Module #1 Introduction to Environmental History An overview of the field of environmental history, its key concepts, and its relevance to understanding contemporary environmental issues.
Module #2 Prehistory and the Environment:Hunters and Gatherers Exploring the environmental relationships of early human societies, from hunter-gatherers to the emergence of agriculture.
Module #3 The Rise of Civilizations:Environmental Impacts of Early Agriculture Analyzing the environmental consequences of the transition to agriculture, including deforestation, soil degradation, and climate change.
Module #4 Ancient Environmentalisms:Perspectives from Greece and Rome Examining the environmental ideas and practices of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, including Aristotle and Cicero.
Module #5 The Medieval Environment:Forests, Fields, and Fiefdoms Investigating the environmental relationships of medieval Europe, including the role of feudalism, agriculture, and resource management.
Module #6 The Age of Exploration and the Columbian Exchange Analyzing the environmental impacts of European exploration and colonization, including the transfer of species, diseases, and ideas.
Module #7 The Emergence of Modern Environmentalism:17th-18th Centuries Examining the early modern roots of environmentalism, including the ideas of thinkers such as John Evelyn and Alexander von Humboldt.
Module #8 Industrialization and Environmental Degradation Investigating the environmental consequences of industrialization, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
Module #9 The Romantic Era and the Emergence of Conservation Analyzing the role of Romanticism in shaping modern environmentalism, including the ideas of writers such as Wordsworth and Thoreau.
Module #10 The Progressive Era and the Rise of Environmental Regulation Examining the early 20th-century development of environmental regulation, including the creation of national parks and wildlife refuges.
Module #11 The Post-WWII Environmental Movement Investigating the growth of modern environmentalism, including the roles of Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, and the first Earth Day.
Module #12 Environmental Justice and the Politics of Inequality Analyzing the environmental justice movement, including the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on marginalized communities.
Module #13 Climate Change:A Historical Perspective Examining the historical development of climate change science, politics, and policy, from ancient observations to modern controversies.
Module #14 Biodiversity Loss and the Sixth Mass Extinction Investigating the historical and contemporary dimensions of biodiversity loss, including the role of habitat destruction and species extinction.
Module #15 Water and Environmental History Analyzing the historical relationships between humans and water, including the development of irrigation systems, dams, and water scarcity.
Module #16 Food Systems and Environmental Change Examining the historical development of food systems, including agriculture, trade, and consumption patterns, and their environmental impacts.
Module #17 Urbanization and Environmental Change Investigating the historical development of cities and their environmental relationships, including urban planning, infrastructure, and sustainability.
Module #18 Natural Disasters and Environmental History Analyzing the historical relationships between natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, and environmental change.
Module #19 Environmentalism in the Global South Examining the environmental experiences and perspectives of the Global South, including the role of colonialism, development, and globalization.
Module #20 Indigenous Environmental Knowledge and Practices Investigating the environmental knowledge, practices, and perspectives of indigenous peoples, including their relationships with land, resources, and climate.
Module #21 Economic Development and Environmental Degradation Analyzing the historical relationships between economic development, growth, and environmental degradation, including the role of globalization and neoliberalism.
Module #22 Environmentalism and Social Justice Examining the intersections between environmentalism and social justice, including the roles of class, race, gender, and sexuality in environmental politics.
Module #23 Environmentalism and International Relations Investigating the international dimensions of environmental politics, including global governance, treaties, and agreements.
Module #24 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Historical Perspectives on Environmental Change career
