American Environmental History

Catalog description

This course offers an introduction to environmental history -- the study of the historical relationship between humans and the natural world -- with a focus on North America from before European contact up to contemporary times. Likely topics to be considered include: First Nations' relationships with nature and land use patterns prior to European contact; the massive environmental changes that came with the arrival of European colonizers; changing ideas about the proper relationships between humans and nature; and major developments in resource use and management, including the rise of the modern environmental movement in the late 20th century and contemporary environmental problems and challenges. The course also explores ethical, historical, social, and scientific perspectives on environmental sustainability. Spring.