Few would dispute that environmental protection is important and desirable, yet environmental and resource issues are deeply contentious. We argue over whether environmental problems are actually problems, what the origins and consequences of such issues are, and what, if anything, can or should be done. Our focus in this class will be to critically examine and engage with important and ongoing environment and resource controversies. This involves understanding not only the technical and scientific dimensions of these controversies but the social relations of resource production, use, and governance that give rise to them. Together we will explore the claims and counter-claims that animate particular debates, the dynamics of power and authority that affect whose ideas are given priority, and questions of justice. Who actually suffers the effects of agri-chemical pollution, forest conversion, climate change, or overfishing? The goal of this course is less to build topical expertise in any single domain than it is to broaden and deepen your capacity to engage with, participate in, and critically dissect contemporary debates surrounding environments, resources, and societies.

Course Info

This is an asynchronous online class that runs for the duration of the semester. You are expected to read ~40-50 pages/week and spend ~6-8 hours per week engaging in work for the class. The class is organized around weekly modules that run from Monday-Sunday. Class materials and any assignments will be made available at least two weeks prior to beginning of the module (or the relevant due date). In addition to weekly posts and responses assignments, you will be asked to complete five short quizzes on class materials throughout the semester, a final research paper, and a service learning assignment.

Required Material

• Moseley, W.G., Perramond, E., Hapke, H.M., and Laris, P. 2014. An Introduction to Human-Environment Geography: Local Dynamics and Global Processes. West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. This book is freely available online via the UH library or can be purchased in hard copy via Amazon.
• All other readings will be posted in PDF form in each weekly module, as will links to any required films and videos.

Instructor Information

Lisa C. Kelley, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography & Environment, Email: lckelley@hawaii.edu, Office Hours: By Appointment