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 harder to fix than others? Who should be benefitting from the environment, 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 | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $955.05 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- (SOCI 101 or SOCI 102 or SOCI 103) or 54 points
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Contact
- More information link
- View more information on the Department of Sociology, Gender and Social Work's website
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator and Lecturer: Dr Simon Barber
- 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
