Environmental Studies: Social Science Perspectives (Fall Semester)

ENVIR ST 112
Monday/Wednesday, 11–11:50 a.m. + discussion section
3 credits

Instructor

Rob Beattie
Teaching Faculty
rbeattie@wisc.edu

Course Description

The natural environment and society are intricately linked in a number of ways. Environmental problems don’t just affect our society, they are a product of social structures. We therefore need more than just natural science and technology to address environmental issues — social studies of the environment are critical.

This course explores different approaches of interpreting environment and societal relations, at various levels, from the local to the global. It traces the social origins of environmental problems, their social impacts, and the different responses they engender. Students will learn to critically apply these modes of thinking to current environmental challenges.

Fulfills Environmental Studies

Social Science Foundation

Counts Toward

Sustainability Certificate

UW Designations

Elementary

Social Science