Spring 2027 Course Spotlight: Philosophy of Food (PHIL 338)

What do our food choices say about our values? How does food production affect the environment, and what can we do to create a more sustainable and equitable food system?

Explore these questions and more in PHIL 338: Philosophy of Food, offered at NIU in Spring 2027!

Taught by Professor Mylan Engel, this community-engaged service-learning course examines the philosophical, ethical, and environmental issues surrounding food, agriculture, and the ways we produce and consume what we eat.

What Will You Explore?

Through discussions and community-engaged learning, students will consider important questions about our food systems, including:

• Food Security: What can we do to reduce food insecurity and hunger?

• Food Justice: Do our food choices contribute to the oppression or exploitation of others?

• Nutrition and Health: Are there good and bad foods, or is everything acceptable in moderation?

• Food Safety: How do we know our food is safe, and what can we do to improve food safety?

• Environmental Sustainability: How can we reduce the climate impacts of agricultural practices?

• Sustainable Consumption: How can consumers identify and support sustainably produced food?

Course Details

• Course: PHIL 338, Philosophy of Food

• Semester: Spring 2027

• Meeting Time: Tuesdays, 6–8:40 p.m.

• Instructor: Professor Mylan Engel, Department of Philosophy

• Prerequisites: None

• Format: Community-engaged service learning

The course also counts as an elective for NIU's Certificate of Undergraduate Study in Applied Ethics.

Why Take This Course?

Food connects many of today's most pressing environmental and social challenges, from climate change and resource use to food insecurity and social justice.

For Environmental Studies students, PHIL 338 offers an opportunity to examine the ethical dimensions of sustainability and explore how individual choices, agricultural practices, and larger food systems affect communities and ecosystems.

The course is particularly relevant for students interested in sustainable food systems, environmental justice, agriculture, public health, and sustainability policy.

Interested in Enrolling?

Students can find PHIL 338: Philosophy of Food in MyNIU when planning their Spring 2027 schedules.

Learn more about NIU's Philosophy courses at go.niu.edu/phil-courses.

Explore the connections between food, ethics, and sustainability, and discover how our decisions about food can help shape a more just and sustainable future!

2027 Field Course Opportunities: Study Marine Biology, Ecology, and Wildlife Conservation in South Africa

Interested in gaining hands-on conservation experience while exploring the incredible biodiversity of South Africa? Discover Eden is offering three immersive field courses in 2027, providing students with opportunities to learn from conservation professionals, develop practical research skills, and experience some of Africa's remarkable ecosystems.

These programs are especially relevant for Environmental Studies students interested in biodiversity, ecological restoration, wildlife conservation, marine biology, and environmental research.

Explore the 2027 Field Courses

Marine Biology Field Course | 14 Days

Explore South Africa's coastal and marine ecosystems while learning directly from marine biologists and conservation professionals.

Participants will explore topics such as:

• Marine biodiversity and conservation

• Sharks, whales, seabirds, and other marine wildlife

• Marine research and field data collection

• Human impacts on coastal environments

• Marine ecosystem monitoring and conservation strategies

Learn More About the Marine Biology Course

Big 5 Conservation Experience | 17 Days

Experience wildlife conservation and reserve management in South Africa through a field-based program focused on large mammals and their habitats.

Learning opportunities include:

• Wildlife conservation and protected area management

• Large mammal ecology and monitoring

• Wildlife rehabilitation and conservation practices

• Habitat and ecosystem management

• Conservation challenges facing African wildlife

Students will gain insight into the work of conservation professionals and the practical challenges of protecting wildlife and natural habitats.

Learn More About the Big 5 Conservation Experience

Ecology South Africa | 16 Days

Discover South Africa's diverse terrestrial ecosystems while developing field research and ecological monitoring skills.

Course topics include:

• Biodiversity and ecosystem ecology

• Plant and animal identification

• Ecological field research techniques

• Conservation and habitat management

• Wildlife monitoring and applied ecology

This course is particularly relevant for students interested in ecological research, biodiversity conservation, and environmental fieldwork.

