SOC 223 Sociology of the Environment and Sustainability

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces the sociological study of the environment and sustainability. Explores environmental and sustainability issues associated with natural resource utilization, energy consumption, and globalization. Focuses on the impact of social systems, social processes, and public policy. Examines environmental ideologies, collective behavior, and social change in relation to environmentalism and sustainability efforts.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Apply a sociological perspective to issues of the environment and sustainability.
Discuss patterns of interaction between humans and our natural resource environment.
Describe current patterns of energy generation and consumption.
Analyze the environmental impact of globalization, urbanization, and market economies.
Analyze environmental ideologies, organizations, and related collective movements.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Apply analytical skills to social phenomena to understand human behavior; and
Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse world in which we live.

Cultural Literacy Outcomes:

Identify and analyze complex practices, values, and beliefs and the culturally and historically defined meanings of difference.

Content Outline

Sociology and the Study of the Environment and Sustainability
- The sociological perspective
- Sociological theories as applied to the environment and sustainability issues
- Impact of vocabulary and definitions
- Ecosystems and social systems
Humans and the Resources of the Earth
- Land and soil
- Water resources
- Biodiversity and forests
- Waste and pollution
Climate Change
- The science of climate change
- Risk assessment
- Ozone and ultraviolet radiation
- Global warming
Energy
- Energy resources and the increasing demand
- Energy alternatives
- Energy policy, change, and transitions
Population and Urbanization
- Population growth, distribution, change, and stabilization
- Population, food, and hunger
- Biotechnology, agroecology and sustainable farming
Globalization, Market Economies, and Politics
- Sociological perspective on globalization
- Economies, transforming markets, and consumer behavior
- Economic growth and sustainability
- Environmental policy and politics
Environmentalism
- Environmental ideologies
- Environmental organizations and collective behavior
- Environmental justice
- Environmental activism