Politics and Nature

This first-year seminar investigates the politics of the relationship between people and the earth; examines the environmental consequences of this relationship as it currently exists in many contemporary democracies, as well as its impact on human justice and freedom; and explores alternative political practices and institutional forms that might generate more ecological ways of living, evaluating their implications for sustainability, justice, and freedom. In considering the political relationship between human beings and the earth, we examine (and problematize) core political concepts including domination, freedom, agency, sovereignty, democracy, justice, liberalism, rights, representation, and the political. We also explore the relationship between politics and ethical life. The readings reflect a diversity of methodological approaches and normative commitments; the approach is highly collaborative. No prerequisites are required.