Course Listings

POLI 386 (AR) Political Ecology (1)

This course explores social justice questions in the practice of conservation, focusing on the developing world. Students will critically assess epistemological, methodological, and practical issues in nature-society relations, and thereby trace the emergence of the interdisciplinary approach known as political ecology. Topics to be addressed may include: how poor people are affected by park creation and enforcement; neoliberalism in conservation; and ethnic, gender and class disparities in environmental movements, especially the stereotype of the "ecologically noble savage." Students will work through a case study on the politics of conservation in a developing country.

General Education Requirement: Analyzing Arguments, Reasons, and Values

Prerequisite: 200-level Politics course or consent of instructor.

• Offering: Alternate years
• Instructor: Ybarra