Learn More About the Ecology Course

Why Participate?

Discover Eden's programs emphasize experiential learning and professional development, offering students opportunities to:

• Build practical field research and conservation skills.

• Learn directly from experienced researchers and conservation professionals.

• Explore ecosystems and biodiversity beyond the classroom.

• Gain exposure to potential careers in ecology, wildlife management, and conservation.

• Connect with other students interested in environmental science.

Program Information

All three courses will be offered in South Africa during 2027. Program dates, costs, availability, and application requirements vary by course.

Students should review the individual course descriptions and the 2027 information brochure for complete details.

Important for NIU Students: These are independent field courses offered by Discover Eden. Students interested in receiving academic credit or applying the experience toward Environmental Studies degree requirements should discuss options with their NIU academic advisor before enrolling. Academic credit is not automatically awarded for participation.

Learn More and Apply

Visit the Discover Eden website to explore the programs and application information.

You can also review the 2027 Discover Eden Course Brochure for additional details.

Questions?

Contact:

**Dr. Mark

Women in STEM Lecture: Exploring Gender, Economic Opportunity, and Household Decisions

How do women's employment opportunities influence household decisions, family well-being, and economic outcomes?

Join NIU's Women in STEM Lecture Series on Wednesday, November 4, for a presentation by Dr. So Yoon Ahn, Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Dr. Ahn will present "Juggling Priorities: Women's Labor Market Opportunities and Household Consumption," exploring the relationships between gender, economic opportunity, and decision-making within households.

About the Speaker

Dr. Ahn is a labor economist whose research examines marriage markets, migration, and gender dynamics within households.

Her research explores topics including:

• How women's labor market opportunities influence household decisions.

• The role of bargaining power in shaping family and economic outcomes.

• The effects of migration and language policies on families.

• Connections between economic opportunities, charitable giving, and children's outcomes.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026

• Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.

• Location: Founders Memorial Library Staff Lounge, ground floor next to Einstein Bros. Bagels

• Cost: Free

• Lunch: Provided

• RSVP: Encouraged but not required

Students attending this event are eligible to receive Honors Engaged credit.

Why Attend?

Understanding the relationships between economic opportunity, gender, and household decision-making is important across many disciplines, including environmental studies, economics, public policy, and sustainability.

For Environmental Studies students interested in environmental justice, social sustainability, and public policy, this lecture offers an opportunity to explore how economic and social systems influence opportunities and outcomes for individuals and communities.

The Women in STEM Lecture Series celebrates the diverse experiences, perspectives, and contributions of people working in STEM fields. Students, faculty, staff, and community members from all backgrounds are encouraged to attend.

RSVP and Learn More

RSVP for the November 4 Lecture

Learn More About NIU's Women in STEM Lecture Series

Meet Dr. So Yoon Ahn

Join the conversation and explore how research can help us better understand gender, opportunity, and the decisions that shape our communities!

Winter Break Field Course: Study Caribbean Marine Ecosystems in Mexico!

Looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on environmental research experience while exploring the Caribbean coast of Mexico? Ecosystem Field Studies (EcoFS) is accepting applications for its Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies course, taking place December 28, 2026, through January 17, 2027!

This three-week field course offers students the opportunity to study coral reefs, marine ecosystems, and coastal environments while developing practical scientific research skills.

What Will You Explore?

Students will participate in hands-on field investigations along Mexico's Caribbean coast, using the natural environment as their classroom.

Activities include:

• Exploring coral reefs and coastal ecosystems through snorkeling and optional SCUBA diving.

• Learning scientific observation, data collection, and field research methods.

• Investigating marine biodiversity and ecosystem processes.

• Developing and conducting an original ecosystem field research project.

• Working alongside students from universities throughout the United States and beyond.

The course takes place at Xpu-Ha Beach along Mexico's Riviera Maya, where students will study marine and coastal ecosystems directly in the field.

