Aldo Leopold: Theory and Practice

Aldo Leopold is perhaps the foundational thinker and practitioner of modern environmentalism. In this course we will study his life, his thought, and his actions in depth. As a humanist, a policy actor, and a scientist, Leopold's life exemplifies the interconnection and overlapping that are central to a progressive approach to human-environment interactions. In terms of ideas, Leopold was well-versed in sustainability (in forestry and game management), in preservationism (as the first to call for the creation of wilderness areas), and in ecocentrism (his essay “The Land Ethic”). We will take three outdoor field trips. (ENVS 0112 or ENVS 0211 or ENVS 0215)