Environmental Studies: Social Science Perspectives

ENVIR ST 112
6-week session | May 28–July 7
3 credits

Online course

Instructor

Ryan Hellenbrand
Lecturer
rhellenbran2@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