Planet in Peril: The History and Future of Human Impacts on the Planet

This is a Complex Problem course and is open to FRESHMEN only. You must take SOCY1509 with this course. The 21st century opened with crises of climate, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning. In this course, we address ecological overshoot from the perspectives of sociology and history, emphasizing the role of inequality, the state, and power. The course combines contemporary analyses with a long historical record of human impact, considering both the familiar and the novel in the realm of ecological challenges. We devote substantial attention not only to causes but also to solutions. Topics to be covered include the Columbian exchange, forests, agriculture, water, climate change, toxics, and population. Solutions include state policy, social movements, individual action, and social innovation.

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OrganizationHow well the course was organized

4.57 / 5

ChallengeHow intellectually challenging students found it

4.44 / 5

AttendanceHow necessary attendance was

3.97 / 5

AssignmentsHow helpful assignments were

4.55 / 5