Environmental

Environmental history asks four main questions: what was the environment like in the past, how did it affect people, how did people affect it, and what did people think about it? This course will consider the answers to these questions by introducing major themes in environmental history. We will be looking at the ways that various landscapes around the world have shaped human history, and also how people have shaped these landscapes to better suit their needs and desires. Topics include the history and impact of agriculture, fire regimes, water use, urbanization, population growth, pollution, and energy regimes. We will also discuss the importance of changing perspectives of the terrestrial environment and the rise of environmentalism. Class will be conducted in a combined lecture/discussion format.

Prof. Arch, 4 credits, MWF 11-11:50 a.m.

• Fulfills Social Sciences, Individual & Society, and/or Studying the Past distribution, as well as Environmental Studies elective.
• History major: modern history; Cultures & Ideas; History-ES elective

From aboriginal shore-based hunts to modern factory ship whaling, the pursuit of whales has drawn people together and set them at odds with each other, particularly since the rise of the environmental movement. This seminar will look at the history of whaling throughout the Pacific Basin, from the west coast of the Americas to Japan and Australia, and all the waters in between. Using a mixture of primary and secondary sources, we will consider in particular the environmental impact of whaling in different areas of the Pacific, as well as the role of environmentalism in changing attitudes towards whaling in the twentieth century. This course is discussion-based, with paper and presentation assignments.

Prof. Arch, 4 credits, TTh 10-11:20 a.m.

• Fulfills Social Sciences, Global Cultures & Languages, and/or Studying the Past distribution, as well as Environmental Studies elective.
• History major: modern history; Cultures & Ideas; Social Justice; History-ES elective