This course will examine the complex and often contradictory relationship between the environment and development as it plays out in both industrialized and developing world contexts. While economic development in the form of industrialization and agricultural development has been central to economic growth, it has also resulted in a wide range of environmental threats – from biodiversity loss to global climate change.

 

We will explore how this fundamental drive for economic growth is tied to environmental degradation on multiple scales and in multiple arenas. We will also review efforts to reduce environmental damage associated with development through mainstream strategies of sustainable development, but also more radical projects of alternative development. The intention of the course is that by the end you will all have developed the analytical tools to think more critically about the relationship between the environment and development and to be able to effectively articulate evidence based opinions about key environment/development issues.

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In addition to the key learning outcomes for this course below—we will work throughout the semester to improve your ability to be critical consumers of news media and to communicate your thoughts both orally and in written form.

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Learning Outcomes

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These learning objectives set up goals for you to achieve during the semester. It also serves as an important roadmap for you to ensure learning takes place systematically. Frequently revisit these objectives during the semester and schedule meeting with me if you think you fall behind and need further help. I am always glad to help you.

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1. Explain the spatial aspects of core political economy concepts and use them to analyze key environmental issues

2. Understand and assess different definitions of development and the ethical arguments supporting and criticizing them

3. Describe the historical progression of economic development theory, and analyze their social and environmental impacts

4. Analyze and critically assess responses for addressing environmental change across scales including policy and social movement arenas

5. Assess scholarly sources for credibility, bias, and quality and use them to create an analytical paper using course core concepts

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