Special Topics in Environmental Policy and Culture (390-0-21)

Topic

Environmental Political Theory

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-420: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

Course title: Environmental Political Theory

Environmental Political Theory challenges the long-standing humanistic emphasis of political thought, insisting that nature is not simply a passive backdrop to human affairs but an active participant in political life. This course explores how social, discursive, and material forces interact to shape political systems, economies, and identities. We will examine how environmental political theorists reconceptualize the state, justice, and economic systems, while also rethinking political action and the meaning of human freedom. Special attention will be given to critiques of mainstream green politics and sustainable development, which, despite good intentions, can reinforce ideologies and institutions that drive ecological degradation. Alongside critique, we will study creative contemporary approaches that imagine new forms of political community and human freedom that do not depend on the domination and devaluation of nonhuman life. Finally, the course will turn to grassroots activism and community engagement as sites of possibility for building more just, democratic, and ecologically attuned forms of social, political, and economic order.

Learning Objectives

Students will critically evaluate various theoretical, political, and ideological lenses that have structured approaches to environmental governance. Through practices of close reading, classroom discussion, and analytical writing, students will evaluate strengths and weaknesses of different arguments, put divergent perspectives into conversation, and apply academic theories to the analysis of real world issues.

Evaluation Method

Participation (20%): This is a discussion based seminar, and your attendance and participation are of high importance. You are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the readings that were assigned for that day. You are expected to participate in both individual and group class activities and to speak up during discussions. During the first day of class, we will discuss strategies to support successful classroom participation. Effective participation includes speaking, listening, and respectful engagement with diverse perspectives and ideas.

Short Essay 1 (15%): You will write a 3-4 page (double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt. font) analysis essay that engages critically with 1-2 of the class readings from the first 3 weeks of class. Your essay should be organized around a central thesis statement. You should draw on direct quotations and paraphrased summary from the reading(s), but the emphasis of the essay should be on analysis rather than summary. The goal of the essay is to demonstrate an analytical perspective that goes beyond the reading to add additional nuance, critique, or thematic analysis. Due date: Sunday January 25

Short Essay 2 (15%): This will follow the same format as the first short essay, but will respond to a reading from weeks 4-6. Due date: Sunday February 15

Presentation (10%): During the last two weeks of class, each student will deliver a 15 minute presentation on the topic that they plan to address in the final paper. You do not need to have completed the paper before presenting. The presentation is an opportunity to receive feedback on the framing, arguments, and evidence that you plan to include in the paper. Presenting your work is an opportunity to refine your approach and to strengthen your argument before you complete your final essay.

Final Essay (40%): Your final essay will be 7-8 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman 12pt. font). You should engage with at least two different class readings from throughout the semester. You may include additional outside readings with instructor approval. Similarly to the short papers, your final essay must be structured around a central thesis statement that represents a targeted, arguable intervention that engages with major themes from the class. This can take the form of critique, thematic analysis, narrative analysis, application of a theory, or other approaches. I highly recommend that you speak with me during office hours at least once before writing your final essay. Due date: Tuesday March 17

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration: Students must be a Environmental Policy, Environmental Science or Science in Human Culture major or minor to register.