Environmental Studies 242 - Global-Local Inequal. & Envir.

This course will engage students in thinking about the dynamic relationship between inequality and the environment. We will examine some of the major theories, paradigms, concepts, policies, and programs that analyze, explain, predict or attempt to affect change in the global South. As we discuss the evolution of development theories and practices over time, we will reflect on how its theoretical underpinnings help us to understand policy and programmatic "successes" and "failures." The first part of the course introduces students to philosophical and theoretical debates about inequality and resource access, drawing on development theory to explore evolving approaches to integrate environment and development. We will consider complementary and contrasting perspectives about the causes of and solutions to global poverty and environmental degradation and reflect on how our assumptions shape what we "see" in specific sites, how we frame particular problems and what we suggest as solutions. As we trace approaches to sustainable development from global environmental politics to site-specific case studies, the second half of the course connects through a series of virtual conversations about inequality and the environment with the Mount Holyoke College program in Costa Rica.

Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors; Prereq: One course in geography or one related social sciences course.