmental Studies 391, 392, 491, 492, 493, 494 if social science-based and with permission of the director; Government 260, 262; Government 493 or 494 with permission of the director; Philosophy 221, 228; Sociology 264.

 

6.        One senior-level seminar chosen from the following:  Environmental Studies 493, 494; Economics 404; Government 493A, 494A, 493U, or 494U.

 

Advisers for Social Science Track:  Borrelli, Dawson, Frasure, Lizarralde, Turner, Visgilio

 

Courses

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  110  ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AS A NATURAL SCIENCE  A study of the basic ecological processes operative in natural systems.  Our dependence upon those systems and the impact of human activities upon them.  The application of the ecological principles, such as energy flow and recycling of resources, to the solution of some of the environmental problems facing society.

                Enrollment limited to 40 students.  P. Siver, C. Jones

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  111  ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AS A SOCIAL SCIENCE  This course will explore the interdisciplinary nature of environmental studies, investigating the linkages between environmental science, the social sciences, and the humanities.  Particular emphasis will be placed on the complex linkage between science and politics, looking at both domestic U.S. environmental problems and policy as well as international and global environmental problems and responses by the international community.  Environmental philosophies, literature, social activism, and economics will also be included in this interdisciplinary introduction to environmental studies. 

Open to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.  Enrollment limited to 35 students.  J. Dawson

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  113  ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT  This is the same course as Physics 113.  Refer to the Physics listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  115  INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEOLOGY  Plate tectonics as an explanation of the evolution of the earth.  Investigation of the geologic processes responsible for the creation of mountain ranges, volcanoes and earthquakes.  Indoor and outdoor laboratory exercises emphasize the geologic history of New England and the Atlantic Ocean.  This is the same course as Geophysics 115.

                Three lectures; three hours of laboratory work.  Enrollment limited to 14 students per laboratory section.  This course satisfies General Education Area 1.  D. Thompson

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  120  INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY  An introduction to the role of humans within the recent geologic environment.  Topics include dangers imposed by geologic hazards, issues of mineral and water resource development and concerns surrounding environmental pollution.  Indoor and outdoor laboratory exercises emphasize regional environmental problems and geologic hazards.  This is the same course as Geophysics 120.

                Three lectures; three hours laboratory work.  Enrollment limited to 14 students per laboratory section.  This course satisfies General Education Area 1.  Staff

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  205  ENVIRONMENTAL MODELING  This is the same course as Mathematics 205.  Refer to the Mathematics listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  207  SEMINAR ON INDIGENOUS USE OF TROPICAL RAINFORESTS  This is the same course as Botany 207.  Refer to the Botany listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  210  HYDROLOGY  Introduction to global circulation patterns and the hydrologic water cycle.  Investigation of rainfall and runoff processes.  Topics include evaporation, precipitation, infiltration, flow through porous media, overland flow, ground water contamination, and atmospheric circulation processes.  This is the same course as Geophysics 210.

                Three hours lecture.  Prerequisite:  One introductory Connecticut College course in astronomy, biology, botany, chemistry, environmental studies, geophysics, or physics.  Enrollment limited to 30 students.  D. Thompson

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  213  ETHNOECOLOGY OF PERU  This is the same course as Anthropology 313/Botany 213.  Refer to the Botany listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  224  GARDEN TO WILDERNESS:  NATURE IN WESTERN ART FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO MODERNITY  This is the same course as Art History 224.  Refer to the Art History listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  242  ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF NATURAL HABITATS IN INDIA  An introduction to conservation of biological diversity in India.  Students study the ecology of Indian ecosystems and environmental issues concerning endangered species, forest management, water supplies, population growth, and economic development.  The course will include field trips to national parks and other natural areas in southern India. 

                Course 110 or 111 is recommended but not required.  This course is taught in the SATA India program only.  R. Askins

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  251  ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISM AND ITS POLITICAL IMPACT AROUND THE GLOBE  This is the same course as Government/Slavic Studies 251.  Refer to the Government listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  258  U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND POLITICS  This is the same course as Government 258.  Refer to the Government listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  259  MINING AND THE ENVIRONMENT  An introduction to the geology of mineral deposits, their exploitation, and the impact of mining activities on the environment.  Emphasis on sustainable mining practices.  A one day field trip is required.  Some knowledge of chemistry is strongly recommended.  This is the same course as Geophysics 259.

                Prerequisite:  Environmental Studies/Geophysics 115 or 120.  Enrollment limited to 15 students.  B. Chomiak

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  290  GOODWIN-NIERING CENTER CERTIFICATE SEMINAR  A combination of guest lecturers and student presentations on current environmental issues for participants in the GOODWIN-NIERING CENTER Certificate Program.

