American Environmental History (309-0-1)

Instructors

Keith Mako Woodhouse
847/467-3776
Harris Hall 215

Meeting Info

University Hall 122: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course will survey American history from the Colonial Era to the present with two premises in mind: that the natural world is not simply a passive background to human history but rather an active participant in historical change, and that human attitudes toward nature are both shaped by and in turn shape social, political, and economic behavior. The course will cover formal schools of thought about the natural world—from Transcendentalism to the conservation and environmental movements—but also discuss the many informal intersections of human activity and natural systems, from European colonialism to property regimes, migration and transportation, industry, consumer practices, war, technological innovation, political ideology, and food production

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course students will be expected to have a firm grasp on the idea of environmental history as well as the ways in which people and non-human nature have interacted and shaped each other throughout American history. They will also expect to have improved as writers, and as interpreters of historical arguments and narratives.

Evaluation Method

Papers and participation in discussion sections.

Class Materials (Required)

Course reading materials will be articles, excerpts, and documents posted to Canvas.

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
SDG Responsible Consumption

Associated Classes

DIS - Harris Hall L28: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - University Hall 112: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-343: Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM