U.S. Environmental History

Environmental history explores the dynamic relationship between humans and the natural world - how the environment has shaped human societies, and how humans have, in turn, transformed the environment. This course examines that relationship throughout United States history, from roughly 1500 to the present. Moving chronologically, we will begin with indigenous peoples' connections with the land, European colonization, agriculture and rural life, and industrialization and the growth of cities. We will then turn to the conservation movement, the creation of national parks, the science of ecology, grassroots activism, and landmark legislation to protect both the environment and public health. Fulfills HU distribution and EL requirement. NO PASS/FAIL.