Environmental Sociology I

This is an upper-division seminar that provides an overview of theoretical and empirical work in environmental sociology. After a brief introduction to the origins of the field, the seminar will cover topics that are representative of what is current in the area, especially bodies of empirical research that are national, international, and global in scope, and with particular attention given to how large-scale social institutions and organizational forms impact the environment. We will focus on the social dimensions of environmental impacts, the anthropogenic drivers of environmental impacts, and sociological research on solutions to environmental crises. A key takeaway of the course is the necessity in taking a structural approach to the study of socioenvironmental relationships. Attention will also be given to how environmental sociology makes fundamental contributions to interdisciplinary research in environmental studies and sustainability science.The course is required for all Environmental Studies majors.