Critical Social Inquiry 0129 - Indians and Environmentalism

Spring
2018
1
4.00
Ashley Smith
09:00AM-10:20AM TU;09:00AM-10:20AM TH
Hampshire College
325893
Franklin Patterson Hall 103;Franklin Patterson Hall 103
aesCSI@hampshire.edu
What is the relationship between settler colonialism, environmentalism, and indigenous peoples in the US? In this course we will examine how settler-colonial practices of indigenous erasure and dispossession made possible the rise environmental thought and activism in the US. We will consider how and why the specter of the "ecologically noble Indian," the ultimate environmental savior, haunts environmentalist movements and the effects of this image on indigenous peoples and their ongoing struggles to protect their lands and sovereignties. This course will focus on the US, but will include some consideration of Canada. It will engage the fields of settler colonial and environmental history, anthropology, Native American studies, decolonial studies, and environmental justice.
Culture, Humanities, and Languages Power, Community and Social Justice Multiple Cultural Perspectives Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.