Introduction to Environmental History

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the broad and rich field of environmental history, which studies the complex interactions of humans with the natural environment. Moving away from the idea that the physical environment is simply a backdrop for human activity, environmental history explores the ways that human activity influences and is influenced by its environment. This course examines these broad patterns of mutual determination in a variety of historical periods and geographical regions. Specific thematic and temporal focus will vary depending on the instructor.