Environmental Sociology - American Sociological Association

ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY
Sociology 218
F. Kurt Cylke Jr.
State University of New York at Geneseo
REQUIRED BOOKS
Nash, Roderick. American Environmentalism
Scarce, Rik. Eco-Warriors
Abbey, Edward. The Monkey Wrench Gang
Flavin, Christopher et. al. The State of the World 2002
Brown, Lester. Beyond Malthus
Tuxill, John. Nature’s Cornucopia
McGinn, Anne. Why Poison Ourselves?
Abramovitz, Janet. Taking a Stand
Lomborg. The Skeptical Environmenatlist
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course will explore: 1) social forces contributing to the identification, emergence and
resolution of environmental crisis, 2) social forces which shape our contemporary perceptions of the
environment and environmental problems, 3) relevance of traditional sociological theories and research
methodologies to the understanding the nature and origins of environmental crisis. The final portion of
the course will look at the variety of social responses to environmental problems.
Note: This Syllabus and accompanying work sheet are subject to modification throughout the course of
the semester. It is advisable that you attend class regularly to be aware of any modifications that may be
made.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Working from the assumption that students learn most effectively in different manners, you have the
option of customizing your learning environment in this course. There are two grading options you can
choose from. Before you make your selection you should read the descriptions of the midterm, final and
journal.
OPTION ONE
Midterm 15%
Final 15%
Research Paper 20-25 Pages 20%
Participation 50%
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