Introduction to Topics in History (292-0-28)

Instructors

Madeline E. White

Meeting Info

University Hall 118: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Topic: Inventing the Earth: Humans, Technology, and the Environment

Inventing the earth: humans, technology, and the environment
From the invention of plows that enabled early agriculturists to till the earth efficiently to the use of SeaKites to create eco-friendly energy in hostile ocean environments, technology has mediated and channeled human interactions the environment. This class will explore the evolving relationship of humans to the natural world and the role of technology in facilitating these interactions. We will review attempts to tame, order, combat, and preserve nature as well as the consequences of these interactions. The environment and technology also share a long scholarly tradition, and this course will draw on seminal texts alongside growing literature in history, anthropology, and digital humanities. In addition to technologies that enabled changes in human-environmental relations, topics such as pollution and depletion will form a core theme, as well as the role of technology in combatting climate change.

Learning Objectives

Class participation, short essays/reflections, source analysis paper, final project outline, end of term project/paper

Evaluation Method

Class participation, short essays/reflections, source analysis paper, final project outline, end of term project/paper

Class Materials (Required)

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

Class Notes

History Major Concentration(s): Americas European
History Minor Concentration(s): Science and Technology, Environment, Europe

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration.