Environmental Anthropology

(4 Credits)

This course is an overview of social science approaches to the study of environment and society. Students will be introduced to key theoretical debates in critical environmental studies such as the relationship between nature and culture, the politics of knowledge, economy and environment, and development and conservation. The class focuses on applying an ethnographic lens to contemporary environmental issues, one that centers on an analysis of power and process, in topics ranging from natural resource extraction, environmental justice, climate change, science and technology, toxicity, pollution, disaster and infrastructure. Articles will be supplemented with film and documentaries throughout the course.