Course Programs

2026

An Introduction to Environmentology

Code:G2B6A101 / Instructor:ZETTSU Nobuyuki

Course Description

Human activities have significantly altered and degraded the natural environment, giving rise to numerous environmental issues such as global warming. At the same time, modern society has become increasingly diversified and complex, resulting in a social environment that is often difficult to understand. This course explores environmental challenges from both natural and social perspectives within the broader framework of environmental studies. By approaching the “environment” as a comprehensive and integrative concept, the course aims to encourage students to consider how to build safe, secure, culturally rich, and sustainable societies, cities, and global environments. In addition, the course introduces the environmental technology initiatives undertaken by Seiko Epson Corporation to support a “circular economy.” Through these examples, students examine concrete actions that can harmonize respect for the natural environment with responsible corporate activities.

Keywords

Environmental Systems, Environmental Design, Geography, Earth, Circular Society, SDGs, Planetary Boundaries, Oceans, Geoengineering, Cities, Natural Disasters

Course Plan

1: Introduction to Global Environmental Studies
2: Earth's Material Cycle
3: Resources on Earth
4: Chemistry and the Environment
5: Thinking About Oceans
6: Extreme Environments
7: Geoengineering
8: Introduction to Physical Geography
9: Learning About the Natural Environment Around the University
10: Preparing for Natural Disasters
11: Introduction to Environmental Design Studies
12: Cities and the Natural Environment
13: Urban Development in a Society With a Declining Population
14: Envisioning the Future from Regional Understanding and Visualization
15: Epson's Environmental Management: Enriching People and the Earth  *The Class Questionnaire shall be administered