ENV50505

This course provides an introduction to historical and philosophical analyses of environmental attitudes and values. After establishing the vital connection between ontology ('worldview') and ethics, students address select indigenous and traditional environmental perspectives. The course then turns to the nature/culture schism under the sign of modernity (agriculture, science and instrumental rationality, theories of property). Students will also consider figures associated with Romantic responses to modernity (and their critics). The course concludes by focusing on Environmental Justice (including Climate Justice). For their final project, students will craft a personal, bioregionally grounded 'ecosophy,' an environmental credo responsive to human and more-than-human community informed by class reading and discussion.