Global Environmental History. 3 credits. (Same as EVS 488)

Catalog description

What has been humanity's role in changing the face of the earth? What part has the environment played in shaping human history? These questions drive the study of environmental history. They also frame ongoing academic and political discussions about the consequences of human interactions with the natural environment -issues that have recently achieved public attention in the context of the "Anthropocene" debate. Have humans become a force of geological significance? This course surveys the history of humanity's ever-changing relationship with nature, from fire-wielding hunter-gatherers to modern consumer society. It focuses on four potential "golden spikes" that may mark the beginning of the Anthropocene as a framework for understanding global environmental history. This course emphasizes new global perspectives on environmental history and focuses on themes such as agro-ecology, invasion, sustainability, energy, urbanization, and empire. It will also introduce students to the diverse methods of investigating our environmental past including documentary and material sources, natural archives, and geospatial analysis. Satisfies Magis Core: Designated Oral Communication; Designated Written Communications; Magis Core: Intersections. P: Critical Issues in Human Inquiry; Contemporary Composition; Oral Communication; Ethics; CR: Sr. stdg.