Environmental Political Theory
Course Description
Summary
What is nature? Who gets to speak for nature? What is the institutional arrangement, political economic system, and form of political community best suited to cultivating a more sustainable relationship with the non-human realm? These questions are most effectively grappled with by putting political theory into conversation with environmental studies. In cultivating this transdisciplinary conversation, we will reconsider both (1) conventional political theoretical debates over democracy, citizenship, sovereignty and justice through the lens of environmental thought and practice, and (2) long-standing environmental debates over wilderness, animal rights, environmental justice and climate change through the lens of political theory.
Learning Outcomes
- Wade through dense theoretical texts, developing your close-reading skills in the process.
- Hone your writing skills through weekly reading responses and two longer analytical essays.
- Develop your critical thinking skills, gaining a better understanding of the relationship between contemporary environmental crises, ideological frameworks, political institutions, and economic structures.
Prerequisites
Students should email me (johnhultgren@bennington.edu) a 1-2 paragraph reflection on why they want to take the class and how it relates to their plan of study and/or interests. Previous coursework in SCT is necessary. Previous coursework in environmental studies is helpful.
Cross List
- Environment