Ecology and Cultural Change
Environmental Studies 149
Fall, 1998
Wednesday, 1:15 - 4:15 PM
Instructor: Paul
Faulstich
Office: Broad Center 214, ext. 18818
Office
Hours: Tuesday 9:00-11:00
Sentiment without action is the ruin of the
Soul.
Edward Abbey
INTRODUCTION
TO THE COURSE: PURPOSE AND CONTENT
In
this course we study relationships between changing natural systems and
changing socio-cultural systems. We
investigate approaches to ecological and social dynamics (change, development, evolution,
revolution), with a focus on environmental degradation, modernization,
socio-cultural change, and the factors that link ecological and human
processes. While we investigate prehistoric cultures, there is an emphasis on
contemporary societies--both non-western and western. Theoretical and applied perspectives of ecological change and
cultural change are studied, with emphasis on the interaction of the two. Particular attention is given to evaluating
and understanding how peoples create and respond to change. Global issues of ecology and intercultural
communication guide our inquiries. The
course confronts issues of power, choice, ethics, responsibility, and the possibilities
for opposition and resistance. Be prepared to question and explore your own
assumptions and values.
We
will investigate relationships between environmental change and stability,
social structure, values, personalities, ideologies, economies, and
technologies. We explore the nature,
scope, cause, effects, and alternatives to the major environmental problems
associated with rapid culture change.
Emphasis will be on identifying solutions and eliminating problems
connected to processes of social change at both the micro and macro levels. A critical look at how individuals experience
eco-cultural change will enable us to grasp more fully the consequences of
cross-cultural interactions.
This
course combines a focus not only on how and why cultural and ecological systems
change, but also on how individuals and societies experience that change. One of my goals is help you realize that
existing social arrangements are dynamic, and have largely been constructed by
people over time in response to the problems with which they have had to deal. Therefore, these social arrangements are
subject to change. We explore various
ideas around the theme of change, not only because we live in a rapidly
changing world (almost a truism these days) but also because the common notion
that existing socio-cultural arrangements benefit the majority of people is not
supported by a close examination of our situations. Therefore, this course deals substantially with our options
for change.
As
part of the process of confronting critical issues, we will review and critique
theories of social change and stability.
We analyze the factors causing change and the mechanisms through which
individual and systemic change stem.
Emphasis is placed on evaluating and understanding current social and
cultural dynamics. We consider both
social movements--the conscious and purposeful quest for change--and social
resistance to change.
The
course examines, from an interdisciplinary perspective, some of the most
critical issues facing contemporary peoples and ecosystems. We investigate the structures and cultures
of various societies in an attempt to understand the processes and consequences
of ecological and social change.
Particular attention is given to the cultural and environmental
consequences of technological change.
Case studies will illuminate the dynamics and realities of change among
urban and non-urban Americans, and a variety of other peoples. We will interface theory and action in an
attempt to identify ways of living that are culturally full and ecologically sound.
The
course is largely a seminar in format, although I will provide brief
introductory lectures and remarks. Our
readings, my remarks, and the films we view will provide points of departure
for us to discuss significant topics. Student participation in projects and
discussions is essential. In the
best of scenarios, my role is more as a facilitator than as an instructor, but
this is largely dependent upon the character of the class. Its up to you; in this course you will only
get out of it what you put into it.
The
objectives of this course include the following:
1) To provide a background and an overview of the nature
and scope of environmental
degradation and socio-cultural change from a global, interdisciplinary
perspective.
2) To gain insight into cultural and biological
diversity, and to encourage an appreciation
of this diversity from a historical yet
contemporary perspective.
3) To acquaint students with the value of understanding
peoples within their full cultural
and ecological contexts.
4) To critically examine the variety of attitudes,
values, and responses to Nature and to
change.
5) To examine the roots of ecological and
socio-cultural change, and the available options.
6) To explore the possibilities of enhanced
intercultural communication and understanding.
7)
To empower us to make a difference for the better.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Mid-term
and final projects are required of all students. Final projects must include an in-class presentation by each
student (or group of students). There
will be some flexibility as to topic and approach, but all projects will fit
tightly into the parameters of
the
course. Projects are expected to be
broad in scope and rich in depth.
Students are encouraged to include community
service
as a component of their projects.
Major
components of this course include class preparation and discussion of the
material. Students are expected to
initiate and sustain class discussions.
Toward this goal, each student periodically will be asked to speak very
briefly (and succinctly) on a topic relevant to the course. The class will then discuss the subject and
content of the talk. Each week one or
two students will be scheduled to speak on the readings for the week, current
events, personal experiences, or other relevant matters.
You
are asked to keep a journal that documents your explorations of the topics
related to this course. This journal is
to be
used
for two purposes: 1) I want you to keep
well informed about the issues, and to gather a portfolio of items related to
the class. These may include news
clippings, articles, bibliographic references, and notes which reflect the
development of your thoughts on this subject.
You will have periodic opportunities to share with the class what you
are learning. And, 2) I would
like
you to use the journal as a place for reflecting on the material we cover in
our readings and discussions.
