KSOD 2620 - Sociology of Environement (ENG et FRA) cours enseigné dans les deux langues

This course develops a critical understanding of the interactions between social formations

and the biophysical environment. Surveying the broad range of sociological scholarship on

the environment, it will explore the main themes and debates within environmental sociology

vis a vis the following key questions

• Relationship between “nature” and “culture”: How are ideas of nature constructed, by

whom and to what ends?

• Economy and environment: How have societies developed in relation to nature?
• Environmental problems: How have notions of environmental problems and crises

been recognized and dealt with by the state and by business?

• Environmental mobilizations: How do people mobilize in response to environmental

problems?

• Identity, inequality and environment: How are socio-cultural identities and everyday

practices articulated in relation to environments, and attempts to transition to more

sustainable futures?

For each theme, we will consider a diversity of viewpoints and methodological approaches to

studying the human-environment challenge in question, and privilege empirical cases to

elucidate theoretical debates.

To validate the course, the student is expected to pass the following assignments

• Class participation (30%) : Graded on the basis of grasp of course content, assiduity,

engagement, group work. Each week, students will have to complete 1-2 assigned

readings, one of which will also be the basis of the paper presentation below. In-class

writing exercises (in French or English) will complement oral participation.

• Paper presentation (30%): Each student, working in pairs will have to present a text

(paper or book chapter) for 30 minutes. The presentation should reflect research

question, literature, data, methods, and results. This will begin on week 2 and

continue throughout the semester.

• Final Glossary of key terms (30%): During Session 11, students will collectively

generate a list of key concepts from the list of course readings and discussions

provided. These concepts will function as a GLOSSARY of Environmental

Sociology. Once the Professors validate this list, each student will be assigned 1

concept to generate a 1000-2000 word glossary entry to define, contextualize and

demonstrate the empirical application of the concept. Students will have to draw on at

least 3 course readings and 3-5 additional peer-reviewed texts to construct their

glossary entry, which should serve as a “mini-literature review” on the concept.