This article discusses the key components of a reform-based introductory undergraduate environmental science course for nonscience majors and elementary teacher candidates as well as the impact of such components on the participants. The main goals for the course were to actively engage the students in their learning and, in doing so, to enhance their level of environmental literacy, sense of social responsibility, and activism. The course aimed to augment students' understanding of ecological concepts; environmental issues; the scientific, technological, and social (political, economical, cultural) basis of these issues; as well as the ideas of sustainability and environmental stewardship. The five essential components of the course are described. In addition, the impact of the course on students' (a) understanding of and attitude toward science, (b) understanding of environmental concepts and issues, and (c) attitude toward environmental issues and their role in the environment will be discussed.