HIST 392 - Global Environmental History

4 Hour(s) Credit
Whether one is discussing the Chernobyl disaster, the crab fishery in Maryland or global warming, the problems, as well as the proposed solutions, of contemporary environmentalism are all couched in international terms. As such, environmentalism is at the center of 20th century debates about the limits of the nation-state. The emergence of this contemporary international environmentalism, is closely linked to the history of the modern world. Topics ranging from the Industrial Revolution, European expansion and colonialism, to revolt, nationalism and the politics of the Cold War will be examined. Although the roots of current environmental politics will be discussed, the course will focus on the recent past, from the 1880s to the present, and on the challenges to modernity posed by environmental change.
Three hours per week with enhancement.
Meets General Education IIB.
Prerequisites Sophomore standing or permission of instructor.