Tri-Co Philly: Environmental Justice: Theory and Action
An introduction to the history and theory of environmental justice, an interdisciplinary field that examines how inequalities based on race, class, ethnicity, and gender shape how different groups of people are impacted by environmental problems and how they advocate for social and environmental change.
An introduction to the history and theory of environmental justice, an interdisciplinary field that examines how inequalities based on race, class, ethnicity, and gender shape how different groups of people are impacted by environmental problems and how they advocate for social and environmental change.
ENVS 035/POLS 043B | Wednesday/Friday 12:10-2:55 p.m.
Giovanna DiChiro
An introduction to the history and theory of environmental justice, an interdisciplinary field that examines how inequalities based on race, class, ethnicity, and gender shape how different groups of people are impacted by environmental problems and how they advocate for social and environmental change. This semester the course will be taught at the Philadelphia Friends Center and will concentrate on urban environmental justice issues and creative strategies for change in Philadelphia. Drawing on the work of scholars and activists from a wide variety of disciplines in the social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts and humanities, we critically examine the conceptual divisions between 鈥渘ature and society,鈥 鈥渦rban and rural,鈥 and the鈥渃ommunity and the planet.鈥 We will analyze the history of the widely used concept of 鈥渟ustainability鈥 focusing on the diverse ways it has been embraced, transformed, and implemented in different cultural and urban contexts. We will investigate some of the challenges facing cities like Philadelphia as they implement sustainability initiatives and try to avoid 鈥済reen gentrification鈥 (sustainability improvements such as green buildings, eco-parks, and upscale farmers鈥 markets that increase property values, pricing out and displacing local, low-income residents). We will likewise explore the promise of urban areas as important centers for supporting the flourishing of diverse, equitable, and ecologically sustainable communities. Course incorporates a community-based learning component.