Instructor: Alejandra Flores

Instructor Email: monglas2@yahoo.com
Prerequisites: None

Course Description: As long as Humans have been present, we have exploited natural resources to survive. However, it is apparent that the Earth can no longer endure exploitation on such a scale if human life is to be sustained for generations to come. This course seeks to show students the difference between the natural and man-made features that make up the world around us and how we can interact with our environment in a more efficient manner. This class will also introduce students to various cultures interactions with the environment throughout history, from an anthropological perspective, and challenge them to look from their personal cultural perspective and offer solutions to our growing environmental predicaments.

Through reading about how extreme environmental manipulation has compromised the future for humankind, and examining how groups are doing their part to live in and eco-friendly society, students will be provided with tools that will allow them to impact the world they live in for the betterment of the human race.

Course Objectives: By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Familiarize themselves with cultures throughout history that once lived in self-sufficient ecosystems, and the forces (if any) that have altered their once-sustainable way-of-life.
• Be able to understand the major contributing factors to global warming- especially the changing faces of many cultures.
• Comprehend the positive/negative consequences of science in agriculture, looking primarily at genetically altered foods.
• Offer educated proposals for ways to alleviate the environmental problems the Earth, and its inhabitants, is (/are) facing.
• Discuss and debate the various environmental predicaments we face in the world today, both in class as well as outside.
• Educate others, thus spreading awareness and taking the first and most important step toward securing a more optimistic future for the humankind.

Expectations:

Curiosity and interest in the topic are greatly appreciated, while cell phones, IM-ing, and tardiness will be not be tolerated. Students are expected to come to class prepared, be respectful of their peers and be open-minded. Class participation is crucial for the course and students are encouraged to work together on their homework. Disrespect of any kind, whether toward another student or the instructor, will not be tolerated.

Course Outline:

Week I: An introduction to historical examples of self-sustaining cultures such as hunter-gatherers and westernization and cultural change will be discussed.

Week II: The "green revolution" as it relates to science and agriculture including genetically altered foods such as corn and potato will be investigated. In addition, water supplies; where we get it, and how we use it will be examined. Nearing the end of the week, students will identify their final project topics.

Week III: Contemporary examples of "eco-friendly" living including a trip to the San Diego Zoo for a lesson on sustainability. Examining the question: what can we do in order to secure a sustainable future for the human race? The last class session will provide students the opportunity to present their final project in class.