                Prerequisite:  Acceptance in GOODWIN-NIERING CENTER Certificate Program.  Two credits per semester, marked as pass/not passed.  Staff

 

Environmental Studies  307  Environmental Anthropology  This is the same course as Anthropology 307.  Refer to the Anthropology listing for course description.

 

Environmental studies  308  Methods and theories of ethnobotany  This is the same course as Anthropology/Botany 308.  Refer to the Botany listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  311  ETHNOBOTANY OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND  This is the same course as Anthropology 311 and Botany 311.  Refer to either the Anthropology or the Botany listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  312  INTRODUCTION TO VECTOR-BASED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS  Introduction to the concepts and practices of vector-based geographic information systems.  Students will learn how to create, manipulate, display and analyze geographic data using the ArcGIS desktop software suite on PC computers.  A final project that uses spatial analysis to solve a geographic problem of interest to the student is required.

                Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.  Enrollment limited to 12 students.  This course is not open to students who have received credit for Environmental Studies 310.  B. Chomiak

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  313  INTRODUCTION TO RASTER-BASED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS  Introduction to the concepts and practices of raster-based geographic information systems.  Students will learn how to create, manipulate, display and analyze geographic data using the ArcGIS desktop software suite on PC computers.  A final project that uses spatial analysis to solve a geographic problem of interest to the student is required.

                Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.  Enrollment limited to 12 students.  This course is not open to students who have received credit for Environmental Studies 310.  B. Chomiak

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  314  EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS  A general investigation of geomorphic processes and the resultant landforms.  The physical mechanisms important in landscape development will be examined.  Topics include erosion and deposition by the ocean, rivers, glaciers and landslides.  Laboratory focuses on field observation and field measurement techniques.  This is the same course as Geophysics 314.

                Three hours lecture; three hours of field laboratory work.  Prerequisite:  Environmental Studies/Geophysics 115 or 210 or Environmental Studies 120 or permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 14 students.  D. Thompson

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  316  COASTAL DYNAMICS OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND  A general investigation of the processes that shape and characterize the world’s oceans and continents.  There will be an emphasis on near-shore and coastal processes as they relate to southern New England.  Topics include plate tectonics, water body dynamics, sediment transport, and the geologic history of the southern New England coast.  Laboratory focuses on field observation and interpretation of marine geophysical data.  This is the same course as Geophysics 316.

                Three hours lecture; three hours of field laboratory work.  Prerequisite:  Environmental Studies/Geophysics 115 or Environmental Studies 120 or permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 14 students.  R. Lewis

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  317  Nature in Heaven AND Hell:  Representation of Nature in Utopian and Dystopian Writings  An examination of works in the representations of Nature in the tradition of utopian and dystopian literature.  A survey of different genres, including science fiction, pastoral idylls, and feminist utopias, that examines society’s relationship to the environment.  The class will examine the rhetoric of invasion ecology to consider whether and how utopian and dystopian ideals are reflected in the ways we seek solutions to our "environmental crises."  Authors include Orwell, Le Guin, Butler, and Atwood; films include Blade Runner and Deep Sea Invasion.  This is the same course as English 317.

                Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.  Enrollment limited to 16 students.  W. Y. Wong

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  318  GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND BIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION IN THE SOUTHWESTERN U.S.  An intensive field course emphasizing biological responses to changes in the physical environment.  Topics progress from a discussion of the role plate tectonics in the formation of the southwestern landscape, to a focus on the influence of local topography and natural disturbance regimes on the distribution and ecological adaptations of different species of plants and animals.  Field trips are based at research stations in the southwestern U.S. and investigate regional geologic processes and their influence on natural communities in deserts; arid grasslands; oak and pygmy conifer woodlands; and pine and spruce forests.

                One lecture per week and 12 days of intensive field work in the southwestern U.S. during spring break.  There will be an extra fee to cover travel expenses (special fee).  Prerequisite:  Biology 105 and permission of the instructor.  Preference will be given to students who have completed Environmental Studies/Geophysics 115 or 120.  Enrollment limited to 16 students.  R. Askins, D. Thompson

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  326  INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION  This is the same course as Government 326.  Refer to the Government listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  395, 396  GOODWIN-NIERING CENTER CERTIFICATE SEMINAR  A combination of guest lecturers and student presentations on current environmental issues for participants in the GOODWIN-NIERING CENTER Certificate program.

