HV5001 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES

This introductory course to the Minor programme in Environmental Humanities (EH) will offer a broad foundation to the emerging area of study. It will bring together a range of conceptual and theoretical approaches that define the field of EH since the 21st century, in order to reflect upon our changing relationships and dynamics with animals, plants, and the natural and urban environments, particularly in this epoch we call the Anthropocene. The range of disciplines we will focus on include literary and film studies; history; media and communication studies; sociology; linguistics; philosophy; art and aesthetics; as well as environmental science and geology. Major focuses of the course will include new theoretical concepts of nature and the environment; social and environmental justice; climate change and environmental degradations; pollutions ad toxicity in everyday life; debates in the naming of the Anthropocene; critical studies of human and animal relationships; as well as the relationship between environmental humanities and our daily lives as concerned, thoughtful citizens.