Environmental Justice and Sustainability
AFAM 213
Spring 2009
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
E&ES 170 |
| Certificates: Environmental Studies |
This course will explore scientific, political, economic, climatic and historical issues related to environmental racism and the potential impact of climate change on disadvantaged communities. As scholars have documented in the last 15 years, people of color in all regions of the United States bear a disproportionate burden of the nation's environmental problems. Minority communities face higher concentrations of toxic waste sites and garbage dumps. They are subject to air and water pollution that can have serious health consequences, and they are often shut out of environmental decision making processes. In response, communities across the country have mobilized to demand less polluted environments, more green space, and increased voice in decision-making.
Students in the class, which will be team taught by a E&ES professor and a visiting sociologist. They will learn basic earth science practices related to measuring and analyzing contaminants; explore statistical data about race and health; study the emergence of environmental justice as a new civil rights issue especially in a warming world. Two meetings a week will focus on lecture and discussion about the course materials; in a third weekly meeting, students will gain hands-on experience, with labs, field trips, and guest speakers. This class counts as an elective in the Environmental Studies Certificate Program, and African American Studies. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1.25 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS AFAM |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (ENVS) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Possible readings include:
Selected scientific and medical articles
Robert Bullard, Dumping in Dixie
Luke Cole and Sheila Foster, From the Ground Up
Julie Sze, Noxious New York
David Pellow, Garbage Wars
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Examinations and Assignments:
2 exams, 2 papers, group project with oral presentation. |
| Instructor(s): O'Connell,Suzanne B. Times: .M.W... 01:10PM-02:30PM; .....F. 01:10PM-03:00PM; Location: SCIE405; SCIE405; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 22 | | SR major: 3 | JR major: 3 | | |
| Seats Available: -8 | GRAD: 0 | SR non-major: 0 | JR non-major: 0 | SO: 6 | FR: 10 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 9 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 2 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 1 | Unranked: 6 |
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