An introduction to research in environmental sociology with an emphasis on the social processes, dynamics and institutions that are influential in contemporary environmental crises.
What causes environmental problems? Why are some environmental problems?áharder to
fix than others? Who should be benefitting from the environmen,t and who should be
responsible for its well-being? In Environmental Sociology, we look at the social
dimensions of our natural world and consider how our social life shapes our ecological
life (and vice versa!). We will focus particularly on how environmental problems are
created by social drivers and experienced unequally.
We cover a range of
topics, including production and consumption and its environmental effects, inequality
and environmental risk, and social movements for environmental justice. We will be
constantly drawing from contemporary examples to discuss how sociological tools can
help us understand our environmental crises and how we might strategise for a better
environmental future.
| Paper title | Environmental Sociology |
|---|---|
| Paper code | SOCI208 |
| Subject | Sociology |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Second Semester |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $868.95 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $3,656.70 |
- Prerequisite
- (SOCI 101 or SOCI 102 or SOCI 103) or 54 points
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Contact
- katharine.legun@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information on the Department of Sociology, Gender and Social Work's website
- Teaching staff
- Course Co-ordinator: Dr Katharine Legun
- Paper Structure
- Topics:
- Environmental problems as sociological problems
- Consumption and materialism
- Health and embodiment
- Environmental disasters
- Environmental movements
- Environmental justice and inequality
- Textbooks
- Bell, M. (2012) An Invitation to Environmental Sociology.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Self-motivation,
Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Students who successfully complete the paper will develop
- Knowledge of contemporary environmental problems and relevant social theories
- The ability to analyse and discuss environmental problems effectively in writing, discussions and presentations
