Short Course Description
This is a humanities course designed to introduce students to varieties of environmental thought, in their philosophical and cultural contexts, and develop conceptual tools for analyzing contemporary issues. We will read and discuss some of the classic texts in environmentalism that have framed the debates over time, compare and contrast different approaches and schools of thought, explore the interaction of environmental, social and political issues, and strive to clarify our own values and life choices surrounding these questions. Where appropriate, we will also use video materials as part of class assignments.
Students will be expected to read the assigned literature critically, come prepared for active discussions, write several short responses to the readings, and prepare a presentation of a contemporary environmental ethical issue of their choosing, and write a final paper, on a topic to be agreed upon with the instructor.
Full Syllabus