Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary major designed to provide students with an understanding of ecological processes and environmental problems. This foundation is necessary for the analysis and resolution of conflicts between human activities and the biosphere. Such conflicts not only threaten the quality of life on Earth, but also raise questions concerning values, aesthetics, and social structure in modern civilization. Solutions to environmental problems will require the interaction and cooperation of people trained in a variety of fields in addition to science, including law, public policy, communications, education, and business. Therefore, the major provides an opportunity to explore contributions from a variety of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, government, economics, anthropology, sociology, ethnic studies, and literature.