ENVM 527 - Environmental Justice and Society (3)

At the center of this course of study is the fundamental assumption that “environmental change is as much a social science as a natural science issue.” This course focuses on the reflexive relationship between the environment and society from a sociological perspective with associated societal decisions and policy. Features of the environment produce both constraint and opportunity for human order and activity. Humans construct their environment framed by political, economic, technological, moral/ethical, and socio/cultural understanding and interpretation of the environment. Human values, knowledge and organization are considered powerful influences leading to the tension between exploiting and sustaining the environment. All of these considerations and understandings are further impacted by humans living in a global community where isolationism is virtually impossible when considering the fact that land, air, water, and shelter are considered needs as basic to moral and ethical decisions about human rights. In fact, because of the modern globalized world and the integration of bio systems, we live in a global ecosystem. Moral/ethical considerations will frame much of the discussion and lead to implications for environmental justice and sustainable development within a context of governance that is inclusive of multiple voices. Offered: Fall.