Your Instructor: Lynn Thorensen
I've been teaching here at De Anza Community College for almost 20 years. I've taught various Environmental Studies classes and Environmental Science labs over the years. ES3 is my favorite class to teach because it combines the 2 subjects that I love the most; the environment and art.
I attended UC Santa Cruz, majoring in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Natural History and Wild Lands Conservation and a Graduate Certificate in Science Illustration. I also have a teaching credential in Art from San Jose State University.
I worked as a science illustrator soon after graduating; illustrating natural history books, museum displays and brochures. I have taught science illustration to a wide variety of age groups and venues for the past 30 years, both outside and inside the classroom.
I have been involved in various environmental activist campaigns over the years from climate marches in Washington DC to Standing Rock in North Dakota. I believe in empowering youth to speak out on issues they feel are important to their future and the future of our planet. I love the outdoors and am an avid backpacker, climber and camper, anything that will get me out in nature.
Classes I Teach
Spring 2026
| CRN | Course | Sec. | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00518 | ES 3 | 50Z | Imagery of the Environment |
| 49778 | ES 3 | 51Z | Imagery of the Environment |
Winter 2026
| CRN | Course | Sec. | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32477 | ES 3 | 50Z | Imagery of the Environment |
| 38802 | ES 3 | 51Z | Imagery of the Environment |
ES 3 Imagery of the Environment:
This online course takes a unique approach to Environmental Studies; what can world art teach us about environmental change and our past and present relationships with nature? We'll explore different cultures and eras of our history, investigating themes such as climate change, species extinction, conservation and our practical, spiritual and ethical ties to other species and the earth, using art as a tool and inspiration.
What are students saying?
"I really loved this class! This class has been by far my favorite and most enlightening"
"Ms. Thorensen makes the online environment feel engaging, and I feel like I'm actually in a classroom."
"Imagery of the Environment has been one of the most interesting course I've taken, because it pushed me to think about the environment, not just as a physical place, but as something we understand through imagery, symbolism and storytelling."
"What I've learned in this course has ultimately changed my fundamental understanding of human history and my perspective of the relationship between humans and the nature world."
"The art assignments in this course were both rewarding and challenging in different ways. Knowing that I wasn't going to be graded on my artistic ability, but only on my effort, really enabled me to relax and focus on the creation of art itself, instead of the outcome while completing the art assignments"
"As someone who would not consider themselves an artist, I found the art assignments to be really enjoyable. Drawing nature felt very meditative, from my normal hiking trips to looking at my own fish tank; I noticed small details I otherwise would normally look past."