Environmental Justice and Climate Change in America. 3 credits, 3 contact hours

Catalog description

Prerequisites: ENGL 102 with a grade C or higher and a course fulfilling the History and Humanities GER 200 level course with a grade of C or higher. The history of interactions between humans and their natural environment on the North American Continent. Considers perceptions of, use of, and alteration of the environment. Traces the cultural, intellectual, economic, political and technological transformations from early colonial times to the late 20th century. Addresses the diverse environmentalisms that have emerged the last several decades. Examines the history of environmental inequality within the United States, especially in poor and minority communities, as well as the rise of the environmental justice movement during the post-World War II period. Considers the numerous historical causes of environmental discrimination along with the strategies undertaken by local communities to alleviate such inequality. Topics include analysis of grassroots organizing, legal strategies, and policy implementation focused on fostering a more environmentally just society. This course may be used to satisfy a three credit 300 level GER in History and Humanities.