Environ., Develop. Conflict

1.5 Credits · Level: Graduate

The course is designed to provide a practical understanding of the relationship between development and environmental issues, using real world examples and experiences, to showcase how western ideologies and biases have and continue to affect environmental perspectives and resource use across the global South. Developing countries are at crossroads today. On one hand, they want to pursue development-oriented policies that have often delivered the promise of economic prosperity and social progress to millions around the world. At the same time, these countries are also being disproportionately affected by adverse environmental conditions and the outcomes of climate change. In this course, we will think about how our perception is shaped based on where we live and the societal values we embrace. We will examine the following questions: How does need change with the development process? Can development be bad for the environment, but also good for society? What are examples of hypocrisy (real or perceived) in how western nations interact with their southern neighbors when addressing environmental issues? What is the role of government in addressing those barriers? What conflicts may arise or could be avoided related to natural resource allocation. We will also look at how technology and migration transform landscapes, affect development, and increase natural resource use. This course has students (working alone or in a small group) to develop mitigation strategies for problems posed. Classes will be highly interactive and will challenge students to broaden their perspective and make them more effective practitioners in international development.