HIST 205-02, Introduction to Environmental History, Fall 2008

Abstract

Environmental history is the study of how humans have influenced the environments around them and how the environment itself has influenced the course of human societies. This course provides students with the skill to identify and analyze these interactions. This course will also help participants recognize the important developments that have led to present day human-environment relationships. Because environmental change often transcends national boundaries, this course places important subjects in environmental history such as disease, agriculture, frontiers, industrialization, and conservationism into a global context. Classes will typically include lecture and discussion. On a few occasions we will use our time to watch films, go on field trips, or host guest lecturers.