Course Details

• Dates: December 28, 2026 – January 17, 2027

• Location: Xpu-Ha Beach, Mexico

• Credits: 3 undergraduate semester credits

• Course: ENST 391, University of Montana

• Format: Three-week, immersive field course

• Eligibility: Undergraduate students from all universities, majors, and years of study

The course is offered by Ecosystem Field Studies, an academic partner of the University of Montana's Environmental Studies Program.

Program Costs

Program fees depend on lodging and activity selections:

• Beach tent camping: $3,390

• Beach bungalow accommodations: $3,790

• Optional SCUBA and snorkeling package: Additional $700

• Snorkeling-only option: No additional charge

Program fees include instruction, accommodations, meals, field activities, research equipment, and scheduled ground transportation between Cancún International Airport and the field site.

Students are responsible for airfare and personal snorkeling equipment. An additional $155 credit administration fee is available through the University of Montana for an official transcript.

Limited scholarships of $250–$750 may also be available through EcoFS.

Review Program Costs and Scholarship Information

Eligibility and Academic Credit

Students must be at least 18 years old, have a valid passport, and be comfortable swimming in the ocean. Students selecting the SCUBA option must have Open Water SCUBA certification before the course begins.

Important for NIU Students: Academic credits are offered through the University of Montana, not NIU. Interested students should confirm how the credits would transfer and whether they could apply toward their Environmental Studies degree requirements before enrolling.

How to Apply

Applications are currently open and reviewed on a rolling basis until the course fills.

Students should review the program details and syllabus before applying.

• Caribbean Ecosystem Field Studies Course Information

• Apply for the Winter Field Course

• Visit the EcoFS Website

A $20 application fee is required and is refunded if an applicant is not accepted.

Questions?

Contact Professor Steve Johnson, Ecosystem Field Studies Director:

Email: steve@ecofs.org
Phone: 303-859-0173

Turn your winter break into an opportunity to explore marine ecosystems, develop field research skills, and experience environmental science beyond the classroom!

Winter Course Opportunities: Explore Oceans and Natural Disasters Online

Looking to explore environmental science topics over winter break? The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is offering two fully online courses during its Winter 2026–27 session, giving students an opportunity to learn about Earth's natural systems, climate, and environmental hazards between semesters.

Both courses are offered through the Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change and may be of interest to Environmental Studies students.

Available Courses

GEOL 117: The Oceans

Dive into the science of Earth's oceans, exploring marine environments, ocean currents, coastal processes, and the connections between oceans and climate.

This course is a great option for students interested in marine science, climate change, coastal ecosystems, and environmental processes.

View GEOL 117 Course Details

GEOL 118: Natural Disasters

Explore volcanoes, earthquakes, and other natural hazards, including how these events affect communities and how people prepare for and respond to environmental disasters.

This course may appeal to students interested in natural hazards, disaster preparedness, environmental risk, and community resilience.

View GEOL 118 Course Details

Course Details

• Dates: December 18, 2026 – January 15, 2027

• Format: 100% online

• Credits: 3 credit hours per course

• Duration: 4 weeks

• Course Limit: Students may enroll in one winter course.

• Tuition: $1,326 per course for visiting, non-degree undergraduate students, regardless of residency. Additional materials or proctoring fees may apply.

Both courses fulfill the University of Illinois' Natural Sciences & Technology, Physical Sciences General Education requirement.

Registration Information

Registration for visiting students opens November 16 and closes December 14, 2026.

Students interested in enrolling should review the University of Illinois non-degree registration process.

Additional information about winter session tuition is also available online.

Important Information for NIU Students

Because these courses are offered by another university, NIU students should confirm how the credits will transfer and apply toward their degree requirements before registering.

Students can use Transferology to explore potential transfer equivalencies and contact their academic advisor to determine whether a course would fulfill a specific NIU requirement.

The four-week winter format is intensive, so students should also be prepared to dedicate regular study time throughout the session.

Questions?

For additional information about the courses, contact:

Dr. J. Cory Pettijohn
Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
jcpettij@illinois.edu

Make winter count by exploring the science behind our changing planet!