ES 330 - Culture, Power, and Ecology

Critical analysis of ecological and social impacts of colonialism and capitalism through foundational texts and ethnographies in environmental anthropology. Examination of Indigenous ecological and climate justice movements. 

Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-6 - Ethnic Studies, Overlay - Sustainability
Strongly Recommended Preparation: Completion of GE areas 1A, 2A, 3A and GE-2.
Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground, or Hybrid, or Online-Asynchronous, or Online-Synchronous.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Cross-listed: ANTH 330
Course Typically Offered: Variable Intermittently


Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Explain how historical and contemporary systems of white supremacy, colonialism, and capitalism affect human labor, cultural autonomy, and human-ecological relations using ethnographic evidence.
2. Articulate the importance of ethnographic research in analyzing the human experience and human-ecological relations. Practice ethnographic writing as a device to share your own observations and experience with socio-ecological issues.
3. Analyze the demands and outcomes of social movements for ecological liberation led by Indigenous and frontline environmental justice communities.
4. Investigate global supply chains to understand the impact of capitalist and colonial modes of production on the earth and frontline communities.
5. Apply Indigenous and critical theoretical analyses to study contemporary socio-ecological issues, and to construct policy recommendations.

1. Discuss multiple dimensions of sustainability, including the scientific, social, cultural, and/or economic.
2. Analyze interactions between human activities and natural systems.
3. Describe strategies taken by individuals, communities, organizations, or governments for mitigating and/or adapting to key threats to environmental sustainability.