Critical Social Inquiry 0227 - Environmental Activism

This course will introduce students to the legal regime in the United States in which citizens and activists work to protect public health and the environment. How does the law help protect us and our environment? What are its shortfalls? Who are the stakeholders in this system? What can you do to make change happen? We will explore the law and policy around major environmental issues including global climate change, mass toxic chemical exposure, environmental impacts of the industrial food system and more, while analyzing the different approaches, values and impacts of environmental activists dedicated to these issues. In addition to assigned readings, students will watch a collection of topical environmental documentaries and films. Written assignments are two short response papers, a legal case summary of a major environmental case, and a semester long project on an environmental activist group culminating in a final report and presentation.

Independent Work Writing and Research Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.