                Prerequisite:  Acceptance in GOODWIN-NIERING CENTER Certificate Program.  Two credits per semester, marked as pass/not passed.  Staff

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  410  ENVIRONMENTAL RIVER RESTORATION  The development and evolution of natural channel systems will be investigated.  Special emphasis on environmental river restoration and aquatic habitat.  Topics include the physics of flowing water, sediment transport by rivers, flow and substrate characterization techniques and flood hydrology.  Laboratory requires the students to design a river restoration project for an environmentally degraded channel.  This is the same course as Geophysics 410.

                Three hours lecture; three hours lab work.  Prerequisite:  Environmental Studies/Geophysics 210 or 314 or permission of the instructor.  Enrollment limited to 12 students.  D. Thompson

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493, 494  ADVANCED STUDY SEMINAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  A seminar addressing current environmental issues and conflicts such as pollution of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, acidic deposition and global change.  Students will be expected to make presentations and actively participate in discussions.

                Open to juniors and seniors.  Enrollment limited to 12 students.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493A, 494A  LAW, SCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT  Focus on topical issues relating to law, science and the environment.  The intersection of law and science in the legal environmental arena from both a current events and global perspective.

                Prerequisite:  Government 260 or Economics 307 or permission of the instructor.  A. Davis

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493B, 494B  HUMAN POPULATION GROWTH  The impact of rapid human population growth on the environment and social stability.  Emphasis on historic trends in population growth, the recent decline in birth rates in many parts of the world, changes in agricultural productivity, the implications of rapid urbanization, and the effect of increasing human populations on natural environments and biological diversity.  R. Askins

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493C, 494C  THE IMPACT OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION ON OUR ENVIRONMENT  (WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THE ATMOSPHERE)  This seminar includes topical issues concerned with the impact of the world's population on our biosphere.  The topics we discuss include the following:  photochemical smog, greenhouse gases, global warming, radiation transfer, acid rain, ozone depletion, and meteorology.  Difficulties associated with environmental reporting are also discussed.  A. Mantz

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493D, 494D  GEOLOGIC HAZARDS AND HUMANS  Introduction to flooding, landslide, climatic, volcanic and earthquake hazards facing humans.  Seminar topics will examine the role of individuals, industry and government in preparing for and responding to natural disasters.  D. Thompson

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493E, 494E  INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND BIODIVERSITY  An exploration of the complex context of indigenous peoples and biodiversity in relation to the impact of the world economic development.  The question of sustainable development as a way to preserve the culture of indigenous peoples and biodiversity will be discussed.

                Prerequisite:  Course 110 or permission of the instructor.   M. Lizarralde

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493F, 494F  MARINE POLLUTION  The course focuses on the science, laws and policies surrounding marine pollution.  Special attention on the development of international and domestic marine pollution laws and their impact on marine transportation of oil and chemicals.  Seminar format, requiring significant class participation and student-led discussions.  Honors quality research term paper required.

                Prerequisite:  Permission of the department.  Enrollment limited to 15 students.  A. Davis

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493G, 494G  CULTURE, POLITICS AND THE ENVIRONMENT  This is the same course as American Studies/Government 493A, 494A.  See the American Studies listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493H, 494H  ECOLOGY AND GEOLOGY OF THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES  Discussions will emphasize biological responses to changes in the physical environment in the arid Southwest.  Topics progress from the role of local topography and weather patterns on local environments, to the influence of natural disturbance regimes on the distribution of different species of plants and animals.  Emphasis on how understanding ecological and geological processes can help prevent and solve environmental problems.

                Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.  R. Askins, D. Thompson

 

environmental studies  493J, 494J  environmental history of the U.S. South  This is the same course as History 459.  Refer to the History listing for a description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493K, 494K  ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION  An examination of methods for restoring damaged ecosystems as well as the ethics, feasibility, and obstacles to restoration.  Discussion of scientific literature as well as field trips to restoration sites.  This is the same course as Botany 493K, 494K.

                Prerequisite:  Biology 207 or Botany 315, or permission of the instructor.  C. Jones

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493L, 494L  WATER QUALITY, POLLUTION, AND MANAGEMENT  A study of water management, water-quality standards, impact of supply on agriculture and urbanization, and water-treatment techniques.  Topics include world water resources, different uses, harmful effects of pollutants on humans, water distribution, and water recycling and reuse.  Examples of water-related issues in India and developing countries.