More
than simple 'class notes', this journal will help you to grasp your own
relationship to the issues. I hope that
the journal will enable you to sort out your relationship to the material, and
to the self-reflective learning process of the class. Your notes
should
reflect your thoughts about, and critical appraisal of the readings, lectures,
and films. What are the major issues,
concepts,
and processes addressed? What are the
main conclusions presented? What
weaknesses and strengths do you find
in
the work? and so on. The journals also
should address issues that arise outside
of this class, in your own personal experiences.
The
journals are to be informal, candid, and concise. In fact, I will not be collecting or grading them. However, I am
convinced
that if you do not keep a journal of the type I have outlined above your
performance in discussions will suffer.
Thus,
while I do not directly require such
journals, I expect that they will indirectly
be a significant aspect of your work in this course.
Preparation and participation are expected of all students and will count for approximately 50% of your final grade. Your final project , also, will count for approximately 50% of your final grade.
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Required Texts: Carolyn Merchant,
Radical Ecology
Jerry Mander, In
the Absence of the Sacred Derrick Jensen, Listening to the Land
Jon Naar, Design
for a Livable Planet David Clarke Burks, Place of the Wild Tom Athanasiou, Divided Planet (recommended) |
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Date Topic Readings
Sept.
2 Course Overview
Intercultural
Communication
Intro to Social &
Cultural Change
Activity: Power Shuffle
Faces of Culture: Culture Change
Sept.
9 Culture, Society, Ethnicity Livable
Planet, Intro. & Ch. 1
EcoTimes Past?; Easter
Island Listening
to the Land, pp. 1-23
Evolution and Change? Radical
Ecology, Introduction
Activity: Ideal Culture Place
of the Wild, pp. 43-66
Environmental Revolution Divided
Planet, Ch. 1 (rec.)
Sept.
16 Cultural Values & Beliefs Livable
Planet, Chs. 2 & 3
Enculturation and
Acculturation Absence
of the Sacred, Chs. 1, 2, 3
Activity: Value
Orientations Listening
to the Land, pp. 24-52
Affluenza Radical
Ecology, Ch. 1
Sept. 23 Technology
and Change Livable
Planet, Ch. 4
Western
& Non-Western Identities Absence
of the Sacred, Chs. 4, 5
Development and Change Listening to
the Land, pp. 53-86
Activity: Then and
Now Radical
Ecology, Ch. 2
The White Man’s Way Divided
Planet, Ch. 2 (rec.)
Sept.
30 Deadline for Presentation TopicsLivable Planet, Ch. 5
Environmental Change and
the Individual Listening to
the Land, pp. 87-121
Activity: Value of
Proverbs Radical
Ecology, Ch. 3
Fighting for the Forest Place
of the Wild, pp. 75-85
Divided
Planet, Ch. 3 (rec.)
Oct.
7 Intercultural Communication Livable Planet,
Ch. 6
Language and Ecology Listening
to the Land, pp. 122-152
Activity: Culture and
Conversation Radical Ecology,
Ch. 4
Ancient Forests: Rage Over
Trees Place of the
Wild, pp. 119-130
Divided
Planet, Ch. 4
Oct.
14 Wilderness & Wildness Livable Planet,
Ch. 7
World View Radical
Ecology, Ch. 5
Activity: Language,
Values, World View Listening to the
Land, pp. 153-182
River People Place
of the Wild, pp. 131-160
Divided
Planet, Ch. 5 (rec.)
Oct.
21 The Ecology of Cultural
Change Livable
Planet, Ch. 8
Movements Toward Change Radical Ecology,
Ch. 6
Activity: Creating
Ritual Listening
to the Land, pp. 183-207
Remnants of Eden Place
of the Wild, pp. 161-189
Oct.
28 The Economics of Cultural
Change Livable
Planet, Ch. 9
Activity:
Communication Value Listening to the Land,
pp. 208-247
Ecological Design Absence of the Sacred,
Ch. 6, 7, 8
Place
of the Wild, pp. 260-270
Radical
Ecology, Ch. 7
Nov.
4 Domination
and Marginalization Livable
Planet, Ch. 12, Afterword
The Green Consumer Absence
of the Sacred, Chs. 10, 14,
Activity: Attitudes Toward Women & Radical
Ecology, Ch. 8
Nature Listening
to the Land, pp. 248-281
The Environmental Tourist Place
of the Wild, pp. 277-290
Nov.
11 Enacting Change and
Empowering Self Livable
Planet, Chs. 10 & 11
Revitalization Movements Place of
the Wild, pp. 308-314
Educating for Change Listening
to the Land, pp. 282-326
Activity: Word
Association Absence of the Sacred, Ch. 11, 12
Earth First! Radical
Ecology, Ch. 9
Nov.
18 Cultural Awareness Absence
of the Sacred, Chs. 9, 13
Voices of
the Land Radical Ecology, Conclusion
Nov.
25 Global Perspectives on the
Future Absence of
the Sacred, Chs. 15, 16
Student Presentations
Divided Planet, Ch. 6 (rec.)
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Dec.
2 Student Presentations |
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