Human Ecology

Environmental issues are also cultural and political conflicts, between competing social groups, economic interests and cultural paradigms. This course introduces students to human ecology, the study of how our adaptations to the environment are mediated by cultural differences and political economy. Topics include: how ecological anthropology has evolved as a subdiscipline, with a focus on systems theory and political ecology; how ritually regulated societies manage resources; how rural communities deal with environmental deterioration; and how contradictions between environmental protection, economic development, and cultural values complicate so many ecological issues. (SOAN 0103 or SOAN 0105 or ENVS 0112 or ENVS 0211 or ENVS 0215 or BIOL 0140; juniors and seniors by permission only) (formerly called Human Ecology) 3 hrs. lect. (Anthropology)