                Enrollment limited to 16 students.  K. S. Lokesh

 

Environmental studies 493M, 494M  Sustainable Agriculture  This is the same course as Botany 493M, 494M.  Refer to the Botany listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493T, 494T  THE GREENS IN EUROPE AND BEYOND  This is the same course as Government 493T, 494T.  Refer to the Government listing for a course description.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  493U, 494U  ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE  This is the same course as Government 493U, 494U.

                Prerequisite:  Open to juniors or seniors.  Enrollment limited to 15 students.  J. Dawson

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  495, 496  GOODWIN-NIERING CENTER CERTIFICATE SEMINAR  A combination of guest lecturers and student presentations on current environmental issues for participants in the GOODWIN-NIERING CENTER Certificate program.

                Prerequisite:  Acceptance in GOODWIN-NIERING CENTER Certificate Program.  Two credits per semester, marked as pass/not passed.  Staff

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  295, 296  FIELD WORK IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION  Field work in science and environmental education; an application of science and education theory in a public education facility.  The student will become acquainted with the teaching structure of program, exhibits and courses through direct participation.

                Prerequisite:  Completion of at least three courses in biology, botany, or environmental studies; permission of the science center staff and the director of the program.  P. Hine

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  291, 292  INDIVIDUAL STUDY

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  391, 392  INDIVIDUAL STUDY

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  491, 492  INDIVIDUAL STUDY

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  497-498  HONORS STUDY

 

Marine Biological Laboratory Semester at Woods Hole, Massachusetts

 

Connecticut College is part of a consortium of colleges that participate in a semester away program in environmental sciences at the Ecosystems Center at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA.  The program offers an intensive immersion in ecological science that emphasizes hands-on laboratory and research experience.  The curriculum consists of an aquatic ecosystems course, a terrestrial ecosystems course, an elective, an independent research project, and a science writing seminar.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  350 at MBL  ANALYSIS OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS  Nature and controls of  processes (production, decomposition, element cycling and biogeochemistry) in freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems.  Application of basic principles of ecosystems ecology to investigating contemporary environmental problems such as coastal eutrophication, fisheries exploitation, effects of introduced species, acid deposition and global change.  Four credit hours.

                Three hours of lecture/discussion and seven hours of laboratory and field work per week for 10 weeks.  Required core course of the MBL Semester in Environmental Sciences.  Prerequisite:  Biology 105.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  352 at MBL  ANALYSIS OF TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS  Introduction to fundamental biogeochemical processes in fields, pastures, tundra and forested ecosystems.  Physiological ecology of land-plants and soil organisms in an ecosystems context.  Impacts of environmental change on the landscape at local, regional and global scales will be discussed.  Four credit hours.

                Three hours of lecture/discussion and seven hours of laboratory and field work per week for 10 weeks.  Required core course of the MBL Semester in Environmental Sciences.  Prerequisite:  Biology 105.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  354 at MBL  SCIENCE WRITERS SEMINAR  Case histories relating to scientific research through writing.  Discussion, critique and practice of composing an effective story and accurately conveying science to the public in lay terms.  Fostering public awareness about science in general and environmental issues in particular.  One credit hour.

                One hour of lecture/discussion for ten weeks.  Required in the MBL Semester in Environmental Sciences.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  355 at MBL  MICROBIAL METHODS IN ECOLOGY  Scientific rationale behind a number of methods suitable for determining the role of microbes in ecosystems.  Students will learn methods in a series of laboratories.  Three credit hours.

                Three hours of lecture/discussion per week for ten weeks.  Elective in the MBL Semester in Environmental Sciences.  Prerequisite:  Biology 105.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  356 at MBL  AQUATIC CHEMISTRY  Theoretical basis for predicting the chemical composition of natural waters and soil solutions at equilibrium toward understanding element cycling in ecosystems.  Major topics include:  acid-base chemistry, dissolution/precipitation, complexation, oxidation and reduction, and adsorption.  Emphasis on problem solving and current environmental issues.  Three credit hours.

                Three hours of lecture/discussion per week for ten weeks.  Elective in the MBL Semester in Environmental Sciences.  Prerequisite:  Either Chemistry 103 and 104 or 107 and 202 or permission of the instructor.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES  357 at MBL  MATHEMATICAL MODELING IN ECOSYSTEMS  Dynamic simulation modeling of ecological processes.  The role of models in science, the relationship of models to scientific theories, and methods for testing the performance of models against the real world.  Survey of important models in ecology with a focus on the application of the simple concept of mass balance to simulate population, community and biogeochemical processes.  Three credit hours.

                Three hours of lecture/discussion per week for ten weeks.  Elective in the MBL Semester in Environmental Sciences.  Prerequisite:  Math 112; Computer Programming Experience or permission of the instructor.