SOC 374 - Sociology of Environmental Inequality and Justice

This course gives students an introductory look into the key debates and theoretical approaches in understanding environmental concerns from a sociology of environmental justice approach. In this course, we will survey key environmental concerns such as water justice, natural disasters, climate change, toxic chemical exposure, superfund sites and energy development from a feminist and/or queer theory perspective with the goal of assessing who is most at risk and why. Specifically, we will discuss how gender, class, race and power mediate human and environmental interactions and what this means for human health and well-being. Particular attention will be paid to how environmental destruction and contamination impacts the lives of women, LBGTQ+ folks, BIPOC, and the disabled. We will also explore how individuals from these communities have been at the forefront of the environmental justice movement. This course will also involve having students assess their water, air, and soil quality in comparison to other regions of the country and world. Course materials will include academic and activist texts, film, photography and art. Also offered as ENVS 376.

Prerequisites & Notes: Any one course from: ENVS 303, SOC 221, SOC 234, SOC 251, SOC 255, SOC 260, SOC 268, SOC 269, SOC 271 or instructor permission.
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter