Environment and Society

Society and the natural environment are vitally linked in a number of ways. In this course, students will explore these connections at various levels from the local to the global, but with a focus on the students’ lives and local communities as important case studies. This course focuses on the social causes of environmental problems, the social consequences of environmental degradation, and social responses to environmental issues. The course is designed to provide students with the sociological tools and hands-on experiences that will help them gain a better understanding of local and global earth systems related to food, energy transportation housing, waste, and water, as well as the qualities of ecological integrity, social and racial justice, resilient communities, and economic well-being.