The purpose of this course will be to provide a broad overview of environmental and natural resource sociology, focusing on the prevailing theories and approaches used to examine the complex relationship between human societies and the biophysical environment. Throughout this course, we will analyze the societal causes and consequences of resourcescarcity, environmental degradation, and environmental conflict. Viewing environmental problems as social problems, we will focus on the structural conditions that produce environmental problems and inhibit their solutions.The primary goal for this course is to allow students to develop an understanding of contemporary environmental issues froma social science perspective. Students in this course will explore the intersection of major social and environmental issues through writing, reading, and the development of an environmental project throughout the semester. The class is designed for students of all backgrounds in agriculture and natural resources.
