Shades of Green: Exploring and Expanding Environmental Justice in Practice (EARTHSYS 125, EARTHSYS 225, URBANST 125)

Historically, discussions of sustainability and the environment have been shaped by a limited view of how race, ethnicity, gender, culture, and equity intersect - often centered on urban environmental threats and separated from other types of social, historical, and economic concerns. This course will seek to expand on these discussions by exploring topics such as the history of the environmental justice movement, access to outdoor spaces, definitions of wilderness, inclusion in environmental organizations, gender and the outdoors, the influence of colonialism on ways of knowing, food justice and ethics, climate change policy, among others. Bridging theory and practice, this course will also center community partnership projects. In small groups, students will work with an environmental organization to support and problem-solve around issues of equity, representation, and access. We value a diversity of experiences and epistemologies and welcome students from all disciplines. Since this is a practical course, there will be a strong emphasis on participation and commitment to community partnerships. This course requires instructor approval, please submit an application by March 6th at midnight. Application available at https://forms.gle/3sY38k5fdp5XuW8Z6